Homework: Eligibility Criteria
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 homework, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following competencies and behaviors:
I. Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice.
i. C3.GP.A: Apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels.
• Related Homework Criteria:
i. Discuss how the potential policy change would advocate for human rights and social and economic justice.
ii. Explain how and why potential policy changes would advance social well-being.
In this homework, 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.
Task
For this homework, complete the following:
I. Explain an entitlement program and analyze its eligibility criteria.
II. 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:
i. Stigma.
ii. Alienation.
iii. Off-targeting of benefits.
iv. Overwhelming costs.
v. Overutilization and underutilization.
vi. Political interference.
vii. Negative incentives and disincentives.
III. Analyze any alterations in the eligibility criteria that could potentially reduce or eliminate the identified problems.
IV. Explain how and why potential policy changes would advance social well-being.
V. Discuss how the potential policy change would advocate for human rights and social and economic justice.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Reference
i. Chambers, D. E., & Bonk, J. F. (2013). Social policy and social programs: A method for the practical public policy analyst (6th ed.). Pearson.