In 2013 the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) adopted a plan to implement e-services for employees, the self-employed and employers. The plan includes the design, development and implementation of nearly 50 new e-services in the period 2013-2015. A key component of the plan is the electronic exchange of documents and data between the NSSI, medical expertise bodies, employers and the self-employed for short-term benefits award and payment. The first stage introduced in 2015 comprises electronic data exchange between NSSI and the competent bodies of the medical expertise of work capacity (medical commissions, hospitals, doctors, employers and the NSSI). The second stage in force since 2016 covers electronic submission of documents to NSSI by employers and self-employed persons, completing the full range of documentation exchange needed for the payment of benefits. The web applications and relevant software products for electronic data exchange are delivered free of charge at www.nssi.bg and data are protected through electronic certificates of registered users. All technical infrastructure, databases and administrative services needed for the electronic exchange of documents and data are managed by the NSSI.