By Tulip Jettakun
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Millions of Americans qualify for programs like SNAP and WIC but never apply — often because of myths, confusion, or stigma surrounding public benefits. These misconceptions prevent families from accessing life-changing support. At Link Health, we’re working to change that.
Myth #1: “Receiving benefits means I’m dependent or not working hard enough.”
Reality: This misconception is one of the biggest barriers preventing individuals and families from seeking the support they need. In the U.S., deeply ingrained cultural attitudes about self-reliance have fueled the stigma that public benefits are a sign of weakness or dependency. In reality, most benefit recipients are working people, parents, or students who are doing their best to provide for their families in the face of rising living costs, childcare challenges, and stagnant wages.
Federal benefit programs like SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP, and Lifeline are not handouts—they are essential public health tools that keep families nourished, connected, and stable. Studies show that food insecurity, lack of internet access, and housing instability directly worsen physical and mental health outcomes. These programs are designed to reduce those risks, promote long-term independence, and strengthen communities.
Despite this, harmful stereotypes persist—rooted in historical bias and structural inequities—that paint benefit recipients as undeserving. This stigma discourages eligible individuals from applying, which in turn perpetuates poverty and poor health outcomes. Reframing benefits as a health and equity issue is vital to breaking this cycle.
How Link Health Helps:
Link Health is actively dismantling this stigma by reframing federal benefits as integral to health and well-being. Embedded in healthcare settings, Link Health empowers patients to access critical programs such as SNAP, WIC, ACP, Lifeline, and LIHEAP—connecting them to food, childcare, internet, and energy assistance that improve daily life.
By leveraging trusted relationships with physicians, nurses, and community health centers, Link Health normalizes the conversation about benefits as part of care. Through clear, multilingual guidance and patient-centered support, the organization helps families understand that seeking assistance is a responsible and proactive act of caring for their health—not a sign of failure.
To date, Link Health has screened over 34,000 patients for federal benefit eligibility and helped connect families to millions of dollars in aid. By addressing social determinants of health through innovation, trust, and empathy, Link Health is helping communities become more resilient and ensuring that every family can access the essentials needed for a healthy, dignified life.
Myth #2: “If I earn a little more, I’ll lose all my benefits instantly.”
Reality: It’s a common fear that even a small raise or extra work hours will cause families to lose all their support, but most benefit programs don’t work that way. While some programs have “benefit cliffs”, many are designed to phase out gradually as income increases. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) reduces benefits step-by-step, not all at once. Similarly, programs like SNAP recalculate benefits based on household size and income, ensuring that families don’t face an immediate loss of all assistance. In some cases, states also provide transitional benefits or grace periods for childcare or housing support, allowing families to adjust to new financial circumstances without sudden hardship.
How Link Health Helps:
Link Health’s trained patient navigators help families understand how income changes may affect each benefit program so they can make informed decisions about new job offers, pay raises, or additional work hours. By explaining how benefits taper off instead of disappearing overnight, Link Health empowers families to confidently pursue financial growth, career advancement, and long-term stability without fear of losing critical support.
Link Health provides in-person assistance through patient navigators based at local clinics in Boston and Houston, where families can connect weekly for personalized guidance, eligibility checks, and follow-up support.
Myth #3: “Public benefits only provide cash handouts.”
Reality: Public benefits in the U.S. go far beyond cash assistance. In fact, most programs provide essential non-cash support that directly improves health, nutrition, housing, and family well-being. These include SNAP (food), WIC (nutrition for women and children), MassHealth/Medicaid (healthcare coverage), LIHEAP (energy assistance), childcare subsidies, and rental assistance programs. Cash welfare makes up only a small portion of the overall safety net. These non-cash benefits play a crucial role in helping families meet basic needs, reduce financial stress, and achieve greater independence over time.
How Link Health Helps:
Many families aren’t aware that they qualify for these non-cash programs or assume they must apply separately for each one. Link Health simplifies the process by screening eligibility across multiple programs at once and guiding patients through enrollment. Families can also meet in person with Link Health’s trained patient navigators at clinics in Boston and Houston, who offer weekly support to help track applications, submit documents, and connect to additional local resources. By bridging these gaps, Link Health helps families access food, healthcare, childcare, housing, and utilities assistance — enabling them to thrive, not just get by.
Every myth we debunk helps more families access the care and resources they deserve. Learn more about our work or partner with us to make benefits enrollment simple, dignified, and accessible for all.
Author: Tulip Jettakun
