Government benefits are not handouts. They are put into place so people will get some form of help in their stages of life. Why would it be pathetic? Its an option put into the place by government.
Adhikari ji when you will be able to receive SS or Medicare, will you simply deny those, or say I have put money into the system and collect them? Its the same will benefits like SNAP and low income health programs. These children will certainly grow , their mother will most definitely get a job. They will pay taxes. Not every one on those program is gaming the system. There are many families who couldn't survive without these type of programs.