Provision for social assistance for marginal groups of persons (widows, orphans, handicapped) in Malta as compared with a selected number of EEC countries

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to compare the basic features of income maintenance policies, as provided under the heading of 'social assistance' in Malta, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany - for widows, orphans and handicapped persons. The programmes to be studied are those applicable mainly to employees in Industry and Commerce. Although this study is primarily concerned with social assistance, contributory insurance benefits are referred to extensively through out this paper. The main purpose of such an approach is to emphasize the fact that governments primarily aim to bring the majority of the population under insurance cover. The first chapter concentrates on presenting a theoretical approach to income maintenance programmes. The second, third and fourth chapters discuss social provision for widows, orphans and handicapped persons respectively. To conclude, a general comparative overview of the levels of means-tested and non-contributory benefits is presented. The paper proves that Malta's welfare system compares quite positively with that of countries in mainland Europe. The Maltese widow or single handicapped person may receive a relatively generous amount of social assistance, as compared with the British supplementary scale rates. The paper proves that Malta's welfare system compares quite positively with that of countries in mainland Europe. The Maltese widow or single handicapped person may receive a relatively generous amount of social assistance, as compared with the British supplementary scale rates. It is also shown that, although the amounts of Maltese child allowances seem to be the most generous of all the countries studied, the countries of the EEC all pay higher benefits for bigger families. Amongst the countries studied, France possesses the most generous family policy. The Maltese income maintenance system fails· to provide for any of the non-contributory benefits awarded to the British and' French handicapped citizens. Moreover, the anomalies in the Maltese welfare provision system are discussed. It is suggested throughout the paper that selectivity in Maltese income maintenance programmes need to underline social policies.