The Sisbén is a crucial tool in Colombia to identify peopel who can benefit from social programs, but not all colombians can access this system. According to the National Planning Department, there are specific situations and contexts in which people are not eligible to be surveyed and classified within Sisbén IV.
People residing in special places of accommodation (LEA) cannot be surveyed, as these places are not considered conventional housing.LEAs include: prisons,penitentiary or non-penitentiary rehabilitation centers,children’s shelters,nursing homes,convents,seminaries or monasteries,boarding schools,barracks,work camps,and places to house homeless people,among others. these spaces do not allow the identification of key concepts such as the type of housing, household or head of household, which prevents the Sisbén survey from being applied.
Therefore, although any Colombian with a valid document can be registered in Sisbén, people who live in these places will not be able to be beneficiaries of this system due to the particular characteristics of their homes and accommodation circumstances.
You may be interested in: Agreement advances for the increase in the minimum wage in 2025
How does the exclusion from the Sisbén system impact social equity and assistance for vulnerable populations in Colombia?
Interview: understanding the Limitations of Sisbén in colombia
Time.news Editor (TNE): Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr.Laura González, an expert in social policy and public administration in Colombia. We’re diving into an important tool for social support in the country: the Sisbén system. Dr. González, could you explain what Sisbén is and its significance in identifying beneficiaries for social programs?
Dr.Laura González (LG): Absolutely. Sisbén, which stands for “Sistema de Identificación de Potenciales Beneficiarios de programas Sociales,” is a crucial tool in Colombia designed to identify individuals and families who are most in need of social assistance. By analyzing various socio-economic factors, the government can effectively allocate resources and ensure that those who truly need help receive it. However, it’s important to note that not all Colombians can access this vital system.
TNE: That’s a critical point. What are some of the limitations regarding who can be surveyed and classified within the sisbén IV?
LG: The national Planning Department has laid out specific categories of people who are ineligible for Sisbén classification. notably, those residing in non-conventional housing situations, notably in places of special accommodation—such as prisons, childrenS shelters, nursing homes, and boarding schools—cannot be surveyed. These environments make it practically impossible to capture key data about housing, household composition, and the role of a head of household.
TNE: It sounds like these limitations could have serious implications for social support. What happens to people living in these accommodations?
LG: Yes, it has notable consequences.Although any Colombian with a valid identification document can register for Sisbén, individuals in these special accommodations are effectively excluded from benefiting from any social programs linked to this system. Their unique living circumstances prevent the government from identifying them as eligible beneficiaries, which essentially leaves them without access to crucial support systems that could improve their lives.
TNE: In your opinion, what implications does this have for social equity in Colombia?
LG: The exclusion of certain populations from the Sisbén system reinforces existing inequalities.Those living in vulnerable situations,such as in prisons or shelters,frequently enough require assistance the most.By not being recognized within Sisbén, they are at risk of being left behind in the broader efforts to alleviate poverty and provide social safety nets.This gap highlights the urgent need for policy reform that can adapt to accommodate these unique living situations, ensuring that everyone who needs help can access it.
TNE: Given these challenges, what practical advice would you offer to policymakers or communities working to support these underserved populations?
LG: First, it’s essential to advocate for broader definitions in identifying eligibility for social programs. Policymakers should consider special accommodations as a valid housing situation for the purposes of social aid assessments. Additionally, community organizations can play a vital role in raising awareness and providing grassroots support to those in unconventional housing, ensuring that these individuals are not entirely overlooked. It’s about creating a robust advocacy network that can effectively voice the needs of marginalized communities.
TNE: Thank you,Dr. González, for shedding light on the complexities and limitations of the Sisbén system. This conversation highlights the need for continued discourse around social support and equity in Colombia.
LG: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep these discussions alive to foster an inclusive approach to social policy that benefits everyone in our society.