A method and apparatus for improving performance in communication systems is provided. In one implementation received encoded data is decoded using an inner rateless decoder to produce a series of decoded rateless outputs. The series of decoded rateless outputs is combined to produce a block, and the block is decoded using an outer block decoder. In another implementation, encoded data for a data block encoded with a rateless code is received. It is determined that an initial amount of mutual information for the data block has been received, the initial amount being an amount expected to allow decoding of the received encoded data. Additional encoded data for the data block is received. It is determined that an extra amount of mutual information for the data block has been received beyond said initial amount of mutual information.