I think often the problem with social help from government is the way that it isn't voluntary and, as you said, those who come to expect and rely on it, ultimately giving up doing anything to help themselves. The concept is noble enough in itself, but in the long term it can leave people not wanting to help voluntarily. We had a situation in Australia a few years back where there was a natural disaster affecting people on the east coast. People and businesses rallied to help giving and collecting donations and offering assistance where they could. Then the government stepped in with a forced extra tax to help and everyone stopped donating with many complaining what was the point if it was being taken by force anyway.