ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Social safety net

A social safety net is like a big net that catches people if they fall. It is a way to help people who need extra help in life. The government pays for this net so that if people find themselves in a tough spot, they won’t be completely on their own. The money in the net might be used to provide food or shelter, medical care, or money to help find a job. The purpose of the safety net is to help people when they need it and make sure that everyone in society is taken care of.