Government fails to meet welfare claim deadlines

THE Department of Social and Family Affairs failed to meet its deadlines for processing new social welfare claims in almost 90% of categories last year.

Many carers and one-parent families faced long delays in having their claims assessed, according to the department's 2001 report, published yesterday.

The department only processed 26% of applicants for the carer's allowance within two months compared to its target of dealing with 80% of cases over the period.