I'm sure others have more experience with this info., but in the US, if you've never worked and choose not to (like you're able to work, you're not disabled, etc.), then you would basically have to apply for whatever programs your state has for the poor. In the US, each state might have different requirements for the programs. You wouldn't automatically 'get' anything, but would have to apply for various programs (food assistance, housing assistance, medical assistance, and so on). You wouldn't qualify for social security if you've never worked, unless you were married to someone who worked and could claim their benefit. If you were disabled (either physically or mentally), and unable to work, you'd perhaps qualify for social security disability, but sometimes even people who are disabled don't technically qualify for this program. If you were a veteran, you may have other options, but you would have had to serve in the military in some form. If you worked, but got laid off, you could qualify for unemployment insurance, but that generally has a limit and its own requirements that also vary by state.