<![CDATA[This study aims to determine the role of social assistance in poverty alleviation efforts in West Aceh Regency and to identify the social problems arising from the implementation of social assistance programs within the community. The research problems in this study are how social assistance contributes to poverty alleviation in West Aceh Regency and what social problems emerge in the implementation of social assistance programs in West Aceh Regency. This study employs a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach through a library research method. The data collection techniques used in this study include literature review, documentation, and analysis of various scientific journals, academic articles, news reports, and government documents relevant to social assistance and poverty alleviation. The data analysis techniques were carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. This study uses Karl Marx’s theory of structural poverty as the main analytical framework. The results of the study indicate that social assistance plays an important role in helping poor communities fulfill their basic needs through programs such as Direct Cash Assistance (BLT), the Family Hope Program (PKH), food assistance, livable housing assistance, and assistance for the poor through the Baitul Mal of West Aceh Regency. These social assistance programs help improve community welfare, maintain the economic stability of poor families, and support the fulfillment of educational and healthcare needs within the community. However, in its implementation, various social problems were still found, such as inaccurate targeting of beneficiaries, weak validity of poverty data, delays in aid distribution, social jealousy among the community, and misuse of social assistance, including the involvement of aid recipients in online gambling practices. In addition, poverty in West Aceh Regency is also influenced by social and economic inequalities, causing poor communities to continue experiencing limited access to social welfare and economic resources equally.]]>
