1.5million households survive on $2per person per day - US

Look what Reaganomis did to the people of the US. Look what he did to the "American dream". By bringing in a two year limit for welfare, one and a half million households over there subsist on only $2 per person per day. This is the end result of the demonisation of those unfortunate enough to have to rely on welfare to get by. 

Extreme destitution—families with virtually no cash at all—came about because of “welfare’s virtual extinction,” brought about because of plans instigated and implemented by Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Reagan talked about the welfare queens, which irked many Americans into believing that such people were numerous, though he made no mention of corporate malfeasance that is much more prevalent. Clinton’s plan to “end welfare as we know it” became the nail in the coffin because it resulted in a two-year limit on welfare, and then you’re out—you must go to work. Those at the bottom continued to receive government support (if they were aware that other programs existed), but the form was no longer cash but the Substitute Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a credit card, loaded each month with money that could only be spent on food. 

Recording the activities of a half a dozen families in several different geographical locations in the country, Edin and Shaefer show the tactics those at the bottom must employ in order to pay for everything but food, i.e., their other bills: housing (generally subsidized), the electric bill, their cell phone bill (a must for job searches) and anything else that requires cash: twobucksadaychildren’s clothing that usually isn’t available at the Salvation Army (underwear, socks), school supplies or an occasional treat for their children. These tactics are necessary because there are NO jobs available for many of these people (especially in areas of Appalachia or the deep South) or they have had no success getting a job (because of their shabby clothing, missing teeth or any number of other traits that result in their not being hired). And if they are fortunate enough to get that job, they may not be able to hold it very long. They probably have transportation problems, getting to the workplace; their hours are often changed, at the whim of the boss they work for; they have no vacation time or paid leave for health issues. more

It's significant that this has been the rhetoric of Team Abbott in Australia, trying to cut the dole from it's already punishing low rate, and unsuccessfully pensions through a different indexation method. Asserting that many on welfare are bludgers who don't want to work, etc. Anyone that thinks that should try living on welfare then.

There's also the very worrying "trials" currently underway for an Australian welfare card that excludes the holder from buying certain things; like alcohol or whatever else the gov decides is wrong. 

There's also the Basics Card which is already restricting about 20,000 of Australians from buying certain things: