Entitlement Program

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

When examining eligibility rules, a social worker looks for an alignment between the rules and the conceptualization of the social problem the policy or program is meant to address. Additionally, when analyzing policies and programs, they look for potential problems that eligibility criteria might introduce, such as “stigma, alienation, off-targeting of benefits, overwhelming costs, over-utilization and under-utilization, political interference, and negative incentives and disincentives” (Chambers & Bonk, 2013, p. 106). These issues represent potential problems that undermine policy and program functionality (Chambers & Bonk, 2013, p.106). Notice that the presence of any one of the problems mentioned by Chambers and Bonk can work against the adequacy, equity, and efficiency of a policy or program.

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following competencies and behaviors:

• Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice.
  • C3.GP.A: Apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels.
    • Related Assignment Criteria:
      • Discuss how the potential policy change would advocate for human rights and social and economic justice.
      • Explain how and why potential policy changes would advance social well-being.

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

In this assignment, you will analyze the eligibility criteria of an entitlement program, evaluate the impact of these criteria, and consider how potential changes might serve social well-being.

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

For this assignment, complete the following:

• Explain an entitlement program and analyze its eligibility criteria.
• Using the list from Chambers and Bonk, explain the potential problems the specific eligibility criteria might introduce and confirm if any of these problems applies to the program that you have identified. These potential problems include:
  • Stigma.
  • Alienation.
  • Off-targeting of benefits.
  • Overwhelming costs.
  • Overutilization and underutilization.
  • Political interference.
  • Negative incentives and disincentives.
• Analyze any alterations in the eligibility criteria that could potentially reduce or eliminate the identified problems.
• Explain how and why potential policy changes would advance social well-being.
• Discuss how the potential policy change would advocate for human rights and social and economic justice.

Reference

Chambers, D. E., & Bonk, J. F. (2013). Social policy and social programs: A method for the practical public policy analyst (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS- USE APA FORMAT

The assignment you submit is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting standards.
• Length of paper: 3–5 double-spaced pages.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point