I did not even care about the welfare system until I had my second child about five years ago. When I had my first child, I was working for a company and I had insurance. With my second child, I did not have insurance.

I think the welfare system helps people, but it is a big hassle. I have a hard time keeping track of who my worker is because the workers change so much. I called my last worker almost every day and she never called me back. Later, I found out she was no longer my worker and no one told me! I also have a hard time getting my paperwork to my worker. I will even go down to the office and watch the secretary put my paperwork into my worker’s box and she (her worker) will claim she never got it.

I think they need more workers because the ones they have are too overloaded. They also need to inform people when their worker changes. I was calling the wrong person for a long time and was never told that this was not my worker anymore. If they have more workers they might be able to serve people better.

I do think that the food stamps and medical card are helpful. When I had a consistent worker and my stamps were coming in all the time, it was much easier.

Demographics:
Author’s community or neighborhood of residence: Davenport, IA
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Last year of school completed: 12
Race: Caucasian
Number of own children at home: 1
Household size: 3 Children; 3 Adults
Does Author’s partner or spouse live in the household? No
Author’s gross cash earnings for previous calendar month: $300
Does Author currently receive any cash public assistance or welfare? Yes
Manner: Transcribed by collector