The Nation - News from Jan. 31, 1986

Almost nine of every 10 American households got help in 1984 from a government or non-government aid program, such as food stamps, subsidized school lunches or pension and health-care plans, the Census Bureau said. The total of 76.7 million households receiving “non-cash” benefits--88%--was up by 972,000 households from 1983, the bureau said. The census survey covered means-tested benefits--those based on specific income guidelines and directed at those living in or near poverty--and those that are not means-tested, benefits usually provided by employers, unions or the government.