Social Security Contributions

The right to be insured against sickness, accidents, unemployment, old age and nursing requirements is financed by the payment of social security contributions by employees and employers as well as through state subsidies. The monies paid monthly for health, unemployment, pension and care insurance are called social contributions ("Sozialabgaben"). The amount paid depends on the level of income. The employer and employee each pay half the total amount. The employee part is deducted from the gross wages and is then paid by the employer along with their contribution to the insurers.