The Amish receive no government benefits, pensions, or health insurance. They don't need to — they have community.
How It Works
Every member knows the community will help in trouble. House burned — they'll rebuild. Sick — they'll pay treatment. Widowed — help with children and household. Not from pity — because you'd do the same.
The Price
In return — following community rules (Ordnung). Dress, transport, behavior — by the rules. Personal ambitions — secondary. Not for everyone, and the Amish acknowledge this: Rumspringa (at 16) gives youth a choice — stay or leave.
Statistics
85–90% of youth return to the community after Rumspringa. They've seen the outside world and chose community. This suggests the system works for most.
Lesson
You don't need to be Amish. But: know your neighbors. Help without being asked. Participate in local affairs. Build a network of people, not followers. A person with 10 close friends is happier than one with 10,000 followers.