The DSS worked with the civil service minister in crafting and carrying through the pension reforms of 2003 and 2008 and has played a central role in the pension reform of 2010.
It was also a key player in the health insurance reforms of 2004 and 2008, the 2008 reform resulting in the creation of the regional health agencies (ARS) and the introduction of the early childhood benefit programme (PAJE).
It helps to simplify life for customers by modernising the services provided under the social security system and streamlining administrative formalities. The Carte Vitale 2, the removal of the requirement to declare income for receipt of family benefits and the online declarations facility for companies are just some of the many measures behind which it has been a driving force.
The DSS is also involved in employment policy through the exemptions granted on employer social security contributions, a measure designed to reduce labour costs and spur job creation.
Measures to support employment
All told, exemptions from contributions and reductions in the taxable base (the so-called niches sociales) amount to over e40 billion. This includes more than e25 billion in reductions in contributions which, concerning nearly 10 million employees (e22.4 billion), is the primary instrument to stimulate employment while supporting purchasing power through tax exemptions on overtime hours (e2.9 billion).
These reductions in contributions have helped to lower labour costs. On the minimum wage (SMIC), employee social contribution rates fell from 35% in 1980 to 4% in 2008. Overall, this relief has had the effect of reducing social protection costs for employers from 55% in the early nineteen nineties to 43.7% today.
