social security - FOD Sociale Zekerheid

PrefaceEveryone has already heard of social security. The purpose of this brochure is to clarify the Belgiansocial security system and to give some information on the international aspects of social securityBelgium is involved with.Concretely, we distinguish two systems in our social protection system: the 'classical sectors' ofsocial security and 'social assistance'.The classical social security contains seven sectors:1. old-age and survivor's pensions;2. unemployment;3. insurance for accidents at work;4. insurance for occupational diseases;5. family benefits;6. compulsory insurance for medical care and benefits;7. annual vacation.For self-employed persons, there is also a social insurance in case of bankruptcy and a scheme formaternity benefits in favour of self-employed women.When we refer to 'social assistance', or the 'residuary systems' we mean concretely:- integration income (and social assistance in the broad sense);- income guarantee for the elderly;- guaranteed family benefits;- benefits for disabled persons.Grossly, the entire classical social security system is divided into three systems: a system forsalaried persons,(such as bank employees, workers in a car assembly plant), a system for selfemployedpersons and a system for civil servants (of the Belgian federal government). In thisbrochure, our starting point will always be the system for salaried persons; then, we will pointout the differences with the other systems. Indeed, most people are subject to the system forsalaried persons.It is worth noting that we have generally limited ourselves to the general conditions and rules.However, exceptions are always possible. At the end of this brochure, you will find the addressesand telephone numbers of the major social security institutions you can address your questionsand problems to.This brochure has been updated until 1 July 2011.3