social security - FOD Sociale Zekerheid

at new social categories (e.g.: the self-employed); on the other hand, the existing benefits(pensions, unemployment benefits and family benefits) were also subject to a positive evolution.This brought along changes in the financing as well: the government's financial input increased.Gradually, our social security system evolved from a simple insurance against social risks toa guarantee for subsistence security for everybody. The 1974 law on the subsistence minimum(now social integration income) is to be seen in that context.When the crisis hits in the mid-1970s, the unemployment grows, the number of beneficiariesincreases and it gets difficult to contain the costs of social security. The only solution was toincrease the revenue side and to cut down on social benefits. As from 1982, a crisis policy ispursued. Different categories in the unemployment schemes were introduced then. The cut-downin benefits particularly struck couples living together, single persons and young persons duringtheir 'waiting period' (the period before you can receive unemployment benefits).To enhance the competitiveness of companies, the employers' social security contributions weredrastically lowered over the last few years and partly replaced by 'alternative financing sources'(from VAT revenues).However, as far as the benefits are concerned, minimum pensions have been raised and thelegislations on the 'social integration income' (the former 'subsistence minimum') and the'income guarantee for the elderly' (the former 'guaranteed income for the aged') have beenchanged. Moreover, since 2008, self-employed persons are also entitled to reimbursements for"small risks".Finally, in 2009, equal treatment for women and men has been completed as to pension age forsalaried persons and self-employed persons. From now on the normal pension age is establishedat 65 years for both men and women.C. Ideological backgroundSocial security in the various countries is based on two systems, following the reflections of twopioneers: Bismarck and Beveridge.Bismarck, Germany's Chancellor at the end of the 19th century, elaborated a social securitysystem in which the financing is borne by both employees and employers, completed with agovernment contribution for pensions. Benefits are salary-linked, for the aim was to guaranteethat all workers could maintain their living standard if particular risks would appear. The Bismarcksystem is a form of solidarity between the workers.Lord Beveridge, who lived in the first half of the 20th century, stated that not only the workers,but also the total population was entitled to subsistence security. Regardless of the type ofemployment, he provides - by means of taxes - the same lump sum benefit for every citizen, incase of unemployment, sickness, pension, etc.The Belgian system combines features of both tendencies. For instance, pensions (except for theminimum and maximum amounts) are established through the social contributions you havepaid for them (Bismarck), but (almost) everyone is entitled to reimbursement of hospital costs(Beveridge). The social assistance systems are to be seen in the light of the Beveridge conceptas well.8