Social Security Systems: German, Anglo-Saxon, and Spanish Models

1. Characteristics of the German Social Security Model (SS1883)

This model features a contributory structure and mandatory professional insurance coverage for industrial workers.

2. Characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon SS Model

The fundamental characteristics are a non-contributory scheme, which is universal.

3. Characteristics of Spanish Social Security (SS)

It is a universal and public system that provides adequate protection to people. This system can be complemented by Private Insurance and a Capitalization Savings System that improves the performance provided by the SS.

4. Employer Obligations with SS

Employer obligations were approved by Royal Legislative Decree 1/1994 of June 20, as part of Law 40/2007 of December 4.

5. Modalities of SS Benefits

There are two types:

• Contributory: Those that require a contribution price to the SS.
• Non-Contributory: Those that do not require contributions, funded through the state budget.

6. Regimes of Social Security (Seg. Social)

The regimes are divided into two main categories:

General Regime (R. General)

• Self-employed workers and partners of commercial companies.
• Drivers of private vehicles for public service.
• Civilian (non-official) personnel of the State and Local Government not included in other regimes.
• Lay or paid service personnel in ecclesiastical institutions.
• Personnel paid by social charities.
• Staff of notaries, property registration, and similar offices.
• Probationary officers aspiring to an official position.
• Acting Staff Administration of Justice.
• Other people treated as employees (bullfighters, artists, etc.).

Special Regimes (R. Especiales)

• Special Regime for Sea Workers (RE. Mar).
• Special Regime for Agriculture (RE. Agrario).
• Special Regime for Domestic Employees (RE. Empleados del Hogar).
• Special Regime for Coal Mining (RE. Minería del Carbón).
• Special Regime for Student Insurance (RE. Seguro Escolar).

Specific regimes regulated by their own laws include:

• Special Regime for Civil Servants (RE. Funcionarios Civiles).
• Special Regime for Armed Forces (RE. Fuerzas Armadas).
• Special Regime for Officials of the Administration of Justice (RE. Funcionarios de la Administración de Justicia).

7. Most Important Public Entities Managing SS

The key entities responsible for the management of Social Security are:

• The General Treasury of the SS.
• The National Institute of the SS (INSS).
• The Social Marine Institute (ISM).

8. Competencies of the National Institute of the SS

Competencies include:

• Recognition of Economic Benefits (Contributory 1, 2).
• Recognition of the Right to Healthcare.

9. Mutual Funds (Mutuas)

These funds operate with the fees paid by companies (AT and SOEs) and a percentage of common contingencies.

10. Ministry Affiliation

These entities are ascribed to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.