Social Security

Social security serves as a vital public system of insurance and assistance through which governments guarantee income and healthcare for vulnerable individuals. This safety net protects those who temporarily or permanently cannot support themselves due to circumstances such as old age, death of an income provider, illness, disability, or unemployment.

The benefits provided by social security systems come in two primary forms: monetary assistance (including sick pay, unemployment benefits, retirement pensions, and child allowances) and in-kind support (such as personal care services, medical treatment, assistive devices like wheelchairs, and prescription medications). These social protection programs are typically financed through the collection of dedicated social security contributions from employers, employees, and governments.