What is the difference between the NSSO and the Overseas Social Security?

The Overseas Social Security is part of the National Social Security Office (NSSO). But what do these two organisations have in common and how do they differ?

The National Social Security Office was established at the end of 1944 to deal with the many social problems following World War II. On 28 December 1944, a decree law was instituted offering broad and mandatory social security to all employees in Belgium. At the time, this consisted of pension insurance, unemployment benefits, child benefits and sickness and disability benefits. Today, the NSSO is still the umbrella institution for the Belgian social security. This body collects both employee and employer contributions and transfers them to payment institutions, e.g. SFP (federal pension service), INAMI, FEDRIS.

The Overseas Social Security is a division within the NSSO that specifically concentrates on European expats working outside the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the UK. This system is not mandatory and allows any Belgian national to take along their trusted social security when living and working abroad.

The NSSO and the Overseas Social Security have the same objective, ensuring Belgian social security. They share the same roots, but have different target groups, methods and offerings.