The principles of automaticity of benefits and employers' liability for benefits under Portuguese social security law

Abstract

Portuguese social security law is unique in that accidents at work do not form part of it, as they are traditionally integrated (from a substantive and procedural point of view) into Portuguese labour law. On this basis, this article analyses the principle of automaticity of benefits, which applies in Portugal in relation to social security benefits not arising from accidents at work. It also analyses the principle of employer's liability for benefits, which applies in Portugal in respect of benefits arising from accidents at work.