Welfare Reform on the Web (August 2004): Social Security - UK

THE PERFECT CURE

M. O'Hara

Society Guardian, July 14th 2004, p.10

A back-to-work scheme for people claiming incapacity benefit is succeeding where the government has failed. Article reports on it from its base in a GPs' surgery.

THE USE OF THE SOCIAL FUND BY FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

N. Finch and P.A. Kemp

London: Department for Work and Pensions, 2004 (In-house report; 139)

Report explores the characteristics and circumstances of families on qualifying benefits for receipt of the Social Fund. Found that just under half of Income Support recipients could be described as Social Fund customers. They were more likely to be young, lone parents living in rented accommodation. They were more likely to have a young child and a long-standing illness or disability as well as caring responsibilities. Social Fund customers were less likely than other Income Support recipients to have a current or savings account, or to save regularly and were more likely to be in debt. There was, however, no clear evidence that repaying a Social Fund loan caused additional hardship.