Social security for unpaid household workers: Death benefits, a relevant protection in the pandemic

Abstract

This article analyzes the current protection of unpaid domestic workers through social security. The Organic Law for Labor Justice and Acknowledgement of Unpaid Domestic Work has included unpaid domestic workers in social security, thus assuring them financial protection against old-age, disability, and death. Analyzing the target population of such a law, as well as its intent and conditions for accessing benefits, specifically regarding death, shows that this protection is adequate for safeguarding those who perform unpaid domestic work, and mainly their right-holders because the pandemic caused by SARS-coV2 virus has impacted families not only in terms of health but also in terms of their economic situation.