The Government of Belize has announced that the
proposed package of improvements to the Social Security Scheme will be in effect
as of January 1, 2001. Improvements and changes to be
implemented were presented to and discussed with the general public and the
media, at meetings held countrywide in June. Further consultations were carried
out with the Belize Chamber of Commerce, the Belize Business Bureau, and the
National Trade Union Congress, representatives of employers and insured persons
in Belize. Changes include Sickness, Maternity, Employment
Injury, Retirement, Invalidity and Survivors' benefits. There will be an
immediate increase of a minimum of 20% to all existing pensions on January
1st, 2001. Insured persons
will also be covered for accidents suffered while going from home to work and
from work to home. An expanded Contributions Schedule will also provide for
high-end income earners to be adequately covered in the event of sickness and
other contingencies. To support the increase in cash
benefits for sickness, injury or maternity benefits, contributions have
increased. In the past, anyone receiving a salary higher than $110 per week
would pay a weekly contribution of $9.10 (employer - $7.80/employee - $1.30 for
a total of $9.10) and receive a maximum benefit of $104 weekly regardless of
their income. The new rates, above this mark, start with $140. - $179.99 weekly
earnings (weekly contributions from employer - $8.85/employee - $2.35 for a
total of $11.20) receiving $128.00 benefits. The rates then scale in increments
up to weekly earnings of $300 or more (weekly contributions of employer -
$14.45/employee - $7.95 for a total of $22.40) receiving $256.00 in weekly
benefits. A fact sheet with all the
modernizing changes is available to the public at all Social Security offices
(San Pedro Sub-office is located at the Island Plaza on Barrier Reef Drive,
phone 2625). Contact with the local San Pedro office disclosed that new employer
contribution forms with these changes are not available as yet. For more information on Social Security, contact your
local office, check their website at socialsecurity.org.bz or e-mail
BSSBPR@btl.net.
|
