Every individual has the right to social protection. National systems are established to support people during periods when they are unable to earn an income or require additional assistance. Examples include pensioners who have retired from employment, individuals unable to work due to health or family responsibilities, and expectant mothers preparing for maternity. Each system is made up of a range of policies and programmes that target different segments of the population, with every policy addressing a specific risk or need. Support may be provided either in the form of cash benefits—such as unemployment benefits available to jobseekers—or as benefits in kind, for example, free childcare services that help parents and guardians maintain a healthy work–life balance.

Through this portal, users can gain a deeper understanding of how Malta’s social protection system has evolved over the years. Data on social expenditure is presented in line with the guidelines set out in the ESSPROS Manual developed by Eurostat. Expenditure is classified by ESSPROS function—forming the basis for eight of the ten chapters—and by social protection scheme. Each function corresponds to a social risk or need, namely: (1) sickness/health care, (2) disability, (3) old age, (4) survivors, (5) family/children, (6) unemployment, (7) housing, and (8) social exclusion.

The final chapter focuses on analysing the geographic distribution of social benefit recipients across the Maltese Islands. Data is presented up to local council level, both numerically and visually, through a series of maps included throughout the publication.