06/09/2026
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White Americans were the primary beneficiaries of many early government assistance programs. The Social Security Act created Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) was the major federal cash-assistance program for poor families. Black families were eligible in principle, but local administration and discriminatory eligibility rules excluded many Black workers—particularly agricultural and domestic workers, occupations heavily populated by Black Americans.
Before the 1960s Black Americans did receive public assistance, including ADC, general assistance, and other relief programs. During the Great Depression, Black Americans also received substantial assistance through New Deal relief programs, although discrimination was widespread.
During the late 1960s access and participation expanded considerably, particularly during the War on Poverty. The expansion was partly a consequence of civil-rights reforms, federal enforcement, urban poverty programs, and changes in eligibility rules.
White Americans had earlier and generally greater access to many forms of government assistance, while discriminatory laws and local administration restricted Black Americans’ access. Black participation in federal welfare programs expanded substantially during the 1960s as civil-rights reforms and federal enforcement weakened some of those barriers.
