Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria 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 EPAs and practice behaviors: EPA 2.1.5: Advance human rights and social and economic justice. PB 2.1.5.B: Advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. Related Assignment Criteria: 4. Discuss how the potential policy change would advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. EPA 2.1.8: Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. PB 2.1.8.A: Analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being. Related Assignment Criteria: 3. 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.