The Role of the Social Protection Network in the Time of Covid-19

The article analyses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the social protection and economic situation of vulnerable groups.The findings suggest that the pandemic did not create new at-risk groups but rather exacerbated existing problems.An analysis of administrative data indicated a deterioration in the income situation of selected population groups, especially the unemployed, single parents, and households with three or more children.At the same time, a qualitative survey conducted using semi-structured individual interviews with representatives of relevant organisations in the social protection system revealed that the system responded effectively to new risks and provided assistance to affected families in the form of emergency benefits and increases in the subsistence minimum and parental allowance.However, some households may not have been sufficiently informed about the possibility of receiving state support and sometimes chose not to claim benefits because the benefit amounts were low.The analysis also showed that social transfers significantly reduce poverty rates and their importance increased during the pandemic.This article concludes with the recommendation that the situation of the poorest groups in the population be analysed in order to enable early identification of groups that are at risk and provide them with adequate support.