To the author:

"Earn":
a :  to receive as return for effort and especially for work done or services rendered
b :  to bring in by way of return bonds earning 10 percent interest
2
a :  to come to be duly worthy of or entitled or suited to she earned a promotion
b :  to make worthy of or obtain for the suggestion earned him a promotion

One does not "earn" welfare and subsidies. One receives welfare and subsidies.