Abstract: A user inputs information identifying a person and the user. A computer system analyzes the user's voice to verify or determine the user's identity, and allows only valid users to access the system. The input information is compared to benefits information stored in the system to make automatic determinations concerning the benefits, and those determinations are transmitted to the user. The user is prompted to provide information in a format specified by the user and receives information in a format specified by the user. Other users, such as benefit organizations, also receive information in a format that they specify. When automatic authorization (or communication) by a facilitator computer is not appropriate, information is transmitted to a benefit organization computer, and further computer analysis or manual analysis is performed, and determinations concerning benefits are transmitted to the user.

Abstract: A communication system for providing communication between a first party and second party. A first party message input receives first party messages from the first party, and a first party message output delivers the first party messages to the second party in an unattended manner. A second party message input receives second party messages from the second party in response to the first party messages, and a second party message output delivers the second party messages to the first party in an unattended manner. A pass-through message channel receives and delivers in an attended manner pass-through messages between the second party and the first party. A memory records, stores, and indexes the first party messages, the second party messages, and the pass-through messages.