#social-welfare

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Mayor Adams launches historic medical debt relief program, 35,000 New Yorkers forgiven of debt worth $80 million | amNewYork

New York City is implementing a groundbreaking $80 million medical debt relief program for 35,000 low-income individuals as part of a larger initiative.
#pensions

Kemi Badenoch in row over triple-lock pensions interview question

Kemi Badenoch raises questions about the triple-lock pension system and calls for a move towards means-testing in social welfare policies.

'I think there's a bit of mischief going on' -Micheal Martin says rumour of 15 pension hike is 'spin'

Micheál Martin disputed claims of a potential €15 pension rise, asserting the agreed increase is only €12, and emphasized no official discussions suggested otherwise.

Kemi Badenoch in row over triple-lock pensions interview question

Kemi Badenoch raises questions about the triple-lock pension system and calls for a move towards means-testing in social welfare policies.

'I think there's a bit of mischief going on' -Micheal Martin says rumour of 15 pension hike is 'spin'

Micheál Martin disputed claims of a potential €15 pension rise, asserting the agreed increase is only €12, and emphasized no official discussions suggested otherwise.
morepensions
#government-policy

Pressure mounts on Rachel Reeves to drop dangerous' 1.3bn cut to benefits for disabled

Rachel Reeves faces pressure to reconsider £1.3bn cuts to disability benefits affecting 420,000 vulnerable people, as major policy reconsiderations are urged.

Time is ticking for Labour to scrap the two-child limit and then make Britain a welcoming place for children again | Polly Toynbee

Removal of the two-child benefit cap could significantly reduce child poverty and is a cost-effective solution for the government.

Revealed: The boost in store for taxpayers from today as budget changes kick in

The new tax and welfare changes will increase disposable income for households, benefiting low- and middle-income earners significantly.

Cash boost: The 10 new social welfare hikes and tax cuts that will boost your bank account from January

Newborn children will receive a total of €420 in benefits, and mothers need not worry about missing out on these payments.

Labour urged to U-turn on scrapping universal winter fuel payment

Reassessing the winter fuel payment policy is crucial as rising energy prices threaten the financial stability of vulnerable pensioners.

Fines for jobless who refuse to engage with employment services doubled to 90

Heather Humphreys has doubled penalties for unemployed individuals failing to engage with jobseeker services, impacting around 4,000 people this year.

Pressure mounts on Rachel Reeves to drop dangerous' 1.3bn cut to benefits for disabled

Rachel Reeves faces pressure to reconsider £1.3bn cuts to disability benefits affecting 420,000 vulnerable people, as major policy reconsiderations are urged.

Time is ticking for Labour to scrap the two-child limit and then make Britain a welcoming place for children again | Polly Toynbee

Removal of the two-child benefit cap could significantly reduce child poverty and is a cost-effective solution for the government.

Revealed: The boost in store for taxpayers from today as budget changes kick in

The new tax and welfare changes will increase disposable income for households, benefiting low- and middle-income earners significantly.

Cash boost: The 10 new social welfare hikes and tax cuts that will boost your bank account from January

Newborn children will receive a total of €420 in benefits, and mothers need not worry about missing out on these payments.

Labour urged to U-turn on scrapping universal winter fuel payment

Reassessing the winter fuel payment policy is crucial as rising energy prices threaten the financial stability of vulnerable pensioners.

Fines for jobless who refuse to engage with employment services doubled to 90

Heather Humphreys has doubled penalties for unemployed individuals failing to engage with jobseeker services, impacting around 4,000 people this year.
moregovernment-policy
#tax-changes

Budget 2025: social welfare hikes, 'mansion tax' and cheaper car insurance, here's everything you need to know

The €8.3bn Budget focuses on tax cuts and social welfare increases ahead of the election.

Revealed: The boost in store for taxpayers from today as budget changes kick in

Tax and welfare changes aim to increase disposable income for households, particularly benefiting lower and middle-income earners.

Budget 2025: social welfare hikes, 'mansion tax' and cheaper car insurance, here's everything you need to know

The €8.3bn Budget focuses on tax cuts and social welfare increases ahead of the election.

