Social protection policies and programmes can make a major contribution to reducing poverty among chronically and severely poor people and securing their rights. However, negative perceptions of social protection transfers continue to influence national and international anti-poverty agendas. Most of the concerns raised are based on misconceptions. This briefing outlines evidence that demolishes some of the myths concerning social protection:

Social protection can be affordable
Social protection can both alleviate and enable people to escape poverty as transfers are invested in productive activities, human development and improving nutrition
Whether and how social protection should be targeted depends on the nature of poverty and specific social and political circumstances
Potential misuse of social protection transfers can be avoided by delivering benefits through trusted institutions

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Authors: Rachel Marcus