I wonder if this is just a lack of knowledge on how to survive while poor. I'm in a good economic position compared to most of the US and certainly most of the world, but I can't see myself having much of an issue with this. Growing up there were times where my family was homeless, and my first job I was a carpenter's apprentice, paid under the table, for less than minimum wage.

It's not that being poor is extremely difficult in the US in particular, but rather that those born wealthy who have never been poor, have no idea how to operate in that environment.