Public assistance is the term used to describe government programs designed to provide help to those in need. However, there are some synonyms that can also be used to describe such aid. These include welfare, social security, aid, support, benefits, and relief. Each of these words represents a different facet of public assistance and may be used in different contexts. For instance, welfare might be used to describe cash assistance programs, while social security may refer to retirement benefits. Aid and support are more general terms that can describe any kind of assistance, while benefits and relief suggest a more temporary kind of help. Regardless of the word used to describe it, public assistance is an important safety net for many people in need.