The safety net refers to a system of government programs and services designed to provide assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing economic hardship or facing difficult circumstances. These programs may include social welfare programs like food assistance, housing assistance, and healthcare services. The goal of the safety net is to help prevent individuals and families from falling into poverty and to provide a basic level of support for those in need. Research in this area often focuses on examining the effectiveness of safety net programs, identifying gaps in coverage, and exploring ways to improve and expand the safety net to better meet the needs of vulnerable populations.