They also apply very different criteria to determine who gets what. These factors combine to result in a set of programs that often work at cross purposes. For example, the amount provided by most of these programs increases as income decreases. Some of these benefits are closely integrated to the point of being delivered by the income tax system, while others have no direct relationship with the tax system. In some cases, entitlement to benefits is determined by the application of an income test.
Social assistance uses a needs test, however, and family allowances have no financial test at all.
Given the number of administrative bodies and government departments involved, it comes as no surprise to learn that changes to any of these programs are carried out in virtual isolation. Decisions to raise or lower benefit levels, to adjust income tests, break-even levels, or thresholds, or to alter definitions are taken with little regard to their impact on other programs. While reducing or eliminating poverty among children is not the exclusive policy objective of the existing system of child benefits, many assume and most believe that reducing child poverty should be the primary goal. Unfortunately, the programs have fallen far short of achieving that goal. As information in Chapter 2 clearly indicates, child poverty is a very real problem.