Every country has to be ready for their people in terms of social security which is meant to counter weakness generated by old age, disability, joblessness or life situations. A strong social security infrastructure should provide a minimum level of survival assistance, regardless of adverse circumstances. For several years, many countries have adopted wide-ranging programs for social protection. Some of the best running social security schemes for the governments around the world, a discussion here. It focuses on how the plans work and their respective advantages.
1. South Africa – SASSA
In South Africa the main social security provider, SASSA status check, run by the government. Its objective is to give grants on a monthly basis in order to assist the needy citizens of this community. SASSA provides pension to citizens that are sixty years or older, disability grants for individuals with special needs, child support grants among others. The application process is easy, involving little documentation. At present, more than 17 million people are receiving social protection services provided by SASSA each month in South Africa.
2. USA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
FAFSA is the US government’s plan for providing funding towards American citizens seeking higher education. Through FAFSA, students are able to obtain loans, grants and work-study programs that help them to pay their tuition fee and other related expenses. Low-income students are considered for full financial aid and other students obtain subsidized loans depending on their requirements. This goes to help the students’ financial burden when it comes to education loans.
3. India – Widow Pension Scheme
India provides social security through a number of schemes for different segments. Widow pension scheme is a means of providing for widows whose husbands died without giving them regular incomes. In India, widows’ pension is usually awarded under the age of 40 year they get Rs 300- 600 per month and after reaching age 40 years they are entitled for Rs 500- 1000 depending on states. The widow’s benefit is therefore referred to as an old age insurance.
4. Canada – CPP (Canada Pension Plan)
It is a compulsorily contributory pension scheme, which covers all Canadians aged 18 and above. Payroll deductions are equal contributions from both employees, and employers. Individuals are paid monthly pensions at retirement which is a guaranteed lifelong income depending on their contributions. CPP also offers disability and survivor benefits.
5. Australia – Centrelink
Centrelink is Australia’s biggest provider of welfare and healthcare resources. Some of these include age pension, carer payment, disability support pension, parenting payment among others. These benefits are mostly done in a means tested manner depending on one’s current income as well as savings/assets. Additionally, Centrelink offers price concessions on utility costs, transport fares and the cost of medical drugs amongst others. The application procedure is simple with reduced paper works thereby making it convenient for the target audience.
Conclusion
Almost all nations use social security schemes because they offer benefits to people who are aged, disabled, jobless or still studying. The goals may be different but, in either case, they seek to improve welfare and well-being of the people. Therefore, government should concentrate on broadening, streamlining procedures, and improving the benefits of such programs to cover more people.
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