Revealed: The boost in store for taxpayers from today as budget changes kick in

Tax and welfare changes aim to increase disposable income for households, particularly benefiting lower and middle-income earners.
moretax-changes

The Waspi women suffered outrageous misogyny, but in poverty-stricken Britain they're not the top priority | Polly Toynbee

Women born in the 1950s face delays in pensions with potential compensation unresolved due to government claims of adequate prior warning.

SASSA Internal Control Issues Highlight Value of Serge Belamant's Universal Electronic Payment System

Widespread fraud at SASSA underscores the critical need for improved payment security systems in social welfare distribution.

Do Voters Reward Good Policy?

Voters tend to reward governors for social-welfare expansions, indicating potential for positive feedback in democracy.
#economic-inequality

The Break with Corporate Neoliberalism That Wasn't-The Biden Years - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

The expansion of the social welfare state during the pandemic is reversed, impacting millions' access to healthcare and economic stability.

Why I'm voting against the military budget | Bernie Sanders

The U.S. prioritizes defense spending over social welfare programs, with millions facing economic hardships.

The Break with Corporate Neoliberalism That Wasn't-The Biden Years - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

The expansion of the social welfare state during the pandemic is reversed, impacting millions' access to healthcare and economic stability.

Why I'm voting against the military budget | Bernie Sanders

The U.S. prioritizes defense spending over social welfare programs, with millions facing economic hardships.
moreeconomic-inequality
#housing-crisis

Seniors, families living with no heat for over a week in subsidized apartment complex on Staten Island

Residents of a subsidized housing complex on Staten Island are experiencing dangerous cold conditions due to a lack of heating and hot water.

Letters to the editor: 'Canada should be allowing the oil and gas sector to thrive.' Letters to the editor for Oct. 3

Wealthy seniors should decline Old Age Security to focus benefits on lower-income individuals.
Income thresholds for benefits could be adjusted for fairness to young families.
Addressing poverty among seniors and housing for young people is crucial.

Seniors, families living with no heat for over a week in subsidized apartment complex on Staten Island

Residents of a subsidized housing complex on Staten Island are experiencing dangerous cold conditions due to a lack of heating and hot water.

Letters to the editor: 'Canada should be allowing the oil and gas sector to thrive.' Letters to the editor for Oct. 3

Wealthy seniors should decline Old Age Security to focus benefits on lower-income individuals.
Income thresholds for benefits could be adjusted for fairness to young families.
Addressing poverty among seniors and housing for young people is crucial.
morehousing-crisis
#child-benefit

Heather Humphreys reveals dates for Christmas bonus double social welfare and child benefit payments

Major financial support for over 1.38 million people announced in Budget 2025 includes increased Christmas Bonus and double payments for Child Benefit.

420 'baby boost' for parents of newborns and 15 weekly increase in maternity, paternity benefits in Budget 2025

The Green Party has settled for a €420 payment to support new parents, effective January 1.
New parents to benefit from increased allowances and one-time double payments in November and December.

New parents in line for 15-a-week boost, two 125 energy credits before Christmas and cigarettes to rise by 1 in Budget 2025

The Budget aims to significantly support new parents and enhance social welfare payments amidst rising living costs.

'A bit of support before Christmas is a big help' - says Heather Humphreys ahead of Tuesday's Budget

Child benefit is a priority, with focused measures planned to support families in the upcoming budget.

Heather Humphreys reveals dates for Christmas bonus double social welfare and child benefit payments

Major financial support for over 1.38 million people announced in Budget 2025 includes increased Christmas Bonus and double payments for Child Benefit.

420 'baby boost' for parents of newborns and 15 weekly increase in maternity, paternity benefits in Budget 2025

The Green Party has settled for a €420 payment to support new parents, effective January 1.
New parents to benefit from increased allowances and one-time double payments in November and December.

New parents in line for 15-a-week boost, two 125 energy credits before Christmas and cigarettes to rise by 1 in Budget 2025

The Budget aims to significantly support new parents and enhance social welfare payments amidst rising living costs.

