There's no doubt the system is fucked. Sadly, the people who really need assistance, just a leg up when fallen on hard times, the real reason it was created, are usually turned away for asset reasons. If you've worked hard all your life and "own" anything then find yourself in a hard place, you're screwed.

There's a reason you see welfare recipients driving new cars.

I know this because I worked as a caseworker for 6 years until I couldn't take it anymore.