This paper, grounded in the context of optimizing China’s social security policies and aligning them with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addresses several challenges currently faced by pilot programs aimed at assisting households struggling with rigid expenditures. These issues include overly simplistic identification criteria, subjective classification bases, and homogenized relief strategies. Drawing on both domestic and international research trends, the study proposes a series of targeted optimization measures by adopting a mixed-methods approach—combining a systematic review of domestic and international literature, case analyses of Chinese pilot programs, and expert consultations. At the identification level, it recommends establishing a specialized team to calculate consumption weights for family members across different age groups and genders, while dynamically adjusting these calculations based on factors such as residents' living standards and inflation indices. At the classification level, a dual-dimensional assessment framework should be developed, involving a multidisciplinary team that evaluates households not only on their economic conditions (e.g., income, assets, debts) but also on their developmental potential (e.g., vocational skills, employment aspirations), enabling the creation of tailored assistance guidelines. Finally, at the relief level, the responsibilities of four key stakeholders—government, market, community, and household—should be clearly defined, and innovative digital tools like an "Assistance Map" should be introduced to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of support services. By moving beyond the traditional single-economic-dimensional approach of relief theory, this research advocates for a shift toward a more comprehensive, multi-faceted model. Ultimately, it aims to provide policymakers with evidence-based insights to design scientifically sound relief strategies, fostering the "on-demand allocation" of social resources, addressing the diverse needs of vulnerable families, and promoting inclusive societal development while strengthening social cohesion.

Jinjia Gui, Chenlihong Yang, Wei Xu. A Study on the Identification, Classification, and Assistance Mechanism for Hardship Families with Rigid Expenditures Aimed at Balancing Equity and Efficiency. Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (2025), Vol. 8, Issue 12: 8-13. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJHSS.2025.081202.

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