Final answer:
SNAP, also known as the food stamp program, is a noncontributory welfare program in the US that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food necessary for healthy living. It is one example of federal aid that does not require beneficiary contributions to qualify.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of a noncontributory program in the US welfare system is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the food stamp program. Administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, SNAP assists individuals and families with low incomes in purchasing the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. Qualifying for SNAP does not require prior contributions from beneficiaries, hence its classification as noncontributory. Aside from SNAP, other noncontributory welfare programs include Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. TANF, which succeeded the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program following the welfare reform act of 1996, offers assistance to needy families with the aim of making them self-sufficient.