I did my project on applying for welfare benefits. The benefits included food stamps, health care coverage, child care, etc. The process was sort of hard because to apply for benefits online you have to create an account and fill out a lot of personal information but I couldn't do that because that was not apart of the project. So I had to stop at a certain point. If  I could change this process I would make it so that people could find out more about the process online before actually applying and having to give out personal information. I think this process in particular is complicated because the government is giving you aid. If they are going to give it to you they want to know that you absolutely need it. The only way the can find that out is by getting all your personal information like income, bank reports, pay stubs, etc. 

My bureaucratic 'task' was the process of getting a restraining order.

Briefly summarize the bureaucratic 'task' that you selected.

Narcissa and I decided to open an Italian restaurant. We filled out papers necessary to have a business, selling, and having a license.

Give an overview of your process

First we filled out registration for our tax number to fill out the business license. Those are important to own a building and cash checks. Then we filled out the DBA, the Fictitious Name of our restaurant, then the EIN, Employer Identification Number is important if you want people working under your business. Afterwards we completed the Seller's Permit to sell things at our business.

Reflect upon the paperwork that you needed to fill out. Was it straightforward, easy, difficult, perplexing, etc.

Our paperwork wasn't hard, it was straightforward to complete.

If you could change one thing about the bureaucratic process that you flow charted, what would it be and why?

Something I would change is to lower the prices for all the documents needed for a selling business. I'm sure it's hard for small businesses to start because of money.

Why do you think the systems have become so complicated?

I think it became complicated so people who are dedicated to their business will work hard to start it. Owners who do things carelessly is wasting money.

Other thoughts, reflections, feedback.

It was hard to find the documents online to fill out.

Flow Chart: Applying for Welfare benefits

Welfare: How Do I Get On Welfare?

Eligibility: To be eligible for welfare, one must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted to the country for permanent residence, have little to no income. When a person applies for welfare, his/her citizenship is reviewed as well as each household member before access can be granted. A social securities number is required for all applicants. Social securities numbers will be needed not only for the applicant, but the each member living in the household of the applicant.  Work requirement vary depending on the state an applicant. Some states provide work and/or training programs. Work is not always required for some applicants. For example, an individual in a single-parent household, with a child under 12 months old, may be temporarily excused from work requirements. Temporarily or permanently disabled recipients, and those involved in substance abuse programs are also excused from work. Applicants attending college may be exempt from work as long as their education meets welfare requirements.

Application Process: all applicants must complete the welfare application. You may download the application, then mail for processing. Or, you can find your nearest “human services” or welfare office and fill out an application in person. An online application is also available.  If you need help with the application, contact your caseworker for assistance. Your caseworker will tell you which programs you are eligible for. Some programs may require documentation to prove your income, bills, marital status, and other information. After you’ve submitted all necessary documentation along with your application to your caseworker, he/she will submit the paperwork and let you know if you are eligible.

http://www.lucidchart.com/documents/view/4d07be86-c19c-4c33-8639-52000af90ae1

Adoption Flow Chart

My partner and I decided to choose adoption for our bureaucratic task. We first researched Adoption. We looked for steps and qualifications. We tried to find paper work but to receive the paperwork you have to contact an agency. The way the paperwork was described seemed difficult but within reason. There is a lot to do. Regardless of how awesome you may think your family is or how perfect you filled out paperwork the agency and lawyers have almost all of the say if you’re a good fit for adopting a child. 

If I could change anything about my bureaucratic function and the process, I would want to contact a person who adopted a child.  This would give me a chance to get a more realistic point of view on adoption and get information about the process that wasn’t available from researching.

Another approach worthy of consideration, nay, of being enacted is to create little, adorable, perhaps comical films to be put on youtube. This will spread awareness and hopefully interest in the matter. This will lead to a meeting with various relevant people solidifying the explanation of its importance, a meeting that will involve the lawmakers to whom I have been sending letters. (Most likely just one letter, perchance two if pushed to such limits.)

One other approach I am considering to spread the word is a Dear Stranger campaign. I place festively designed envelopes with letters inside telling of my cause throughout the city and allow curious individuals to peak inside. I am tossing the idea around.