Social security systems have been negatively affected by the current financial and economic crisis. Financial portfolios have been undermined by slumping markets and negative investment performance. Increasing unemployment has reduced contribution revenues while expenditure on benefits has increased. On the basis of recent evidence, this ISSA publication argues a need for the better design and coordination of social security systems and for broad-ranging national and international collaboration to respond more effectively to the social and economic challenges posed in times of crisis, and beyond.