The combined findings of this series, which also includes volumes on Europe, Africa, and the Americas, are published at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. Each volume highlights features of social security programmes in the particular region.

In this volume on the Americas, the data reported are based on laws and regulations in force in July 2009 or on the last date for which information has been received.

The data and scheme descriptions may be consulted in the ISSA Country Profiles, and in the Scheme Description database.

Social Security Programs Throughout the World  is the product of a cooperative effort between the US Social Security Administration (SSA) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

Published by the US Social Security Administration. This report and other publications are available on the SSA Website:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2008-2009/americas/index.html