benefits in kind

国会の解散が取りざたされる中、総選挙に向けて生活保護費の現物給付を打ち出す動きが出てきているそうです。自民党は食費代わりに食事用クーポン券の配布案を、「日本維新の会」も現物給付の導入を考えているそうです。受給者の間には当然ながら「安心して暮らせなくなるのでは」との不安感が広がっています。

benefits in kindは「現物給付、支給」を意味します。in kindが現物を表し、例えば税金の物納はpay (taxes) in kindと言います。（UG）

'Benefit in kind' proposals raise concerns among welfare recipients

As a possible dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap election looms, some political parties are proposing "benefits in kind" as a new form of livelihood assistance.

The main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is envisioning distributing meal coupons in lieu of food allowances, and is preparing to incorporate the proposal in its election manifesto.

The newly established Japan Restoration Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto will also spell out a pledge to introduce a similar benefit-in-kind system in its party platform.

But a growing number of welfare recipients are voicing concerns that the measure would provide little help. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is also expressing reservations about such proposals, saying they may foment discrimination.

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20120924p2a00m0na016000c.html