Countries have tried various ways to circumvent the problem. 

• Some allow an overlap of benefits after finding a job, while others phase out benefits gradually as income increases.  These policies remove some financial incentives to work but the risk of the welfare trap is lower.
• Other governments provide benefits like education, childcare or medical care equally across all their citizens.
• Others proposed a universal basic income to all members of society. Additional wages would supplement the benefit.

Mainstream economic models assume people are rational. If those in poverty know they won't gain any advantage from working, they're incentivised to continue with government assistance. 

When fewer people take on new jobs, the economy slows down, keeping people in poverty.