The article¹ provides a frame of reference for reviewing the basic processes underlying the development of formal social policy. The bases for the article were provided by: (1) review of the literature in related social services policy development areas; (2) analyses and review of the literature specific to service eligibility; (3) analyses of related socio-economic data from international organizations and registries. Eligibility is proposed as an essential element of social services within the context of citizens’ rights, cultural mores and customs, political processes and economic conditions of the six contributing countries. These data sources were augmented by review of summary narratives of the history and status of social services development.