[BenMcr]

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

but as I recall there was nothing other than dole and you only got that if you'd already worked for a considerable period of time.

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2.../housingpolicy

Although housing benefit was introduced in 1982, its roots lie in housing subsidies launched in 1919 to make council rents more affordable. By 1972, local authorities were obliged to provide rebates for their own tenants and allowances for private tenants. The existence of two schemes was confusing, and so housing benefit was born. But it was introduced with such haste, and without any support to councils, that administrative chaos ensued.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jobseek...arlier_history

After the Second World War, the National Assistance Act 1946 was passed, and from 1948 anyone of working age on a low income could apply for support. National Assistance was replaced by Supplementary Benefit in November 1966, and Unemployment Benefit claimants could transfer to this after their initial entitlement had expired. Supplementary Benefit was later replaced by Income Support in April 1988.