For those unfamiliar, Welfare payments are made in the US to individuals and families with income below a level. The following quotations are taken from actual letters received by the Welfare Department in applications for support of receiving payments.
* I am forwarding my marriage certificate and 6 children. I had seven but one died which was baptized on a half sheet of paper.
* I am writing the welfare department to say that my baby was born two years old. When do I get my money?
* Mrs. Jones has not had any clothes for two years and has been visited regularly by the clergy.
* I cannot get sick pay. I have six children can you tell me why?
* I am glad to report that my husband who is missing is dead.
* This is my eighth child. What are you going to do about it.
* Please find for if my husband is dead. The man I am now living with can’t do anything until he knows.
* I am very much annoyed to find out that you have branded my son illiterate. This is a dirty lie as I was married a week before he was born.
* In answer to your letter, I have given birth to a son weighing 10 lbs. I hope this is satisfactory.
* I am forwarding my marriage certificate and my 3 children one of which is a mistake as you can see.
* My husband got his project cut off about two weeks ago and I haven’t had any relief since.
* Unless I get my husband’s money pretty soon, I will be forced to lead an immortal life.
* You have my changed little boy to a girl, will this make any difference?
* I have no children yet, as my husband is a truck driver and works night and day.
* I want money as quick as I can get it. I have been in bed with the doctor for two weeks and he doesn’t do me any good. If things don’t improve, I will have to send for another doctor.
* In accordance with your instructions, I have given birth to twins in the enclosed envelope.