Social protection is protection against social and economic risks and shocks, poverty and deprivation. Many older people do not receive pension support and rely on their families and informal social networks for survival.

The extent of the vulnerability of older people varies considerably from one population group to another. Those at the higher end of the income spectrum are more secure than the poor. Those in good health, or whose health problems are compressed into a relatively small portion of the lifespan, have less to deal with than those who are chronically ill. Those without children, and those who cannot get around by  themselves, tend to be more vulnerable. Widows often face particularly daunting constraints on their activities, finance, and future relationships.

In India, Insurance coverage of elderly is very minimal as the pension and social security is only restricted to those who have worked in the public sector or the organized industrial sector. People involved in the informal sector are deprived of any kind of public pension schemes. Even the private sector, with some exceptions, is far away from such social insurance that would ensure security for their employees during their old age.

We help the Elderly in accessing social protection schemes and products.

What it means. . .

 

• Creating awareness regarding schemes of Central, State and Local (City) governments that provide coverage of social protection products

• Linkages with local offices and officials to ensure eligibility, documentation and procurement of income certificates

• Advocacy for effective social protection policies for bottom of the pyramid by organizing deliberations with private stakeholders (CSO/NGOs)