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Social Assistance in Five Countries in North-Western Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Hansen, Hans

    (Rockwool Foundation Research Unit)

  • Schultz-Nielsen, Marie Louise

    (Rockwool Foundation Research Unit)

Abstract

In this paper, we calculate the disposable incomes in 2012 of three selected family types receiving social assistance in five countries in north-western Europe. We also calculate the net replacement rates for families receiving social assistance, calculated on the basis of the disposable incomes of 'average workers' in the five countries, as reported by the OECD. The results show that the Danish social assistance benefits are the highest, or among the highest, of the five countries; Swedish benefits are the lowest or among the lowest, but very much in line with those in Germany. The benefits in the United Kingdom for families with children are in the middle of the group, whereas the UK's benefits for single persons without children are among the lowest. In the Netherlands the picture is more mixed; for single persons without children the benefits are among the highest, for lone parents they are around the middle, and for couples with children the benefits are comparatively low.

Suggested Citation

  • Hansen, Hans & Schultz-Nielsen, Marie Louise, 2015. "Social Assistance in Five Countries in North-Western Europe," IZA Discussion Papers 9547, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
  • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp9547
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    unemployment; net replacement rate; social assistance benefits;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J38 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Public Policy
    • J65 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment Insurance; Severance Pay; Plant Closings
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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