On the dole

From the U.S. Census Bureau

In the 3rd quarter of 2008, approximately 45% of U.S. residents lived in households in which at least one individual received government benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. This is according to data from your U.S. Census Bureau.

33.6 million households received Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
30.8 million households received Medicare benefits.
28.4 million households received cash or non-cash means-tested benefits - benefits from programs that provide cash or services to people who meet a test of need based on income and assets.
21.1 million households received Medicaid benefits.
9.3 million households received food stamps.

Then came the stimulus funds...........................

Now your pocket book should feel much lite!

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "Economic Characteristics of Households in the United States: Third Quarter 2008," April 15, www.census.gov