State Social Policy and Social Protection
Core concepts
Understand social policy goals: poverty reduction, social cohesion, and human development. Know the instruments: pensions, benefits, social insurance, targeted social assistance, and social services. Learn the distinction between contributory social insurance and non-contributory assistance. Study the categories of beneficiaries (families with children, persons with disabilities, elderly, unemployed) and the conditions for support.
Traps in questions
Candidates confuse universal benefits with means-tested assistance, or assume all social payments are contributory. Another trap is treating social insurance contributions as taxes; they are earmarked. Questions often test eligibility thresholds and whether a benefit is one-time or recurring.
Worked rule of thumb
When assessing a household's eligibility, apply the income test first (means-tested programs), then the categorical test (age, disability, family status). A program requiring both tests demands satisfaction of both.
Study focus
Review pension types, family benefits, and the administration of social services at local level.