USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1937 > Part 17
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The Board of Public Welfare has again selected and made ready eight young men who wished to enroll for the Civilian Conservation Corps. These young men came from large families. These people not only benefited themselves but were able to help at home. The $25
217
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1937]
which is sent to their families by the Federal government is a great help in reducing the aid rendered by this department. The re- maining $5 is used by the person enrolled for his needs.
Duties of the Public Welfare Department
1. Direction of public relief, both indoor and outdoor, given to unsettled persons by other cities and towns.
2. Supervision of aid to dependent children rendered by the town.
3. Care and maintenance of delinquent, neglected and depen- dent children coming into the custody of the department through court commitment or otherwise.
4. Institutional custody and treatment of juvenile offenders committed by the courts and the care of these children in families.
5. Investigation and assigning of young men between the ages of 17 and 23 to the Civilian Conservation Corps.
6. Notification of the State, other cities and towns within the required time to obtain reimbursements on all cases.
7. Investigation of bank accounts, postal savings and any other source of income or equity in properties.
Among the other supervisory and inspectional duties of the de- partment may be mentioned the following:
1. Visitation and inspection of care given children supported by the town.
2. Visitation and investigation of care given to all adults sup- ported in families other than their own.
3. Reception and classification of persons supported or relieved and the cost thereof.
4. Investigation of legal settlement of all cases supported, re- lieved or buried by the town.
.
218
COMPARISONS OF PERSONS AIDED
Families Aided
Single Persons Aided
Old Age Assistance Aid
1934
1935
1936
1937
1934
1935
1936
1937
1934
1935
1936
1937
· January
21
103
67
48
12
18
17
15
16 .
36
47
117
February
32
74
73
52
15
14
16
16
16
35
48
119
March
48
66
63
47
14
17
15
15
18
34
48
120
April
55
38
40
24
21
17
13
13
24
35
48
121
May
55
24
29
11
20
15
10
10
24
38
49
126
June
39
21
28
11
13
15
11
10
26
35
49
124
July
22
17
28
19
17
13
11
10
23
38
53
125
August
36
17
28
18
12
17
12
8
24
37
54
123
September
31
20
19
17
13
15
13
9
27
40
85
127
October
23
42
15
29
11
16
12
13
30
43
104
129
November
27
52
34
39
12
18
12
15
30
45
111
122
December
55
70
37
48
13
17
11
15
31
47
115
128
. .
. .
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
People Aided in Institutions
Total Number of Families Aided on A. D. C.
Total Number of Persons Aided
1934
1935
1936
1937
1934
1935
1936
1937
1934
1935
1936
1937
January
7
6
5
8
2
5
6
6
182
519
386
351
February
7
6
5
8
2
5
6
8
212
332
396
369
March
7
6
6
8
1
5
6
11
291
330
357
359
April
6
6
7
8
2
5
6
11
308
212
254
258
May
6
6
8
8
2
5
6
11
325
167
178
201
June
8
7
8
8
2
5
6
11
235
148
198
190
July
7
7
8
6
3
6
6
11
157
144
185
237
August
6
·7
7
6
3
6
6
11
207
139
194
218
September
6
7
7
6
3
6
6
11
201
142
187
228
October
. .
6
7
6
6
3
6
6
11
167
273
180
289
November
. . . .
6
6
6
6
3
6
6
11
188
324
291
323
December
..
6
6
6
6
3
6
6
11
329
388
305
386
If we were to deduct from the total number of persons aided the increases due to Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children in 1937 over 1936, we would show that our emergency welfare cases have decreased. As a matter of fact, we have spent $1,129.71 more than last year. This is due to the fact that those aided stayed on emergency welfare rolls for a longer period.
We would also point out that the increase and decrease in welfare rolls occur practically at the same time each year.
1937]
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
219
·
.
.
