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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
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US Aid Rules Perplex Needy in Downturn

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(Newser) – Hobbled by the recession, millions of Americans are struggling to navigate benefit programs that dispense aid in often arbitrary and frustrating ways, the New York Times reports. In many cases, it's all about geography. Need food stamps? It's better to live in Missouri than California. Unemployment? The lucky live in Idaho, not South Dakota. Even within states, complex rules for releasing aid can stymie those in need.

One Massachusetts mother blames the premature birth of her child on being denied unemployment insurance, thanks to a complex state law. "It puts incredible stress on your body," she said. Seeking solutions, President Obama has freed up $100 billion, but some governors are rejecting provisions for unemployment insurance. Out-of-work Americans are caught in the middle. “The system for helping Americans in need is very fragmented, and it confuses everyone,” one analyst said.

In this April 7, 2009 photo, job seekers line up at a National Career Fair outside a Holiday Inn in Long Beach, Calif.
In this April 7, 2009 photo, job seekers line up at a National Career Fair outside a Holiday Inn in Long Beach, Calif.   (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Maya Ramirez is a single mother who relies on a monthly food handout from the Imperial Valley Food Bank for herself and her five children, in El Centro, Calif.
Maya Ramirez is a single mother who relies on a monthly food handout from the Imperial Valley Food Bank for herself and her five children, in El Centro, Calif.   (Getty Images)
Maya Ramire is a single mother who relies on a monthly food handout from the Imperial Valley Food Bank for herself and her five children, in El Centro, California.
Maya Ramire is a single mother who relies on a monthly food handout from the Imperial Valley Food Bank for herself and her five children, in El Centro, California.   (Getty Images)
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4 comments
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lo9an
May 9, 09 11:25 PM CDT
I can attest, it is quite a patchwork! And in need of better efficiency and 21st century modernization! Reply
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 9, 09 11:34 PM CDT
It's ineffective and appears incompetent by design... politicians have their eyes on any source of money, which is the root cause of the great social security robbery. It is made as difficult to get as possible. Reply
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 10, 09 12:18 AM CDT
A nation is made noble or vile by its treatment of its sick and elderly. Reply
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kokuaguy
May 10, 09 1:17 AM CDT
Can you tell me why foodstamps can be used to buy sodas and bottled water, but not a box of ready to eat chicken from the deli section? Reply
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