Social Security and Assitance

Social security & Social Assistance
Social security is a concept enshrined in Article 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
which states that Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is
entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance
with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights
indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality. In simple term, this
means that the signatories agree that society in which a person lives should help them to
develop and to make the most of all the advantages (culture, work, social welfare) which are
offered to them in the country.[1]
Social security may also refer to the action programs of government intended to promote the
welfare of the population through assistance measures guaranteeing access to sufficient
resources for food and shelter and to promote health and wellbeing for the population at large
and potentially vulnerable segments such as children, the elderly, the sick and the unemployed.
Services providing social security are often called social services.
Terminology in this area in the United States is somewhat different to that in the rest of the
English speaking world. The general term for an action program in support of the well being of
the population in the United States is welfare program and the general term for all such
programs is simply welfare. In American society, the term welfare arguably has negative
connotations. The term Social Security in the United States refers to a specific social insurance
program for the retired and the disabled.
Social security may refer to:
 social insurance, where people receive benefits or services in recognition of contributions to an

insurance program. These services typically include provision for retirement pensions, disability
insurance, survivor benefits and unemployment insurance.
 services provided by government or designated agencies responsible for social security
provision. In different countries this may include medical care, financial support during
unemployment, sickness, or retirement, health and safety at work, aspects of social work and
even industrial relations.
 basic security irrespective of participation in specific insurance programs where eligibility may
otherwise be an issue. For instance assistance given to newly arrived refugees for basic
necessities such as food, clothing, housing, education, money, and medical care.
This policy is usually applied through various programs designed to provide a population with
income at times when they are unable to care for themselves. Income maintenance is based in
a combination of five main types of program:
 Social insurance, considered above

 Means-tested benefits. This is financial assistance provided for those who are unable to cover
basic needs, such as food, clothing and housing, due to poverty or lack of income because of
unemployment, sickness, disability, or caring for children. While assistance is often in the form
of financial payments, those eligible for social welfare can usually access health and educational
services free of charge. The amount of support is enough to cover basic needs and eligibility is
often subject to a comprehensive and complex assessment of an applicant's social and financial
situation. See also, Income Support.
 Non-contributory benefits. Several countries have special schemes, administered with no
requirement for contributions and no means test, for people in certain categories of need - for
example, veterans of armed forces, people with disabilities and very old people.
 Discretionary benefits. Some schemes are based on the discretion of an official, such as a social
worker.
 Universal or categorical benefits, also known as demogrants. These are non-contributory
benefits given for whole sections of the population without a test of means or need, such as
family allowances or the public pension in New Zealand (known as New Zealand
Superannuation). See also, Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend.

Social Security and Assitance

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Social security & Social Assistance

Social security may refer to:

 social insurance, where people receive benefits or services in recognition of contributions to an

 Social insurance, considered above

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