The needs of newcomers and the provided social assistance. The topic of social assistance for migrant newcomers often sparks heated public debate and remains a prominent concern on the policy agenda. Society – including the target groups of welfare institutions – has experienced a growing level of diversity. This reality gives rise to new demands and changing profiles of individuals who benefit from welfare services. Welfare institutions, which are responsible for providing social assistance, play a crucial role in granting access to social benefits for newcomers. Moreover, the provision of social assistance can significantly influence the settlement and integration processes of migrants. This book provides empirical insights into the alignment between the needs of newcomers and the service provided to them. It examines the accessibility of social assistance for newcomers from a comprehensive perspective, encompassing aspects such as gaining access (including equal access for all) and service availability, as well as the suitability of these services. By focusing on the Belgian Public Centres for Social Welfare as a case study, the authors explore the policies and practices related to social assistance and labour market activation for newcomers and the factors that influence individuals’ access to their rights. By incorporating the perspectives of all the relevant stakeholders involved, drawing on the insights of social workers and managers as well as the experiences of newcomers themselves, this book offers a unique understanding of the interactions between immigrants, the welfare state, and street-level bureaucracy. It provides valuable insights for enhancing service provision, striving for a more inclusive approach. The topic of social assistance for migrant newcomers often sparks heated public debate and remains a prominent concern on the policy agenda. Society – including the target groups of welfare institutions – has experienced a growing level of diversity. This reality gives rise to new demands and changing profiles of individuals who benefit from welfare services. Welfare institutions, which are responsible for providing social assistance, play a crucial role in granting access to social benefits for newcomers. Moreover, the provision of social assistance can significantly influence the settlement and integration processes of migrants. This book provides empirical insights into the alignment between the needs of newcomers and the service provided to them. It examines the accessibility of social assistance for newcomers from a comprehensive perspective, encompassing aspects such as gaining access (including equal access for all) and service availability, as well as the suitability of these services. By focusing on the Belgian Public Centres for Social Welfare as a case study, the authors explore the policies and practices related to social assistance and labour market activation for newcomers and the factors that influence individuals’ access to their rights. By incorporating the perspectives of all the relevant stakeholders involved, drawing on the insights of social workers and managers as well as the experiences of newcomers themselves, this book offers a unique understanding of the interactions between immigrants, the welfare state, and street-level bureaucracy. It provides valuable insights for enhancing service provision, striving for a more inclusive approach. Introduction Elsa Mescoli and Jean-Michel Lafleur Chapter 1. Conceptualising immigrants’ access to social assistance and their interaction with street-level bureaucrats Roberta Perna and Hanne Vandermeerschen Chapter 2. Social assistance bureaucracies and new migrants: the Belgian context Abraham Franssen Chapter 3. Applying mixed-method design in the study of immigrant social protection Elsa Mescoli, Angeliki Konstantinidou, Marije Reidsma and Jérémy Mandin PART I. Social assistance for newly arrived immigrants Chapter 4. Explaining variations in forms of service delivery for newcomers Elsa Mescoli, Hanne Vandermeerschen, Adriana Costa Santos and Carla Mascia Chapter 5. Understanding challenges and pitfalls in the service delivery to newly arrived immigrants Adriana Costa Santos, Hanne Vandermeerschen and Elsa Mescoli Chapter 6. Labour market activation and newly arrived immigrants Hanne Vandermeerschen, Adriana Costa Santos and Elsa Mescoli Conclusion Part I Hanne Vandermeerschen PART II. Policy in practice: the decision-making process Introduction Elsa Mescoli Chapter 7. The allocation of social assistance as a hierarchised decision-making process Elsa Mescoli and Hanne Vandermeerschen Chapter 8. The discretion of social workers towards newly arrived migrants Elsa Mescoli Conclusion Part II Elsa Mescoli PART III. Accessing welfare services in Belgium: the perspective of newly arrived immigrants Chapter 9. Pathways of access: analysing newly arrived immigrants’ access to welfare services Marije Reidsma and Michelle Crijns Chapter 10. The newcomers’ perception of social assistance provision and its organisation Adriana Costa Santos and Youri Lou Vertongen Chapter 11. Developing forms of agency: how do newcomers deal with social services Jérémy Mandin Conclusion Part III Jérémy Mandin Part IV. Conclusion Hanne Vandermeerschen and Peter De Cuyper About the authors