Some artists and musicians had rich patrons who supported them. Money lenders lent money to those who could pay them back.
On the whole, though, most people had to support themselves without additional help.
Remember that families often supported older people. And -- there was no where near the stuff available to buy that we have today.
Did people back in the 1700's use financial aid/assistance.?
3 answers
What about for single parents?
Single parents were on their own, unless their families could support them. A widow could expect help from her husband's family -- if they had it. Considering that most families lived on farms, the single parent and older children helped with chores.
Government aid to poor people didn't really start until the 1930s.
Government aid to poor people didn't really start until the 1930s.