What money or other goods/handouts were given during the 1930s?

Question

during the depression what did the government or other parties gave to the needy to make ends meet. I know social security did not begin until much later.

Answer 1

The government lent troops to the railroads to quell their labor problems!

Answer 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression#New_Deal_in_the_United_States

maybe this will help you.