Ok I have never been on it and dont know anyone who has. I did take out student loans, which I guess is a type of government assistance, and I have to pay those back. So is welfare the same? Do people have to pay back what they received once they get a real job and are making enough money to cover all of their expenses. If not, why the hell not? I mean they are basically stealing money from tax payers right? If I take out a loan from the bank and dont repay it they come either repo my car or foreclose on my home becuase that money belongs to the bank. So if people refuse to repay welfare arent they stealing from the tax payers and government? I understand some people need assistance, just like when people take out student loans, but why shouldnt they have to pay it back?