Final answer:
The term 'underclass' best fits the definition of a social class that relies on public assistance. Members of the underclass typically face unemployment or underemployment and rely on welfare systems for their basic needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word that best fits the definition of a social class that relies on public assistance is 'underclass'. The underclass is considered to be the United States' lowest tier, wherein many members live in inner cities and are either unemployed or underemployed. Those who do have jobs often perform menial tasks for meager pay. A significant number of individuals in this class rely on government aid through welfare systems for basic necessities such as food, medical care, and housing assistance, yet these aids often fall short of covering all their needs. The reliance on public assistance among the underclass can be associated with higher levels of stress, poorer health, and regular crises.
Social security programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) replaced earlier forms of welfare, such as the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, and are aimed at providing temporary support for those struggling with poverty. Despite the essential support these programs offer, they are sometimes criticized for promoting dependence on welfare and for being inefficient. This view, however, overlooks the numerous structural challenges people in the underclass face, which make social security programs an essential safety net.