In 2026, it will be 60 years since the recognition of the independence of social security law as a branch of law, which took place at an international symposium in Prague in 1966. During the Soviet period, the distinctive features of a branch of law were recognized as integrity (indivisibility); isolation and homogeneity of the regulatory content of the branch. In the mid-20th century, the sectoral approach to the systemic structure of Soviet law was questioned in the works of V.K. Reicher, who put forward the idea of forming integrated branches of law, which gave rise to several academic discussions about the system of Soviet law. In the 21st century, academic debates regarding the sectoral structure of Russian law arose again, and a large number of studies appeared devoted to expanding the scope of civil law, the possibility and feasibility of using its structures (contracts, obligations) in other branches of law, including in the regulation of relations in compulsory health insurance, social services, and the provision of social assistance. Opinions were expressed on expanding the scope of social security law by including voluntary pension and health insurance.