Spanish Social Security: Schemes, Benefits, and Managing Entities

Unemployment Benefits and General Scheme Exclusions

The employment period leads to unemployment benefits or unemployment. The General Scheme of the Social Security (SS) includes specific exclusions based on kinship (parentesco).

Kinship Exclusions (Up to the 2nd Degree of Consanguinity/Affinity):

• 1st Degree: Spouse, Parents, Parents-in-law, Children.
• 2nd Degree: Siblings, Siblings-in-law.

Special Social Security Regimes in Spain

Special Agricultural Scheme

This regime includes all workers, both self-employed and employed, who perform agricultural work within the national territory.

Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA)

This regime covers self-employed persons who are residents or foreigners legally residing in Spain, are over 18 years of age, and carry on business in the national territory.

Special Regime for Maritime Workers

This regime covers both self-employed and employed workers dedicated to sea-fishing activities.

Special Regime for Domestic Employees

This regime includes all persons over 16 years of age engaged in domestic service within the national territory, receiving remuneration for domestic familial service.

Social Security Managing and Collaborating Entities

In Spain, competence for the Social Security system is attributed to two Ministries: the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor.

Administering Agencies of the Social Security System

These entities manage and administer the SS system:

• A) INSS (National Institute for Social Security)

  Under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, its main function is to manage the economic allowances of the SS system, with the exception of functions managed by INSERSO and the Autonomous Communities (CCAA).

• B) INSALUD (National Institute of Health)

  Under the Ministry of Health and Consumption, its main function is the management of health benefits of the SS.

• C) INSERSO (Institute for the Elderly and Social Services)

  Under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, its main function is the management of non-contributory pensions and retirement. It also provides aid facilities for the elderly and disabled, and services for immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons.

Partner Institutions (Collaborating Entities)

The main partner institutions are:

• A) Mutuals for Work Accidents and Occupational Diseases (AT and EP)

  These are voluntary associations that cooperate with the National Institute of the SS in the management of contingencies derived from work injury and occupational illness.