Social Security System: Structure and Collaborating Entities

The management system of the Social Security (SS) is primarily carried out by three public bodies with their own legal personality, affiliated with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs: the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), the General Treasury of Social Security (TGSS), and the Social Marine Institute (ISM).

Management Entities and Subsidiary Bodies

Direct management entities are responsible for managing and administering services within the Social Security system:

National Institute of Social Security (INSS)

• Responsible for company registration.
• Acknowledges contributory economic benefits.
• Recognizes the right to healthcare.
• Manages a record of social benefits.
• Controls non-contributory allowances for dependent children.

The subsidiary bodies, employment organizations, or entities collaborate with the management entities:

National Employment Institute (INEM)

• Primarily manages unemployment benefits.
• Organizes employment services.
• Provides vocational training for workers.
• Implements employment policies.

The Social Security system also includes bodies that perform auxiliary activities. The General Treasury of Social Security (TGSS) is a common service, holding the same legal personality status as the direct management entities.

General Treasury of Social Security (TGSS)

• A common service that unifies all financial resources of the Social Security system. Its responsibilities include:
  • Business registrations and worker registration.
  • Membership management.
  • Control of levies.
  • Collection of assessments.
  • Budget preparation for the SS system.

Commissions and Disability Assessment Units

• These bodies assess and review situations of permanent disability.

Collaborating Organizations

These organizations participate indirectly in the management of the Social Security system.

Mutual Societies for Accidents and Occupational Diseases

• Authorized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to collaborate in SS management.
• Responsibilities include:
  • Managing activities related to professional contingencies.
  • Risk prevention.
  • Collaborating in the management of temporary disability due to common contingencies.

Companies

• Collaborate by paying economic benefits for temporary disability and family protection.