Social Security Institute

Social Security is the system through which the State guarantees adequate social protection for people. It provides citizens with access to medical care and guarantees provisions in certain situations, such as financial aid for large families.

The Social Security system protects workers during periods of unemployment, maternity, or illness. It can also guarantee a pension due to disability. Another primary aspect that Social Security covers is the retirement pension. Minors also benefit from programs destined to cover education costs.

The Social Security system is divided into the following bodies:

• National Social Security Institute.
• National Health Institute,
• The Institute of Social Services and Elderly People.
• Social Marine Institute.
• General Treasury. Single cash box of the system. 
  

Those who benefit from the services and coverages of Social Security are Spanish residents in Spain and foreign citizens who reside or are legally located in Spain and who are included in one of these categories:

• Employees.
• Freelance workers or self-employed workers.
• Working members of associated work cooperatives.
• Students.
• Civil servants. 
  

There is a range of provisions to compensate, pay, indemnify or cover certain situations or needs. The main benefits are the following:

• Healthcare.
• Temporary Disability.
• Maternity.
• Disability.
• Retirement.
• Unemployment.
• Social services provisions regarding reeducation and rehabilitation for disabled people and assistance to elderly people. 
  

Social Security receives the following contributions:

• Contributions from the State, which are established in the General State Budget.
• Contributions from businesses and workers.
• Surcharges, sanctions and other resources.
• Income, interests and other products relating to Social Security equity resources.