Increasing Automation in State Computer Systems: Preventing Technological Barriers to Successful Public Benefits Administration

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States are increasingly relying on computer automation to administer their public benefit programs to the extent that eligibility can be determined more by software design than by caseworkers. New computer systems in several states have created serious barriers for applicants, and designing technology that works accurately across benefit programs has proven to be a challenge. Advocates should anticipate these problems and intervene early when states are considering adoption of new technology to administer benefit programs.

By Anne H. Chen From 2008 July-August Clearinghouse Review