'A bit of support before Christmas is a big help' - says Heather Humphreys ahead of Tuesday's Budget

Child benefit is a priority, with focused measures planned to support families in the upcoming budget.
morechild-benefit
#homelessness

Homeless people to be given cash in first major UK trial to reduce poverty

The UK's first scientific trials aim to evaluate cash assistance as a poverty reduction strategy for the homeless.
Cash transfers could be a cost-effective alternative to traditional support methods for poverty alleviation.

Sadiq Khan warns London rough sleeping 'will get worse before it gets better' at emergency summit

The mayor is investing £4.8 million to combat homelessness, focusing on supported housing and collaboration among various stakeholders.

Homeless people to be given cash in first major UK trial to reduce poverty

The UK's first scientific trials aim to evaluate cash assistance as a poverty reduction strategy for the homeless.
Cash transfers could be a cost-effective alternative to traditional support methods for poverty alleviation.

Sadiq Khan warns London rough sleeping 'will get worse before it gets better' at emergency summit

The mayor is investing £4.8 million to combat homelessness, focusing on supported housing and collaboration among various stakeholders.
morehomelessness
#labour-party

Labour leadership loses conference vote on winter fuel payments

Labour leadership's defeat on winter fuel payment cuts signifies a growing rift with union priorities.

Labour's benefit fraud crackdown would allow officials to access bank accounts

Labour seeks to combat benefit fraud through legislation enabling banks to share data, claiming it will save £1.6bn over five years.

Who are the seven Labour MPs suspended by Keir Starmer?

Keir Starmer suspends seven Labour MPs for backing amendment to scrap two-child benefit cap.

Universal Credit claimants receive 420 boost in Budget as benefit increase confirmed

Labour is lowering the cap on deductions from Universal Credit payments, benefiting 1.2 million households by allowing them to keep more of their benefits.

Sarwar pledges to expand winter fuel payment

Scottish Labour aims to expand winter fuel payment eligibility for all pensioners if elected, while addressing funding shortfalls for the Scottish equivalent.

Labour leadership loses conference vote on winter fuel payments

Labour leadership's defeat on winter fuel payment cuts signifies a growing rift with union priorities.

Labour's benefit fraud crackdown would allow officials to access bank accounts

Labour seeks to combat benefit fraud through legislation enabling banks to share data, claiming it will save £1.6bn over five years.

Who are the seven Labour MPs suspended by Keir Starmer?

Keir Starmer suspends seven Labour MPs for backing amendment to scrap two-child benefit cap.

Universal Credit claimants receive 420 boost in Budget as benefit increase confirmed

Labour is lowering the cap on deductions from Universal Credit payments, benefiting 1.2 million households by allowing them to keep more of their benefits.

Sarwar pledges to expand winter fuel payment

Scottish Labour aims to expand winter fuel payment eligibility for all pensioners if elected, while addressing funding shortfalls for the Scottish equivalent.
morelabour-party
#economic-impact

NSW must appoint a dedicated AI Commissioner

The proliferation of AI necessitates a rethinking of social welfare policies due to potential job displacement and economic restructuring.

Tories' 14 years in power will be remembered for Brexit, cuts and chaos

Austerity measures under Conservative rule had a significant impact on the UK economy and welfare system.

NSW must appoint a dedicated AI Commissioner

The proliferation of AI necessitates a rethinking of social welfare policies due to potential job displacement and economic restructuring.

Tories' 14 years in power will be remembered for Brexit, cuts and chaos

Austerity measures under Conservative rule had a significant impact on the UK economy and welfare system.
moreeconomic-impact
#education-policy

Free school meals trial feeds 20,000 more children

A new trial scheme is helping thousands of poor children receive free school meals by automatically enrolling them, increasing access.

Lib Dems to call for free school meals for all children in poverty

The Liberal Democrats are advocating for free school meals for an additional 900,000 children living in poverty in Britain.

Free school meals trial feeds 20,000 more children

A new trial scheme is helping thousands of poor children receive free school meals by automatically enrolling them, increasing access.

