AFDC is an acronym for which welfare program?

• A. Medicaid
• B. Aid to Families with Dependent Children
• C. Medicare
• D. Developmental stages

Answer: (B)

AFDC stands for Aid to Families with Dependent Children. This was a federal cash assistance program designed to help low-income families with dependent children meet basic needs and support child welfare. It’s a welfare program focused on income support, not on providing health coverage. In contrast, Medicaid and Medicare are health care programs—Medicaid helps many low‑income individuals and families access medical services, while Medicare primarily serves people aged 65 and older or certain disabled individuals. Developmental stages isn’t a welfare program at all; it refers to a concept in human development rather than a benefits program. (Historically, AFDC existed before being replaced by TANF in 1996 as part of welfare reform.)