WASHINGTON NEWS

Abstract

<h3>Kerr-Mills Increase.</h3> —The HEW Department said improvements in public welfare programs during 1962 brought financial aid to more of the nation's unemployed and their children, increased payments to needy disabled and old people, and provided medical assistance for the aged (Kerr-Mills) in 10 additional states. There were 50% more recipients of medical assistance for the aged in December, 1962 than a year earlier and the number of states administering the program had increased from 19 to 28. Three-fourths of the states reported increases in recipients of aid to the permanently and totally disabled. One-fourth of the 10% national increase was concentrated in California. The old-age assistance program declined almost 2% nationally, with decreases reported by nearly 9 out of 10 states. The number receiving aid to the blind decreased nearly 4% from a year earlier. Total expenditures for 1962 amounted to $4.1 billion in federal, state, and local funds. This