- 47% of Americans receive some form of federal aid, while 3.4% receive welfare through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The average monthly welfare payment is $366, with an additional $80 for each child. - Out-of-wedlock birth rates are not significantly higher in states with higher welfare benefits. Approximately 3/4 of welfare families have 2 children or less, while only 10% have 4 or more children. - Most welfare recipients, either adults or children, receive benefits for less than a year. Adults may only receive benefits for a maximum of 2 years, unless they are disabled and can receive benefits for up to 5 years total.