220
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Summary of Temporary Relief
1934
1935
1936
1937
Families aided during the year
170
186
141
118
Families being aided at the present time
63
93
48
63
Families being aided at the expense of other cities and towns
30
24
25
17
Families being aided at the expense of the State
10
27
21
21
Families being aided Swampscott
with settlement in
121
126
95
80
Persons supported in State institutions
8
8
6
6
Persons supported in Salem home
1
1
0
0
Number of new applications received during the year
31
31
45
Number of new applications rejected during the year
10
15
4
Number of requests for aid rejected during
the year
41
174
206
183
Summary of Temporary Relief
1934
1935
1936
1937
Families aided during the year
3
6
6
11
Families aided at the expense of other cities
and towns
0
1
1
*
Families aided at the expense of the State . .
0
1
1
+. .
A. D. C. 1/3 of total expense
. .
. .
11
Families being aided with settlement in
Swampscott
3
4
4
. .
*No settlement.
¡Aid to Dependent Children.
COMPARISON OF WELFARE COSTS
Appropriations
Transfer from
Overlay reserve fund
3,121.59
Wages restoration fund
300.00
Reserve fund
175.00
·
. .
·
. . .....
6,145.51
20,865.84
24,996.59
34,759.00
46,624.06
71,751.52
Special appropriation to cover unpaid bills (Special articles in warrant)
8,246.81
3,732.84
·
33,243.40
38,491.84
46,624.06
71,751.52
Amount returned to town from appropriations
205.74
2,350.36
372.57
1,270.06
33,037.66
36,141.48
46,251.49
70,481.46
Balance on hand of U. S. grant carried over to 1937-1938 ..
812.05
2,999.54
33,037.66
36,141.48
45,439.44
67,481.92
Commitments made from expenditures owed us not paid as yet
410.11
3,373.30
2,653.59
3,560.09
32,627.55
32,768.18
42,785.85
63,921.83
Reimbursements during the year as of December 31 from the State, other cities and towns and funds
2,092.48
9,319.42
10,724.18
16,471.81
30,535.07
23,448.76
32,061.67
47,450.02
Amounts abated-committed from expenditures
559.46
744.27
1,140.31
17.48
31,094.53
24,193.03
33,201.98
47,467.50
Formerly disputed unpaid bills rendered by other cities and towns covered by special articles in warrant
605.56
423.03
51.50
47.85
Approximate net cost of welfare
·
$31,700.09
$24,616.06
$33,253.48
$47,515.35
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1937]
....
. .
·
·
1934 $21,400.00
1935 $34,759.00
1936 $35,797.00
1937 $50,885.68
221
·
·
Emergency overdraft
4,681.55
U. S. grant
.. .
222
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
We pointed out last year that in making comparisons you will note that it becomes necessary each year to bring figures up to date because of the unknown facts which appear the following year, such as abatements or unpaid bills that are in dispute.
In the past a number of bills have been sent to us for paymen. after the year has closed. These bills come from other cities and towns aiding persons with a settlement in Swampscott.
In 1937, our Old Age Assistance cost was $18,221.25 more than in 1936. Mother's Aid, now known as Aid to Dependent Children, is the most costly form of relief, and this account shows an increase of $2,501.32 over 1936. We are caring for double the number of cases on this form of relief over 1936 as the comparison of persons aided will show.
REIMBURSEMENTS
Amounts received in reimbursements turned back to Excess and Deficiency Account during the years 1935-1936- 1937 and the years showing the amounts for which payments were made.