Lib Dems to call for free school meals for all children in poverty

The Liberal Democrats are advocating for free school meals for an additional 900,000 children living in poverty in Britain.
moreeducation-policy
#ireland

Tenant left with 80 a week to live off after landlord refused HAP wins 7,500

Housing assistance claims can lead to discrimination and economic hardship for tenants when landlords refuse to accept support payments.

Fines for jobless who refuse to engage with employment services doubled to 90

The fine for non-engagement in jobseeker payments has been increased to €90, affecting around 4,000 recipients this year.

'Significant decrease' in newly arrived Ukrainians as allowances set to be cut

The Green minister expects a decrease in new arrivals from Ukraine due to the reduction in social welfare payments and the implementation of a time limit on state accommodation.
The Irish government is working on improving the processing of applications for international protection and increasing state-owned accommodation for applicants.

Tenant left with 80 a week to live off after landlord refused HAP wins 7,500

Housing assistance claims can lead to discrimination and economic hardship for tenants when landlords refuse to accept support payments.

Fines for jobless who refuse to engage with employment services doubled to 90

The fine for non-engagement in jobseeker payments has been increased to €90, affecting around 4,000 recipients this year.

'Significant decrease' in newly arrived Ukrainians as allowances set to be cut

The Green minister expects a decrease in new arrivals from Ukraine due to the reduction in social welfare payments and the implementation of a time limit on state accommodation.
The Irish government is working on improving the processing of applications for international protection and increasing state-owned accommodation for applicants.
moreireland
#general-election

Election tensions: Taoiseach and Tanaiste were not told of Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman's push for November date

Party leaders will discuss key legislative priorities before the impending election, focusing on essential bills like the Finance Bill and Social Welfare Bill.

Budget 2025: 250 energy credit and double Child Benefit payment agreed to, while USC to be reduced again

The Coalition plans to implement bonus payments and reduce the USC while targeting housing and support for first-time buyers before the upcoming election.

Election tensions: Taoiseach and Tanaiste were not told of Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman's push for November date

Party leaders will discuss key legislative priorities before the impending election, focusing on essential bills like the Finance Bill and Social Welfare Bill.

Budget 2025: 250 energy credit and double Child Benefit payment agreed to, while USC to be reduced again

The Coalition plans to implement bonus payments and reduce the USC while targeting housing and support for first-time buyers before the upcoming election.
moregeneral-election

Daughter of convicted drug dealer John Gilligan wins case over social welfare applications

Tracey Gilligan successfully challenged the Criminal Assets Bureau's handling of her social welfare applications, establishing precedent for fairness in such cases.
#community-support

San Francisco moves 20+ RV residents into permanent housing

The implementation of parking restrictions led to stable housing for RV residents like the Rosales family, highlighting the positive impact of social support.

Hangzhou NO.1 Social Welfare Institute / UAD GROUP FOUR

The Anle Institute symbolizes the beginning of compassionate government-supported social welfare in Hangzhou.

San Francisco moves 20+ RV residents into permanent housing

The implementation of parking restrictions led to stable housing for RV residents like the Rosales family, highlighting the positive impact of social support.

Hangzhou NO.1 Social Welfare Institute / UAD GROUP FOUR

The Anle Institute symbolizes the beginning of compassionate government-supported social welfare in Hangzhou.
morecommunity-support

A kitchen staffed by trans women is a refuge for Mexico City's LGBTQ+ community

Casa Lleca's community kitchen offers employment opportunities to transgender women and supports the local area through a collaborative culinary initiative.
#universal-basic-income

Universal basic income: What UBI is, how it works, how it would affect the economy, and what supporters and critics say

Universal basic income (UBI) is gaining global traction, primarily aimed at reducing poverty through cash payments without conditions.

Free money, less income: study finds no-strings cash leaves the poor worse off

A new study on universal basic income shows recipients had less money despite receiving free cash.

Universal Basic Income: American Dream or Pipe Dream?

Universal Basic Income aims to provide financial freedom for citizens to meet basic needs and pursue personal interests.

13 countries with active universal basic income and guaranteed basic income programs

Universal basic income programs provide flexibility for individuals to manage their financial needs, differing from focused government assistance programs.
Countries like Canada and India are actively experimenting with UBI initiatives to support specific demographics.

