Delivering Financial Benefits in an Emergency

Publication Date: March 2008

Publisher: IBM Center for The Business of Government

Author(s):

Research Area: Government; Social conditions

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.