The CNSS was established under Law No. 60-30 of December 14, 1960.

The CNSS is a public establishment endowed with civil personality and financial autonomy and attached to the Ministry of Social Affairs.

It has its headquarters in Tunis and its action is extended by 49 regional offices, local offices and branches.

The National Social Security Fund is responsible for managing:

• The family benefits scheme (family allowances and the increase for single salary, allowances for birth leave, allowances for leave for young workers).
• From the social insurance scheme (death benefit, capital - death).
• Old-age, invalidity and survivors' pension schemes for employees and non-employees as well as the supplementary pension scheme for employees in the non-agricultural sector whose remuneration exceeds 6 times the guaranteed inter-professional minimum wage (Smig).

In addition, the CNSS carries out social action.

It oversees the application of the bilateral social security agreements concluded.

The Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale is administered by a board of directors chaired by a chief executive officer appointed by decree.

The Board of Directors is made up of the following members:

• Three members representing the State.
• Four members representing employers' organisations.
• Four members representing workers' trade unions

The accounts of the national fund are kept in accordance with the rules governing commercial accounts, subject to the specific provisions provided for by law no. 60-30 of December 14, 1960.