Padro begins by defining a social safety net and discussing the economic health of various nations and their definition of poverty. Traditional safety net programs, such as social security, unemployment insurance and workers compensation, Medicare and Medicaid, and the welfare system in the United States and other countries are discussed in depth. Additional chapters provide detailed analysis devoted soley to programs affecting women and children. The availability of statistical information has increased dramatically on the Internet, yet it can be difficult to find and interpret. The Statistical Handbook on the Social Safety Net presents a carefully selected array of 300 tables, graphs, and charts, placing valuable statistics into context with introductory text.

Detailed source information in each table, figure, and chart allows the user to pursue further information and uncover the stories behind the numbers. Each chapter concludes with a glossary of key terms. A bibliography, guide to information sources available on the Internet, and a detailed index are included.