It is of interest to note that while the total Social Security contributions payable on behalf of an employee is 10.75% of his Average Weekly Insurable Earnings (AWIE), the minimum Pension which he may qualify for is 30% of his AWIE. Additionally, the Short-term Benefits he may qualify for is paid at the rate of 60% of his AWIE.
(i) Short-Term Benefits: These are benefits that are generally payable for a short duration of time (not exceeding 26 weeks or 6 months), and are meant to partially replace employment income lost as a result of temporary absence from work. Qualifying claimants are paid a maximum 60% of their average income during the period of time that they are medically certified to be incapable of work. A person in receipt of Short-term benefit is responsible for informing the DSS office if there is any change of circumstances affecting his continued rights to such benefit. Short-Term Benefits being paid by DSS are as follows:
- Sickness Benefit
- Maternity Benefit
- Maternity Grant
- Employment Injury Benefit
- Disablement Benefit
- Disablement Grant
- Medical Expenses Benefit
- Death Benefit
The Long-term benefits being paid by DSS are as follows:
- Age Benefit
- Age Grant
- Invalidity Benefit
- Invalidity Grant
- Survivors Benefit
- Survivors Grant
In addition, a lump sum Funeral Grant is provided to assist with the burial expenses of an Insured Person, his or her spouse, and/or dependent children. The Grant is payable to the person(s) who has met, or is liable to meet the burial expenses.