Totals
1932
1933
1935
$9,319.42
$42.00
$2,080.88
1934 $4,608.41 1,470.71
$2,588.13
1936
10,724.18
308.84
540.38
5,368.41
3,035.84
1937
16,471.81
228.25
2,646.71
7,743.00
$5,853.85
1935
1936
1937
Cities and Towns
$2,339.08
Cities and Towns
$4,721.19
Cities and Towns
$2,924.96
Individuals
420.00
Individuals
399.40
Individuals
405.47
State
State
State
Temporary aid
3,269.17
Temporary aid
44.58
Temporary aid Old Age Assistance
3,239.76
Old Age Assistance
3,026.37
Old Age Assistance
4,361.19
7,846.37
Mothers' Aid
264.80
Mothers' Aid
1,197.82
Aid to Dependent Children 2,055.25
$9,319.42
$10,724.18
$16,471.81
The amounts received from the Federal government relative to Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Chil- dren during the year 1936-1937 which came back to the department as U. S. grants, to be used over again:
1936
1937
Federal grant administration
$198.20
$587.03
Federal grant assistance
5,947.31
17,612.21
Federal grant aid to dependent children .
1,854.55
Total
$6,145.51
$20,053.79
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
223
. ...
1937]
1935
1936
1937
224
AMOUNTS DUE TOWN
Amounts due the town by other cities and towns and State as of December 31, 1935, 1936, 1937 and the years, covered by amounts due.
Total
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934 $1,824.16 410.11 18.32
1935 $2,055.46
1936
1937
1935
$5,166.79
$9.49
$259.43
$341.66
$676.59
1936
6,865.00
9.49
44.43
247.82
126.26
1937
3,560.09
9.49
44.43
247.82
110.26
1,404.67
1,559.65
1935
1936
1937
Individuals
$520.32
Individuals
$530.79
Individuals
522.79
Lynn
2,161.80
Lynn
890.22
Beverly
26.76
Boston
18.50
Boston
115.02
Boston
104.02
Brookline
88.54
Danvers
38.00
Danvers
43.00
Revere
28.02
Newton
64.99
Newton
64.99
Wakefield
12.99
Haverhill
219.11
Haverhill
69.84
Saugus
83.14
State T. A.
2,746.69
State T. A.
520.06
Haverhill
439.57
State O. A. A.
118.65
State O. A. A.
327.44
State T. A.
1,638.33
State A. D. C.
2,141.53
State A. D. C.
1,848.78
Old Age Assistance
175.58
:
$5.166.79
$6,865.00
$3,560.09
The amount outstanding owed the town as of January 1, 1938, is $3,560.09. This amount represents aid rendered from 1930 to December 31, 1937, as listed in tabulation shown above.
[Dec. 31
-
TOWN DOCUMENTS
Worcester
32.41
3,373.30 165.45
2,653.59
1937]
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
225
Paid to Cities and Towns
Amounts paid to other cities and towns from 1935 appropriation:
Salem $186.00
Beverly
2.00
$188.00
Amounts paid to other cities and towns from special articles in 1935 warrant submitted for unpaid bills. These bills were contracted for in 1933 and 1934.
1933 $1,343.29 $2,214.39
1934 $1,643.60
Total $2,986.89
Lynn
Beverly
71.60
Danvers
96.00
Salem
455.25
Worcester
146.65
Peabody
3.00
$2,986.89
Please note amount paid to other cities and towns from our 1936-1937 appropriation compared with other years:
1936
1937
Boston
$35.29
Boston
$365.10
Lynn
2,584.27
Lynn
2,640.45
Revere
308.00
Revere
293.50
Marblehead
86.00
Marblehead
18.75
Medford
235.53
Medford
46.17
Peabody
98.38
Newton
2.67
Salem
136.00
Gloucester
5.00
Somerville
450.89
Somerville
75.00
Worcester
216.00
Worcester
62.85
Weymouth
6.38
Saugus
33.50
Reading
49.69
Georgetown
16.17
$4,156.74
$3,608.85
Amounts paid to other cities and towns from our 1937 appro- priation are for aid rendered for the following years:
1936 $1,716.76
1937
$1,892.09
Total $3,608.85
Amounts paid to other cities and towns from special articles in 1936 warrant submitted for unpaid bills contracted for in years 1934 and 1935:
1934 $3,732.40 $4,974.40
1935 $2,688.23
Total $6,420.63
Lynn
Marblehead
111.55
Medford
36.00
Peabody
70.75
Salem
184.50
Somerville
455.15
Saugus
82.27
Revere
80.00
Weymouth
50.01
Worcester
376.00
$6,420.63
226
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
The responsibility of granting aid and knowing the law, sub- mitting reports on time, making proper notification within the re- quired time and being able to depend on our clerks to function pro- perly, due to the fact we do not function as a full time board, calls for unusual consideration.
