MSESS - Ministério da Solidariedade, do Emprego e da Solidariedade Social (The Ministry of Solidarity, Employment and Social Security)

This is the ministry responsible for the promotion of social inclusion, social security and employment. It is in charge of designing the respective public policies (family, inclusion, social security and labour active policies) and for issuing the social transfers (social benefits, unemployment allowances, family allowances, family benefits). It is also responsible for the provision, regulation and supervision of formal childcare (0-3 years old), as well as of formal facilities and services provided to the elderly and people in need of care. It is also responsible for collecting and delivering the relevant data.