Universal basic income: What UBI is, how it works, how it would affect the economy, and what supporters and critics say

Universal basic income (UBI) is gaining global traction, primarily aimed at reducing poverty through cash payments without conditions.

Free money, less income: study finds no-strings cash leaves the poor worse off

A new study on universal basic income shows recipients had less money despite receiving free cash.

Universal Basic Income: American Dream or Pipe Dream?

Universal Basic Income aims to provide financial freedom for citizens to meet basic needs and pursue personal interests.

13 countries with active universal basic income and guaranteed basic income programs

Universal basic income programs provide flexibility for individuals to manage their financial needs, differing from focused government assistance programs.
Countries like Canada and India are actively experimenting with UBI initiatives to support specific demographics.
moreuniversal-basic-income
#cost-of-living

Budget 2025: social welfare hikes, a 'mansion tax' and cheaper car insurance, here's everything you need to know

The coalition presents an €8.3bn budget featuring tax cuts, welfare hikes, and initiatives to alleviate cost-of-living pressures ahead of the general election.

Budget 2025: social welfare hikes, 'mansion tax' and cheaper car insurance, here's everything you need to know

The budget aims to address cost of living with significant social welfare increases and tax reforms ahead of the general election.

Two 125 energy credits to be deducted from electricity bills this year; cigarettes look set to rise by 1 in latest Budget 2025 moves

A significant cost of living package aims to relieve financial pressures through tax adjustments and social welfare increases.

What would the opposition parties have given you in Budget 2025 if they were in government?

Opposition parties are focusing on housing, childcare affordability, and various welfare measures in their alternative budgets.

Budget 2025 Key Dates: When will double Child Benefit land, when will fuel and cigarettes rise?

The €2.2bn cost-of-living package includes immediate tax increases and forthcoming support payments for families, set to roll out over the coming months.

Two 125 energy credits to be deducted from electricity bills this year; cigarette prices set to increase in latest Budget 2025 moves

A €2bn cost of living package will include social welfare increases and tax cuts to combat inflation.

Budget 2025: social welfare hikes, a 'mansion tax' and cheaper car insurance, here's everything you need to know

The coalition presents an €8.3bn budget featuring tax cuts, welfare hikes, and initiatives to alleviate cost-of-living pressures ahead of the general election.

Budget 2025: social welfare hikes, 'mansion tax' and cheaper car insurance, here's everything you need to know

The budget aims to address cost of living with significant social welfare increases and tax reforms ahead of the general election.

Two 125 energy credits to be deducted from electricity bills this year; cigarettes look set to rise by 1 in latest Budget 2025 moves

A significant cost of living package aims to relieve financial pressures through tax adjustments and social welfare increases.

What would the opposition parties have given you in Budget 2025 if they were in government?

Opposition parties are focusing on housing, childcare affordability, and various welfare measures in their alternative budgets.

Budget 2025 Key Dates: When will double Child Benefit land, when will fuel and cigarettes rise?

The €2.2bn cost-of-living package includes immediate tax increases and forthcoming support payments for families, set to roll out over the coming months.

Two 125 energy credits to be deducted from electricity bills this year; cigarette prices set to increase in latest Budget 2025 moves

A €2bn cost of living package will include social welfare increases and tax cuts to combat inflation.
morecost-of-living

What would the opposition parties have given you in Budget 2025 if they were in government?

Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats prioritize housing and social welfare in their alternative budgets, proposing significant increases in home construction and childcare affordability.

Over 400,000 households to receive fuel allowance payments this week

The Fuel Allowance supports eligible households with winter heating costs, providing €924 over 28 weeks for those aged 70 and older or on long-term welfare.

Budget win for pensioners as Heather Humphreys seeks 15 a week pension increase, while pushing back on Jobseeker's rise

The government is planning a significant pension increase while limiting hikes for jobseekers, indicating a shift in welfare policy priorities.
#economic-policy

Bernie Sanders Touts Populist Vision at the DNC

Senator Sanders advocates for a populist, worker-oriented Democratic vision prioritizing social welfare and government accountability, criticizing the influence of wealth in politics.

