They have sent out 16-page questionnaires to some 3.8m long-term unemployed and welfare recipients, asking for information about everything from the income of other family members and personal savings to health insurance and special dietary needs.

ECONOMIST: A new and controversial law takes effect this weekend

Workers would instead be paying what remains into the family wealth engine of their own personal savings, investment and insurance accounts.

FORBES: A Personal Account Option For Social Security

In theory, selling personal insurance and savings products through bank branches is more cost-effective than using networks of agents and brokers.

ECONOMIST: In the land of milk and money | The