The Deserving and Underserving was a term used during the 1600’s to classify poor individuals based on their circumstances which limited their resources. For instance, Elizabethan Poor Law defined the Deserving Poor as individuals who were disabled and bereaved as deserving of assistance. However, healthy individuals were obligated to work while others were given aid by local churches. “Distinguishing the “deserving” from the “non-deserving” poor was a central part of the Elizabethan Poor Law” (pg.70). In my opinion, the existent welfare system reflects some of these beliefs. For example, the poor can receive benefits however there are stipulations. Certain limitations are based on income, and immigration status.
These policies are created
