Social Security System: Benefits, Modalities, and Worker Documents

Worker Rights and Social Security Benefits

When dismissal procedures occur, these typically include: a) A letter of dismissal; b) Compensation, depending on the type of dismissal.

Essential Documents for Workers Upon Dismissal

In addition to dismissal-related paperwork, workers should request the following important documents:

• Certificate of Service: This document reflects the duration and nature of service a worker has provided to the company.
• Certificate of Business: This certificate includes identification data for both the company and the worker, along with contributions for common contingencies and unemployment over the last 180 days, relevant for unemployment benefit claims.

Understanding the Social Security System

The Social Security Framework

The Spanish Constitution establishes the Social Security system for all citizens, obliging public authorities to maintain a system that provides assistance and benefits for conditions of need and unemployment. Its primary purpose is to assist and protect individuals in specific states of need or claim, while also promoting prevention. The Social Security system comprises two main modalities:

Social Security Modalities

• Contributory Modality: This includes all workers and their respective dependents when in the following categories:
  • Employed Persons (employees)
  • Self-Employed Individuals
  • Students (those paying for school insurance)
  • Public Officials
• Non-Contributory Modality: This covers Spanish residents who are not included in the contributory system and are therefore entitled to services protecting against states of need.

Protective Actions and Contingencies

The Social Security system aims to address various needs through prevention, assistance, or remedies when specific situations arise. The contingencies protected by Social Security include:

1. Loss of Health

This grants the right to healthcare benefits, economic recovery, and support for dependents due to health loss, which can result from:

• Accident at Work: Any injury suffered by a worker as a consequence of, or during, paid employment.
• Occupational Disease: An illness incurred due to work performed, caused by exposure to specific substances or elements in the work environment, or by the conduct of certain activities.
• Common Accident or Illness (Non-Work Related): These are common accidents or illnesses not produced by or resulting from the scope of work.

2. Elderly

Upon reaching a certain age, individuals may become recipients of specific pension or welfare benefits.