Social protection expenditure refers to total program expenditure expressed as percentage of GDP.  It includes spending on benefits and administrative costs; it also captures both recurrent and capital program budget.  The indicator is constructed based on administrative program records. 

Expenditure on social assistance programs is aggregated by harmonized program categories: unconditional cash transfers, conditional cash transfers, social pensions, school feeding, in-kind transfers, fee waivers, public works, and other social assistance.  Social assistance expenditure indicators are available for 113 countries.

Expenditure on social insurance corresponds to the total expenditure on contributory pensions, including old age, survivors and disability pensions and benefits. It is presented by integrated, private and public insurance schemes. Data on old-age social pensions is also presented. Expenditure on contributory pensions is available for 90 countries. Data on labor market programs is not yet available.