The political and economic landscape of UK social security provision has changed significantly since the 2008 financial crisis. This fully revised, restructured and updated 3rd edition of a go-to text book covers all the key policy changes and their implications since the elections of 2010 and 2015.

With contributions from leading academics in the field this book critically examines the design, entitlement, delivery and impact of current welfare provision. The first half of the book examines social security across the lifecycle from Child Benefit to retirement pensions. The second half focuses on key issues in policy and practice including new topics such as the realities of life on benefits in an era of austerity, and the pros and cons of Universal Basic Income.

• Framework supports teachers and students, encouraging analytical thinking of issues and providing pointers to related sources

• Authoritative and evidence-based arguments

• Clear section and chapter summaries, overviews, questions for discussion, website resources and a bibliography

• Includes tables, charts and text boxes for clarity, interest and appeal

This book is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Social Policy taking modules on Social Security Policy, Poverty and Inequality, Income Support and Welfare Reform, as well as Social Work students and those on other Social Science degree programmes.

"An indispensable, up-to-date guide to the UK social security system written by the country's leading experts in a clear and engaging style." Karen Rowlingson, University of Birmingham "A godsend of a book! It guides the student through the maze that is welfare reform. I would not hesitate to recommend it." Dr. Lavinia Mitton, University of Kent "Fully updated to reflect a rapidly changing policy landscape, this engaging volume by a stellar cast provides a valuable overview of social security in the UK. Combining policy discussion with empirical evidence, including insights from qualitative research, it will prove an essential resource for students." Dr Kitty Stewart, London School of Economics and Political Science

Ruth Patrick is Professor of Social Policy at the University of York. Professor of Social Policy, University of York Dr Zoe Irving is a Senior Lecturer at the University of York and a member of the Executive Committee of the UK Social Policy Association. Published works surrounding Social Policy, gender employment and economic crises. Lecturer in International Social Policy at the University of York. Nicola Yeates is Professor of Social Policy in the Department of Social Policy and Criminology at The Open University. Bozena Sojka is Research Associate at the University of Glasgow. Jane Millar is Professor of Social Policy and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Bath, UK. She has written widely on issues of social security policy, in particular on family policy and the policy implications of family change. Tess Ridge is a Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Bath. She is a trustee of the Child Poverty Action Group and Honorary Secretary of the Social Policy Association. Jane Millar is Professor of Social Policy and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Bath, UK. She has written widely on issues of social security policy, in particular on family policy and the policy implications of family change.