Technical Notes and Manuals

IMF Engagement on Social Safety Net Issues in Surveillance and Program Work

October 3, 2022

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IMF Engagement on Social Safety Net Issues in Surveillance and Program Work, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2022) accessed December 23, 2024

Disclaimer: This Technical Guidance Note should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF. The views expressed in this Note are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary

The International Monetary Fund’s engagement on social safety net (SSN) issues is likely to expand as member countries respond to growing challenges in the economic and fiscal landscape. SSNs play a crucial role in protecting households from poverty, promoting inclusive growth, and maintaining social stability. This technical note discusses (1) the different channels through which SSN spending may become macro-critical, (2) how to assess the importance of these channels, and (3) the types of policy responses that are appropriate and the trade-offs involved in choosing among them. To facilitate a more comprehensive assessment of SSN spending, the paper also examines the complementary role of labor market programs (for example, unemployment benefits and active labor market programs). The paper emphasizes the importance of early engagement and coordination with development partners with expertise on social safety nets and with different stakeholders when formulating policy advice.

Subject: Expenditure, Labor, National accounts, Poverty, Revenue administration

Keywords: Benefit incidence, Benefit-cost ratio, Fiscal Policy, Fiscal Sustainability, Global, Income, Labor market program, Labor markets, Poverty reduction, Social assistance spending, Social Protection, Social Safety Nets, Spending adequacy, Spending Efficiency, SSN program, SSN spending, Sub-Saharan Africa

Publication Details

  • Pages:

    71

  • Volume:

    ---

  • DOI:

    ---

  • Issue:

    ---

  • Series:

    Technical Notes and Manuals No. 2022/007

  • Stock No:

    TNMEA2022007

  • ISBN:

    9798400222504

  • ISSN:

    2075-8669

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