ABSTRACT
The social welfare system in Slovakia has experienced turbulent developments since the early 1990s. This chapter presents the main periods of transformation and development of social welfare in Slovakia, the welfare systems’ general structures and priorities, its funding and administration, and a comparative view on selected performance indicators. The chapter also discusses the current state of social welfare in the main areas, including employment and unemployment, labour market policies, old-age policies, family policy, poverty and social assistance, organisation of social services, health, and long-term care. Finally, the chapter highlights the main challenges to social welfare, especially youth unemployment and long-term unemployment, ageing index, compatibility of health and social services, as well as excluded Roma communities.