We feel that the abatements in the past years is an indication that we have used good judgment in deciding this matter.
Following are some of the duties of this department:
1. Take applications.
2. Check with banks and insurance companies.
3. Verify Swampscott settlements or those of other cities and towns.
4. List names and amounts on Old Age Assistance payrolls twice a month.
5 . Take care of all communications.
6. Notify outside cities and towns when applicants have outside settlements.
7. Make out monthly Social Security Act reports in detail.
8. Make out monthly rejection report for the State.
9. Copy all applications and forward to State, and notify the State thereafter of all business pertaining to the individual cases.
10. Arrange a weekly calendar.
11. Keep up to date a detailed annual report for the State on all applicants.
12. Figure individual bills to other cities and towns on each recipient with outside settlements.
13. Make out detailed individual bills to the State for each ap- plicant aided during the year.
14. Many other varied duties which present themselves during the course of regular work.
We hereby close our report, and at this time we wish to extend our thanks to the Executive Secretary of the Board of Public Wel- fare, Abbie E. Robinson, and to the Clerk of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance, Elizabeth H. Burckes, and to the Secretary and Settlement Clerk, Richard Chambers, for the fine co-operation re- ceived during the past year.
JAMES W. BUCHANAN, JOSEPH P. HINES, DONALD REDFERN, Board of Public Welfare.
SURPLUS COMMODITIES DISTRIBUTION
We have continued to have the food and clothing distribution projects located at 154 Humphrey street and at Hegarty's store, Essex street, Swampscott.
During the year closing December 31, 1937, the following food commodities were distributed to 157 families, representing 591 per- sons, all of whom were certified by the Board of Public Welfare.
Apples 3858 1bs. Butter
816 lbs.
Cereal
576 lbs. Eggs
1290 doz.
Frozen fish
450 lbs. Grapes 67 baskets
Grapefruit
12,596 lbs. Grapefruit juice 840 cans
Fluid milk
6388 qts. Evap. milk 2208 cans
Skim milk
1075 lbs. Prunes 6185 lbs.
(Dry)
Sweet potatoes 2436 lbs.
White Potatoes
7350 lbs.
227
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1937]
The above food commodities represented a total valuation of $3,913.00. In addition to the food commodities we received a supply of comforters valued at $215, and 7,143 articles of clothing which was distributed, valued at $7,370.00. The clothing was a variation of about 30 different kinds of apparel for men, women and children.
The sub-commissary at Hegarty's store on Essex street has con- tinued without interruption through the year. At the present time 20 families at the extreme upper end of the town are being dispensed food commodities from this center.
Doubtless the daily distribution of milk which began on Novem- ber 3, 1937, and which is still in process, has been the outstanding feature of the year. About 75 families are daily calling for the 132 quarts of milk which are available each morning. People have been very appreciative of this commodity so basic to good health and nutrition.
The total amount of all commodities received represented a total value of $11,498.00.
The above information was furnished to us by Reginald L. Webb, chief clerk of our distribution center and the office of George W. Dunn, State director of the Massachusetts surplus commodities division.
I have been given to understand that our clothing will be less, in view of the fact the sewing project has been closed down and we are not contributing towards same. It is of interest to note that we have had very few requests from welfare recipients for clothing and I believe our welfare costs have been kept at a minimum in this respect.
JAMES W. BUCHANAN, Chairman Board of Public Welfare.
BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
The Bureau of Old Age Assistance takes pleasure in submitting its report for the year 1937 as an organization of a separate bureau set up under the Board of Public Welfare. This is in accordance with Section 2 of the law, which states that two members of the Board of Public Welfare and one citizen, appointed by the two mem- bers, shall compose the Bureau of Old Age Assistance. The function of this bureau is to act on applications received by the department and to render assistance to those who are eligible under the Old Age Assistance law, taking all the resources of an applicant into consideration.
There was a total of 153 persons who were aided and 10 appli- cations which were rejected during the year. As each case is judged on its merits and all applicants are investigated and reviewed quar- terly, in accordance with the Federal government's regulation, under the Social Security Act, this entails a considerable amount of detail work and utmost patience in order to assure all recipients being given equal consideration.
We have considered the importance of keeping costs down by making contracts with town physicians, druggists, fuel and oil con- cerns, and issuing cards, showing where the discounts may be ob- tained. At this time we would like to thank all for their considera- tion in co-operating with the town by offering these discounts. We were also fortunate in being able to obtain milk, food, and clothing, through the Federal Commodity Center, and all Old Age Assistance
228
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
recipients are eligible for the commodity card which is issued through this office.
There is considerable amount of work to be done on all applica- tions, as it is necessary to check banks, postal savings, insurance companies, and in addition to determine the resources and ability of children to assist and the settlement of each person. The settle- ment laws are very complicated, and as they only allow thirty days in which to acknowledge or deny settlement, it is necessary that all applications must receive prompt attention. We are fortunate in having capable and efficient workers in our department, and through their earnest efforts they have enabled the town to save considerable sums of money on settlements.
For information to the citizens of the town, we are submitting a comparison of persons aided under the Old Age Assistance law for the years 1935-1936-1937.
Comparisons of Persons Aided
1935
1936
1937
January
36
47
117
February
35
48
119
March
34
48
120
April
35
48
121
May
38
49
126
June
35
49
124
July
38
53
125
August
37
54
123
September
40
85
127
October
43
104
129
November
45
111
122
December
47
115
128
You will note that the expenditures for the year 1936 were $19,076.96, and for 1937 were $37,298.21, an increase of $18,221.25 over 1936.
1935
1936
1937
Number receiving relief and support during year, ..
54
131
153
Number receiving relief and support at present time
47
114
128
Number of new applications received during year
37
95
54
Number of cases closed during year
7
17
33
Number unable to prove age
4
1
0
Number having children able to support
1
3
3
Number having too much equity
4
2
0
Number not in needy circumstances
5
5
7
Number of new applications accepted
23
84
41
..
Reimbursements
With reference to reimbursements, we would like the citizens to know that every effort was made to see that the town received reim- bursements for money spent.
During the year 1937 we had a decision rendered by the Appeal Board of the State, whereby we were informed to make retroactive payments on a case that had been brought before them and the town would not be reimbursed for our proportionate share of Federal funds, as the Federal government did not reimburse for such retro- active payments.
However, after taking this matter up with State representatives we referred the matter to our United States Senator, Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr.
229
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
1937]
Mr. Lodge, who has always been very co-operative with our de- partment, took this matter up with A. J. Altmeyer, Chairman of the United States Social Security Board, which was later discussed with the Comptroller General of the United States, and a decision was rendered that cities and towns should be reimbursed for retroactive payments on cases similar to the one which we had taken up with our United States Senator.
After obtaining this information in writing from Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., we mailed copies of the decision rendered by the officials of the Federal government to the State officials of Massa- chusetts. In return we received a very appreciative letter from the State authorities, thanking us for our interest, as it helped in solv- ing a very difficult problem in matters dealing with Social Security.
We cite this case as an example to the townspeople so that they may know of some of the difficult problems which arise during the course of a year.
We hereby close our report for the year 1937 and at this time we wish to extend our thanks to Abbie E. Robinson, Executive Sec- retary of the Board of Public Welfare, Elizabeth H. Burckes, Clerk of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance, and Richard Chambers, Secre- tary and Settlement Clerk, for their fine co-operation rendered dur- ing the past year.
