This book explores a variety of social risks and possible policy options that could be put in place to either prevent, or lessen the negative consequences of their materialisation. Pieters groups these policy issues into four major social risks — income replacement in case of old age and survivorship; unemployment; incapacity for work; and social health care protection – all of which are crucial to the development of a social security system. Navigating Social Security Options draws on extensive knowledge of various national social security systems to compare their costs and benefits, taking into account both their structural elements (conditions of work, education and living), and cultural elements (influence of political parties, trade unions, employers' organisations, traditions). As a concise comparative point of reference, this book will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars of social policy and law, as well as policy makers.