Activating Benefit in Material Need Recipients in the Slovak Republic

Abstract

This report assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the implementation arrangements of the social assistance system and activation measures in the Slovak Republic. In 2011 the Slovak Republic initiated a reform of the non-contributory social benefits system, in particular the Benefit in Material Need (BMN) to strengthen the incentives for work and foster larger activation of BMN recipients with work capacity. Such reforms, if implemented, would bring about additional demand for activation opportunities. This report reviews delivery models and implementing practices for the BMN recipients, identifies inter- and intra-institutional coordination arrangements and assesses targeting and efficiency of currently available activation measures, with special focus on the treatment of BMN recipients with work capacity. The implementation arrangements are benchmarked against best practice from other OECD countries.

Keywords: benefit in material need, public employment services, social assistance, labor market policies, Slovakia

JEL Classification: I38, J08