Abstract
How can contribution subsidies make social insurance systems more inclusive? This global study examines how contribution subsidies can expand social insurance coverage while supporting system sustainability. Drawing on the ISSA–ILO Global Compendium of national contribution subsidy schemes (2025) and new evidence from Jordan’s Estidama++ programme, it explores the diverse mechanisms countries are using—from tax-integrated models to standalone, time-bound entry subsidies—to make social security more accessible to vulnerable workers. The analysis unpacks the policy motivations, design parameters, and financing options that shape subsidy outcomes, highlighting how choices around duration, targeting, and funding determine both inclusiveness and financial sustainability. By comparing models across income contexts, the study identifies design trade-offs and operational lessons to guide governments and social partners in creating smart, equitable subsidies that strengthen protection, promote participation, and advance the goal of universal social protection.