As populations grew, the colonies enacted similar versions of the English Poor Law of 1601.
Each colony had their own polices, yet almost all of them enacted polices very similar to the English Poor Laws, in some cases even implementing these policies word for word. One key factor in determining eligibility, was the ability to establish residency in a jurisdiction as the poor were entitled to relief in the town where they are from. Most jurisdictions prevented those who could possibly become a ‘public charge’ from entering their jurisdiction. This policy, called the ‘waning out” of those who could likely become dependent on the public, was established by the British theory or right of inhabitance which meant each town had the sovereignty to admit or eject their inhabitants. 1
The simplest method of aid was to have a family take care of a destitute person for part of the year, with those in need being cared for in private homes at the public expense, sometimes auctioned off to the lowest bidder. In many cases the town would also pay for health care. Many jurisdictions had laws preventing the movement of people to ensure they would not become a public charge on other communities (enforced strictly till the 1770s). Those considered idle were bound as indentured servants, whipped and run out of town or put in jail.
In England, the 1697 amendments to the Poor Relief Act made it slightly easier for poor workers to move from one jurisdiction to another to find work while also further stigmatizing those who accepted relief:
Those receiving relief were also required to wear the letter “P” in red or blue cloth on the right shoulder of their uppermost garment
Refusal to wear a “P” was punishable by either the loss of relief or 21 days hard labor
Those giving relief to anyone unlabeled could be fined
Tens of thousands of people could be removed each year
The poor had little to no voice in the matter
Very costly process were jurisdictions fought over who was responsible for who
Severely restricted the mobility of workers
“For Those Who Indulge Themselves In Idleness, The Express Command Of God Unto Us Is, That We Shall Let Them Starve.” -Cotton Mather
Endnotes
From Poor Laws to Welfare State, Fifth Edition. Walter I. Trattner. Chapter 2.
Five Hundred Years of English Poor Laws,1349-1834: Regulating the Working and Nonworking Poor. William P. Quigley. 2015. pages 18-21.