JAMES W. BUCHANAN, LIONEL J. MELANSON, DONALD REDFERN, Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
PUBLIC WELFARE INVESTIGATOR
Gentlemen: I herewith submit my annual report as investigator and visitor for the Board of Public Welfare and the Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
During the year ending December 31, 1937, we had a combined total of 202 cases on Public Welfare and Old Age Assistance, which shows an increase of 48 cases over the preceding year. This increase is due to the fact we have had a slight business recession and most work has been more or less seasonable, which caused the number of cases seeking assistance to fluctuate.
This total of 202 cases represented 128 for Old Age Assistance and 11 for the department of Aid for Dependent Children. As the town receives reimbursements from the Federal and State govern- ments and the Social Security laws are very rigid, it was necessary for me to make four calls yearly on 139 cases, a total of 556 calls, to comply with the Social Security rules. This insures the town against loss of reimbursements. The fact that 556 visits had to be made in a year in addition to the investigation of all other cases seeking relief, and investigation of employers to determine if the applicant had any other source of income, entailed a great deal of added time and effort. As each new person applied it was necessary to visit them, in their home to make a report on their circumstances and home conditions before their application could be granted.
In addition to the increased number of applicants we had 183 requests for aid on welfare and 10 applications for Old Age Assist- ance which, after a thorough investigation, were rejected by the de- partment, because applicants had income from part time work or through other sources, making them ineligible for assistance in ac- cordance with the General Laws. I have also had to appear at court on various cases relative to welfare applicants in addition to travel-
230
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
ing to other cities and towns to obtain information in order that we might/ determine the settlements of applicants.
Eight boys were sent to C. C. C. camps during this year, and although we made every effort to send others the C. C. C. officials would not accept more, due to a reduction in their funds by Congress.
I have received from and rendered to the Swampscott Welfare Committee, the Visiting Nurse, Miss Sylvia Chesley, and other char- itable organizations the fullest co-operation, and I wish to thank the members of the Board of Public Welfare and the Bureau of Old Age Assistance and all others who have co-operated with me.
DONALD REDFERN,
Investigator.
Contributory Retirement Board
To the Citizens of Swampscott:
At the State election held on Tuesday, November 3, 1936, the town, by a vote of 2,597 yes to 1,027 no, voted to accept the provi- sions of Chapter 318 of the Acts of 1936, which is "An act providing for contributory retirement systems for cities and towns." This enabled the town to establish a contributory retirement system for its employees.
The act provides that the Town Accountant shall be a member of the Retirement Board ex officio, that one member shall be appoint- ed by the Selectmen to serve for a term of three years, commencing on July 1, 1937, who shall not be a member of the system, and one person who shall be a member of the system, to be appointed to serve for a term of one year.
On June 3, Martin P. Sylvester was appointed for the three year term, and on July 22 Donald Redfern, a member of the Board of Public Welfare, was appointed for the one year term.
The board met on July 26 and organized with the choice of Don- ald Redfern as chairman and Horace R. Parker as secretary.
There were 178 employees and officials of the town who were eligible to membership prior to September 26, which was the final date on which membership was optional. Hereafter, any person en- tering the employ of the town on a permanent basis, and who is less than 55 years of age, automatically becomes a member of the sys- tem after a service of 90 days.
The town of Swampscott has provided that without any contrib- utions members of the police and fire departments and laborers may be retired upon half pay under certain contingencies and after a cer- tain length of service. For that reason no regular member of the police or fire departments, or of the highway department, elected to become a member of the contributory retirement system, but each "waived all present or prospective benefits which would enure to them on account of the participation in the Contributory Retirement System." From the date of the establishment of the new system, however, the non-contributory system ceases to exist as to any new employee, but those who were under the old system at that time will continue to receive its benefits.
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