Evening star., 1947-03-10
Huff in Favor
Of StreannIined
Relief Setup
Agrees Clerical Jobs
Rob Case Workers
OF Too Much Time

A(complete streamlining of the
Public Welfare Department that
would allow case workers more time
to check on the worthiness of relief
clients has the full support of Di-
rector Ray L. HUFF, he said today.
Commenting on a demand by
Representative Horan, Republican,
of Washington, for a sound re-
vamping" Of the Districts relief
program, Mr. Huff said he agreed
something should be done to correct
system wherein case workers are
obliged to spend far too much time
doing clerical work.
What is needed is simplication
OF the legislation now applying to
the Welfare Department and simpli-
flcation Of the department admin
tstration," Mr.. Huff said.
Three bills either now in Congress
or lin process" of being written
would accomplish much toward the
streamlining plan, but before
proper check can be kept on relief
clients it will be necessary for a re-
vision OF Social Security Act policy,
Mr.. Huff added.
Checks at Long Intervals.
Social Security governs the policy
on about $500 Of the Districts 4,7oO
relief cases, providing for unrestrict-
ed money payments to blind, aged
and dependent children. Under its
terms the Public Welfare Boards
case workers may make checks only
at long intervals to determine If the
relief money Is being used properly.
Mr.. Huff said the instance cited
by Representative Horan wherein
two aged women received $2,500 in
relief monies while owning a $685.
900 apartment house was not ''typi-
CAL"
"A thing like that might happen
IN any administration" he said. He
upheld the efficiency of the Welfare
Department staff as whole while
agreeing with Mr.. Horan that there
was much to be desired in the ad-
ministrative structure.
One corrective measure already
has been introduced in Congress.
This would pull together bits of
three pieces of legislation under
which relief for children has been
administered.
Other Bills Prepared.
Another bill, in the hands Of the
corporation counsel for final draft,
would simplify the administration,
providing single channel of action,
Mr.. Huff said. Thus the professional
group of more than 80 case workers,
who have been giving much of their
time to clerical work and in record
ing tasks, would be freed for field
work.
A third proposed bill would do
away with another time killer, Mr..
HUFF said, by standardizing the eligi-
bility requirements for different
types Of aid. Under the present
laws" different requirements apply
TO old age assistance, aid to de-
pendent children and general public
assistance.
Mr.. Huff said he hoped for pas
sage OF all three in the present
term Of Congress, with the result
that the Welfare Department
would be improved in overall ef-
ficiency, with a stronger central
business office and relief for the
professional workers from the
clerical duties now heaped on them.
The welfare director said he did
not wish to enlarge upon the need
for adjustments in the social Sc
curity laws that would allow for a
stricter surveillance of relief cases.
TT is to be hoped that Mr.. Horan
will start some action in that di-
rection," he said.
BY far the greater percentage of
relief cases are worthy ones, MIR.
Huff said, but, like Mr.. Horan, he
saw the need for a more thorough
check of the assessors Office, the
United States Employment Serv-
ice and penal institutions to de-
termine a clients uap1,i,,o y,oad