The retroactive benefits to those who qualify under a new rule could reach $3 billion.

The test will be whether the benefits reach the 1.2 billion people who still live on less than $1 a day.

But their benefits do not reach the majority of mankind.

The overall economy was doing nicely then as well, even though its benefits had not reached the rural poor, many of whom were black.

"The real problem is that benefits and food do not reach people who need and want them," he said.

Whatever the motivation, the benefits can reach much further than footing the bill for school.

And contrary to conventional wisdom, the benefits of this growth have reached beyond the rich.

Education today has been recognized as the way of life and is indispensable for its benefits are reaching.

The question then becomes how far down the ladder economic benefits will reach.

The monthly benefit is $65 now and would reach $100 in 2002.