Social Security » Social insurance in Germany
The German social insurance system plays the central role in the protection against social risks in Germany. Based on the principle of solidarity – i.e. contributions by many that an individual may benefit from in an emergency – it provides financial protection against the risks encountered in life and their consequences, such as sickness, unemployment, old age, occupational accidents, and the need for long-term care. Employees are subject to compulsory insurance in Germany as long as they fall below a certain income level (social security contribution ceiling or contribution assessment ceiling). Self-employed artists and publicists are also subject to social insurance in line with the Artists‘ Social Security Act (KSVG) (German only!) (see Artists' Social Security Fund). The social security fund is financed by contributions from both employers and employees.
Social insurance in Germany is divided into five areas:
The Artists’ Social Security Fund (KSK) does not insure self-employed artists and publicists against accidents and unemployment (see Artists' Social Security Fund).
Information
The broschure Social Security at a Glance 2020 of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs provides detailed information on the social security system in Germany.