Sign up to receive email newsletters about the
latest research for the topic areas that
interest you.
Delivering Financial Benefits in an Emergency
Publication Date: March 2008
Publisher(s): IBM Center for The Business of Government
Special Collection: Presidential Advisory
Topic: Government (Public services and utilities)
Social conditions (Public welfare and social services)
Keywords: Disaster relief; Emergency preparedness; Presidential transition
Type: Brief
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
For most disaster victims, recovery begins when, but not until, basic human needs such as food, clothing and shelter are met. After every catastrophic event, emergency commodities are vital and "cash is king." For that reason, the delivery of emergency financial benefits is critical. Benefits include pensions, Social Security and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, as well as payments relating to the disaster such as emergency food stamps, unemployment insurance and emergency cash assistance.
The nation needs to develop and maintain an effective emergency benefits system.