Social Work-H

When it comes to actual use of funds, private agencies look at possible resources and determine if there is a need, while public agencies just determine eligibility. One size doesn’t fit all as different clients have different needs based on their circumstances. Depending on expenses, someone may meet the eligibility guidelines but not need it or they may need it but not meet the eligibility guidelines. Before charity was freely given there was a feeling of clients of not wanting to take help unless they really needed it. Many who needed help were reluctant to ask for it. Since the government took over, there has been a change in attitudes. Many people apply because they are eligible, but not in need. When I worked for the welfare department, the clients often started out feeling “I need it and feel I should get it” but eventually turned  to “I’m eligible and I deserve it” so you get a lot of people asking for it that are eligible but don’t need it. Some (thankfully not many) who come to private agencies like the Salvation Army now exhibit that attitude. They feel we should help them just because the money is available even though they have the resources to meet the need themselves.