Little is known about women’s views on receiving social assistance in China. This paper examines the findings of in-depth interviews with women about their experiences living with social assistance. Women’s feelings were complex and included frustration, shame, and gratitude. The paper discusses the issues of social assistance policy relating to these women and proposes a corresponding local explanation through comparison between the findings of the research and the explanation of Western theory on assistance seeking and receiving. It recommends that Chinese policies on social assistance and women’s welfare be reformed, including changing traditional ideas of social assistance, reforming the delivery procedure, and providing sufficient support, such as employment aid and emotional assistance for women recipients.