Notion and general characteristics of social assistance

Abstract

The exposition focuses on one of the basic elements of social security law, namely, social assistance. It is connected with the regulation of relationships in the provision of aids and services (material and factual reliefs) for ensuring a decent life for those people who cannot ensure them either on their own or with the help of their relatives. An analysis is made of the historical roots and contemporary functions of social assistance – the protective function and the stimulating one. Matters related to the content of social assistance are discussed, and, on the basis thereof, its legal characteristics are presented. Recommendations are given regarding the scientific research in this field and the utmost need for the examination of social assistance.