A national social protection floor creates a solid foundation upon which effective mechanisms to reduce poverty and enhance human capital and productivity can be mobilised to promote inclusive, sustainable and resilient development. Upon this foundation, States have moved away from fragmented social protection schemes toward integrated systems that avoid overlap and address gaps in coverage. Moving beyond the social protection floor also requires the implementation of programmes that are more robust and sustainable and support intergenerational solidarity through domestic resource mobilisation.
Closing social protection gaps requires the consideration of the three dimensions of coverage: scope, extent and level. Scope of coverage is measured by the range and type of social protection programmes available to the population. At the national level, it is important that scope of coverage is defined by a legal framework which grants equal rights to all residents and guarantees a comprehensive range of social protection programmes. Ensuring appropriate extent of coverage, which refers to the percentage of the population and target groups covered under specific schemes, is important in achieving the social protection floor. For instance, universal pension schemes must be made available to all older persons with age eligibility defined according to national conditions, and ensure portability to guarantee coverage regardless of employment history, current location, health status, or gender. The level of coverage refers to the actual amount of benefits provided and the quality and adequacy of services and programmes available to older persons. For example, it is important that universal pension schemes provide all residents with income security during old age which empowers them to maintain a standard of living at least to a nationally defined minimum.
The provision of sufficient income security during old age forms an integral part of a national social protection floor and can be complimented by additional schemes in order to move beyond the floor. In building the staircase, universal pensions can be complimented by contributory schemes for those employed in the formal and informal sector in order to assist older persons in maintaining their established standard of living.
Further Reading:
International Labour Organization (2010). World Social Security Report 2010/11: Providing coverage in times of crisis and beyond. Geneva.