That’s how broken the safety net programs are, and on purpose. There are so many stipulations, red tape, inconsistencies, and volatility involved that people in the US have no reason to trust them. The government (taxpayers) are always looking for an excuse to cut benefits.

That’s a bold claim when spending has only increased over time, not decreased.

People’s opinions of the US’ social safety net bear no resemblance to what’s actually happening on the ground.

Safety nets are broken because the government isn't held accountable. Not because government is limited in budget or power. Or because the "elite" manufactured these inefficiencies in order to keep their workforce impoverished.