English

Noun

social safety net ‎(plural social safety nets)

1. (politics, social policy) A set of governmental programs, entitlements, or benefits providing citizens and residents with a minimum level of financial protection, food, access to public infrastructure, or medical services.
   • 1982 May 3, "The White House vs. CBS," Time:

     CBS News used emotion-charged tales to make the case that some of the nation's truly needy are falling through the social safety net.

   • 2005 Feb. 10, "Editorial: When Math Is Worse Than Fuzzy," New York Times (retrieved 24 July 2011):

     We can have a social safety net that protects our retired citizens from poverty and makes sure they can afford adequate health care.

   • 2007 Jan. 26, Murray Waldman, "Rights are a gift from the good guys," Toronto Star (Canada) (retrieved 24 July 2011):

     Canadians are happy to tell anyone who will listen what makes this country great is our safe streets, health care and social safety net.

References

• social safety net at OneLook Dictionary Search