Main points

• Social protection spending is significantly reduced in corrupt contexts. Petty pribery, collusion, clientelism and embezzlement are among the main forms of corruption affecting social protection schemes in LMICs.
• The impact of corruption in social protection systems has severe implications on poverty and inequality levels and public trust in state institutions. Women, migrants, displaced persons and informal economy workers who rely heavily on public services are often disproportionately affected.
• Evidence suggests a recent shift from punitive measures to preventive approaches. Best practices in curbing corruption in social protection systems point to use of emerging technologies along with traditional integrity and accountability tools such as legal frameworks, risk management systems, internal and external audits, whistleblowing or community and citizen engagement.