Understanding the coverage, reach and accessibility of Social Security Allowances (SSAs) is critical to improving their delivery and promoting the welfare and resilience of vulnerable populations. Given this, UNICEF Nepal commissioned a situational assessment on the coverage of SSAs. The study draws on nationally representative data from the Nepal Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey (NMICS), conducted in 2019 by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) (Currently upgraded to Nation Statistics Office) with technical and financial support from UNICEF.

This summary report draws out key findings from the 2019 situational analysis on SSA to capture how Nepal’s five primary SSA mechanisms are functioning in practice. It presents evidence on the coverage, reaches, and accessibility of each scheme sets out findings that help to explain any gaps in coverage, and explores emerging evidence on the outcomes and impacts of SSAs. Finally, and importantly, the summary report draws out recommendations that emerge from the findings and can guide the Government of Nepal and development partners as they seek to improve the coverage and effectiveness of SSAs going forward.