Purpose: The multi-layered social security system includes three layers of insurance, support, and supplementary, which are emphasized in the general policies of social security. In this article, the focus is on the support layer, and considering the importance of the support layer in reducing poverty and deprivation, it is necessary to address the conceptual and theoretical insights of this field.
Method: This article is based on documentary research.
Findings and results: In the multi-layered social security system, the support layer is mainly called "social assistance". In this regard, the support and social assistance layer of the multi-layer social security system, the goals, and functions of the social assistance system, paradigms, and types of social assistance has been discussed. In this section, the three main paradigms of social assistance are introduced under the title of entitlement, Workfare, and activation paradigms. Based on these paradigms, three types of social assistance including need-based social assistance, merit-based social assistance, and need and merit-based social assistance (combined) have been discussed. In the end, based on conceptual and theoretical foundations, suggestions and recommendations are presented to improve the support layer and social assistance in various social and welfare dimensions. In general, this article improves the conceptual and theoretical knowledge of researchers of social security studies, welfare, and social policy.