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

'BIGGEST COMPUTER CRASH' STRIKES MINISTRY

B. Clement

The Independent, Nov. 26th 2004, p.8

The Work and Pensions Department in Whitehall suffered what was thought to be the biggest computer crash ever to hit a government agency. Child benefits, income support and pension payments were all affected. The contractor involved is the American company EDS which is responsible for the electronic system at the Child Support Agency. They have been plagued by a series of technological difficulties.

IS HEALTHY START AS HEALTHY AS IT COULD BE?

J. More

Community Practitioner, vol.77, 2004, p.245-246

Healthy Start is replacing the Welfare Food Scheme which provided low-income families with milk tokens. Under Healthy Start, eligible families receive vouchers to spend on milk, fresh fruit and vegetables.

POVERTY AND LOW INCOME: TACKLING THE UNDER-CLAIMING OF WELFARE BENEFITS FOR OLDER PEOPLE

L. Davey

Housing, Care and Support, vol.7, June 2004, p.32-35

Housing 21, which provides retirement housing schemes in England, encourages its residents to claim their full benefits entitlement by offering advice and support from its two welfare benefit managers. Article highlights how their work has made a real difference to the lives of elderly tenants.