Explore the financial feasibility of universal social security systems.
The tool accompanies our study on the financing gap for universal social security systems. We focus on how much additional investment would be needed, rather than the total implementation cost. The most recent estimates of existing programme spending (see Annex 3 of the report) have been deducted from the overall system cost.
You can explore different scenarios by adjusting parameters such as benefit levels, eligibility ages, economic growth rates and implementation timelines. The aim is not to prescribe how much countries should spend, but to show that universal social security is financially achievable in all contexts.
The costing tool can help governments, researchers, and development partners understand the scale of investment required to expand social security coverage. By providing a transparent, flexible model, it encourages evidence-based dialogue and promotes greater investment in universal, inclusive, and sustainable social protection systems.
The tool was created with the generous support of the Act Church of Sweden. If you have any questions about the tool or how we can support countries expand their social security coverage, please contact us.