Consider two ways of supplementing the income of the poor: (a) cash assistance (say, $500 per month)

Question:

Consider two ways of supplementing the income of the poor: (a) cash assistance (say, $500 per month) and (b) categorical benefits such as subsidized food or medical care. List the pros and cons of using each strategy. Can you explain why the United States tends to use mainly strategy (b)? Do you agree with this decision?