Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Social security

Social security, also called social welfare, is any of various programs designed to provide a population with income at times when they are unable to care for themselves. The model for modern government social security programs was developed in 1883 by Otto von Bismarck under the title soziale Sicherheit.

A distinction is made between Social security and social welfare systems in many countries.

For the specific program developed in the United States see Social Security (U.S.A.)

See also