Chinese grumble about Beijing's decision to hike the retirement age: 'I'll just have to bear the three extra years of work'

China plans to raise retirement age to address an aging population and economic concerns, starting gradual increases in 2025.

Scotland's struggle to tackle poverty while cutting services

The Scottish government's efforts to eradicate child poverty face significant challenges due to announced spending cuts and budgetary pressures.

Bernie Sanders Touts Populist Vision at the DNC

Senator Sanders advocates for a populist, worker-oriented Democratic vision prioritizing social welfare and government accountability, criticizing the influence of wealth in politics.

Chinese grumble about Beijing's decision to hike the retirement age: 'I'll just have to bear the three extra years of work'

China plans to raise retirement age to address an aging population and economic concerns, starting gradual increases in 2025.

Scotland's struggle to tackle poverty while cutting services

The Scottish government's efforts to eradicate child poverty face significant challenges due to announced spending cuts and budgetary pressures.
moreeconomic-policy

Building the next generation of digital public services | Computer Weekly

Governments should improve public access to digitized services and share existing data to reduce administrative burdens and enhance support for vulnerable populations.

How a Sam Altman-backed study into guaranteed income was widely misinterpreted

Guaranteed income initiatives can promote financial stability and personal agency despite misconceptions about laziness and productivity.
Insights gleaned from identifying biases in reporting on guaranteed income studies are vital for understanding their true impacts.

San Quentin Program Helps Incarcerated People Find Their Voice | KQED

Incarcerated individuals in California, led by a former doctor, are influencing policy by sharing personal narratives to address major social issues.

Public service legacies of two Ithaca women preserved in statues | Cornell Chronicle

The unveiling of statues of Frances Perkins and Lucy Brown celebrates their contributions to social welfare and community development.

Independent TD Marc MacSharry says Ukrainian refugees get 'favouritism' over Irish people in back-to-work schemes

Irish citizens face longer waiting times than Ukrainian refugees for community employment schemes, which is seen as discriminatory by TD Marc MacSharry.
#poverty-alleviation

Birmingham gave single mothers $375 monthly for a year, no strings attached. Participants felt more financially stable, but 'losing the money hurt.'

The Birmingham basic income program supported single mothers, enhancing their financial stability during the pilot, but many faced hardships once it ended.

Dutch city pilots radical debt cancellation scheme for poor families

Arnhem city is canceling debts of the poorest families to break the downward spiral and provide a fresh start.

Birmingham gave single mothers $375 monthly for a year, no strings attached. Participants felt more financially stable, but 'losing the money hurt.'

The Birmingham basic income program supported single mothers, enhancing their financial stability during the pilot, but many faced hardships once it ended.

Dutch city pilots radical debt cancellation scheme for poor families

Arnhem city is canceling debts of the poorest families to break the downward spiral and provide a fresh start.
morepoverty-alleviation

The Rise of Poverty Inc.

Government anti-poverty programs are now big business for private-sector middlemen, leading to industries dependent on poverty for their business model.
#france

French court scraps large parts of hardline immigration law as unconstitutional

France's Constitutional Council rejected several measures in a divisive new immigration law.
The rejected measures include making it harder for immigrants to bring their families to France and limiting their access to social welfare.

French immigration law: What are the measures deemed unconstitutional?

France's Constitutional Council has struck down large parts of a divisive new immigration law due to it being unconstitutional.
The law included provisions that discriminated against immigrants in accessing social welfare benefits.

French court scraps large parts of hardline immigration law as unconstitutional

France's Constitutional Council rejected several measures in a divisive new immigration law.
The rejected measures include making it harder for immigrants to bring their families to France and limiting their access to social welfare.

French immigration law: What are the measures deemed unconstitutional?

France's Constitutional Council has struck down large parts of a divisive new immigration law due to it being unconstitutional.
The law included provisions that discriminated against immigrants in accessing social welfare benefits.
morefrance

Free school meals made permanent in Westminster's nurseries and secondary schools

Westminster provides free lunches to nursery and secondary school students permanently, independent of changes in mayoral leadership.
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