Public Assistance by definition is Aid, such as money or food, given to homeless and other financially needy people, the aged, or the inhabitants of a disaster-stricken area; relief. Unfortunately, we have strayed very far, away from allowing it to serve it's original purpose. We are now in a time where the sick and elderly are denied assistance and those that are neither of the two, have made a career of being publicly assisted. Government funds are being misused and the system, as a whole, is being manipulated. Assist is to help. Public assistance is no longer a temporary leg, or helping hand, but a lifestyle for many recipients. These funds are supposed to help those in need but they are being used to support a lifestyle that conflicts with that which those in need should even attempt to entertain. I propose that the strict guidelines imposed on the receiving of government funds be modified to benefit those who truly need. A time limit on those that receive, should be in place. Every case should be handled, specifically on a person to person basis. No two cases are the same. Drug testing should be implemented in the program for all that apply. In the UK, nearly 900,000 people dropped their disability claim when the drug testing rule was integrated into their system. If one can afford drugs and alcohol, it's safe to conclude that public assistance is not needed. On the flip side, those funds that would go to the recipients, prior to testing, should be used to place those persons in mandated drug and alcohol programs. Priority should go towards our senior citizens, disabled, and veterans and the rest to follow, in that order. At one point, registering to work and providing proof of a job search was a requirement to all able bodied people, in order to continue receiving benefits. This is no longer being upheld. This is not promoting financial independence and is giving many the desire to remain habitual welfare recipients. Benefits are being sold, throughout the country, in exchange for drugs, and alcohol, amongst other things. If the purpose of these benefits, is to help with life's necessities, then they should be restricted to these things and these things only! Funds should be distributed to the respective company's and otherwise, made invaluable. Food Stamp fraud, in particular, costs Americans approximately $750 Million annually. We need to reform the system to eradicate fraud and abuse. The bottom line is that welfare is neither a right nor a privilege. It is a charitable benefit to the destitute and underprivileged individuals who have no other means of support. Unfortunately it is being grossly misused by able bodied individuals who could work for a living. Nowhere in the constitution does it state that the function of the federal government is to engage in charity work. "Promoting the general welfare" is not the same as promoting welfare. People who have no ill intentions and are in temporary need, will have no problems with any new implementations. The taxpayers fund these programs. It is only right that we have a say as to how, and to whom, our funds are being distributed.