Definition: Social security schemes of government

Category: ESA 1995

These schemes are imposed, controlled and financed by government units and cover the entire community, or large sections of the community. Social security schemes of government may be funded or unfunded. When separate funds can be identified, they remain the property of the government and not of the beneficiaries of the schemes. Social security schemes’ receipts consist mainly of contributions paid by individuals and by employers on behalf of their employees, but they may also include transfers from other government units. Participation in social security schemes is usually, though not always, compulsory. The benefits paid to individuals are not necessarily determined by the amounts previously paid in contributions. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/product?code=CA-15-96-001&mode=view Treatment in the accounts