I have read, on this forum, that the Church has traditionally taken a stance against socialism. My understanding of socialism is an economic structure where taxes are high. Taxes are high so that the government can sustain a large number of social programs which require government employees and salaries.
If this is the correct understanding of Socialism in the eyes of the Church, then my next question is would it be a sin to take advantage of these programs. I know a lot of people take advantage of welfare, social security disability, unemployment benefits, etc. What exactly is the Church's teaching on this? If it is against social programs then what should people do instead? Suffer for the sake of not living off of the government?