Going up we were poor and our apartment burnt down and finally we convinced my Mom to go to the Red Cross and get some assistance so we could move into a new apartment.
She finally did and when back on her feet she paid them back.
She didn't have to. There was no contract. No one even asked her to do so. It's just the way my mother is.
Now she has three middle class kids all taking care of her.
That's awesome. Your mother is the kind of person who these programs are supposed to be for and who truly need and deserve them. Unfortunately, I think your mother is one of the rare ones who do not take advantage.
BTW, she is fortunate that you have learned from her example, and return to her what she sacrificed for you.
We used to call it "Relief" in the old days. There
was no shame in being forced to rely on others to
provide your family food/stamps. The shame came if you
stayed on it more than 6 months. Most people used
Relief as a stopgap...its original purpose. TOday
we call it Welfare. We have a lot of people seeking
to get on it and stay there through several generations!
But they feel no shame. The attitude now is what can
society do for ME?