Poverty is not one kind of experience, but a whole range of experiences - from a pensioner wrapped in blankets who cannot afford heating, to a youth sleeping in a cardboard box on the street. The term poverty is expressed differently, not only between societies, but within societies; the term is used for people in very different kinds of situation. So how can poverty be defined and identified by social security systems to enable them to give the response needed? Poverty and Social Security explores the disparate nature of poverty, the ways in which it can be understood in practice, and the kind of actions available to those professionals who must deal with it. Paul Spicker also details the financial aspect of poverty assistance and examines the ways in which benefit systems operate in different countries and the extent to which such systems effectively do relieve poverty. Poverty and Social Security approaches the study of poverty and social security by discussing concepts and principles, rather than examining details of benefits; and therefore provides a basis for understanding not only the present system but also future developments.