The OECD Social Expenditure Database (SOCX) has been developed in order to serve a growing need for indicators of social policy. It includes reliable and internationally comparable statistics on public and (mandatory and voluntary) private social expenditure at programme level as well as net social spending indicators. SOCX provides a unique tool for monitoring trends in aggregate social expenditure and analysing changes in its composition. It covers 38 OECD countries for the period 1980-2019/21 and estimates for 2020-2022.

Social spending aims to support individuals facing challenging circumstances by redistributing resources across households. It includes providing financial assistance and services to those experiencing poverty, unemployment, or elderly individuals who are not part of the workforce. Additionally, social spending includes funding for healthcare benefits, family assistance programmes, and housing support initiatives.