Social protection goes well beyond cash transfers; it includes policies and programmes that bridge skill, financial, and information gaps, aiding people in securing better jobs. 

The three pillars of social protection—social assistance, social insurance, and labour market programmes—support households and workers in handling crises, escaping poverty, facing transitions, and seizing employment opportunities. But despite a substantial expansion over the past decade, 2-billion people remain uncovered or inadequately covered across low- and middle-income countries. 

Drawing from administrative and household survey data from the World Bank’s Atlas of Social Protection Indicators of Resilience and Equity (ASPIRE), the "State of Social Protection Report 2025: The 2-Billion-Person Challenge" documents advances and challenges to strengthening social protection and labour systems across low- and middle-income countries, analysing the evolution of expenditure, coverage, and adequacy of support. 

This report details four policy action areas governments can embrace to maximise the benefits of adequate social protection for all: extending social protection to those in need; strengthening the adequacy of social protection support; building shock-proof social protection systems; and optimising social protection financing. 

The report discusses how the path of reforms will depend on country context, capacity, and fiscal space. The rising frequency of shocks and crises calls for major investments in the adaptability and preparedness of social protection and labour systems. Amid a world in transition, social protection is more important and necessary than ever.

Report by the World Bank