In employment support terms, natural supports versus paid supports refer to what?

• A. Natural supports are informal networks; paid supports are funded services
• B. Natural supports are paid by employers; paid supports are volunteers
• C. Natural supports are professional counselors; paid supports are family
• D. Natural supports are legal obligations; paid supports are insurance payments

Answer: (A)

The main idea is distinguishing informal, everyday help from formal, funded services. Natural supports are the informal networks people already have—family, friends, coworkers, neighbors—who offer guidance, encouragement, and practical help at work without being paid. Paid supports are formal services provided by professionals or organizations that help with employment tasks or accommodations, and they’re funded through employers, government programs, or insurance.

This distinction matters because effective employment support leverages natural supports to promote independence and integration, while paid supports fill gaps that the natural network can’t cover. The other options mix up who provides or funds the help: natural supports aren’t paid by employers nor are paid supports simply volunteers; natural supports aren’t professional counselors versus family; and they aren’t legal obligations or insurance payments.