They also rely on public assistance, which can vary from month to month. Right now, in October 2012, Dasani’s family is getting $182 in monthly welfare cash, $1,103 in food stamps, and $724 in survivors benefits for Supreme’s first two children (due to the death of their mother, his first wife). This comes to about $65 a day, which, divided among a family of ten, amounts to $6.50 per person—the cost of a subway trip and a gallon of milk.
