Despite the abundance of legal and socio-political promises, combatting poverty remains an unrealised goal. This raises the question of how states actually guarantee minimum subsistence. Addressing it touches on the core responsibilities of the welfare state. This book explores the question by analysing social benefits designed to ensure a minimum income in 16 countries, distinguishing three dimensions: first, the normative framework and the legal obligations of states to ensure minimum subsistence; second, the interplay between different social benefit systems that pursue this goal and the challenges this poses for effective protection; third, the design, adequacy and implementation of specific livelihood benefits.The book will also be available in open access upon publication.