It is of interest to note that while the total Social Security contributions payable on behalf of an employee is 9% of his Average Weekly Insurable Earnings (AWIE), the minimum Pension which he may qualify for is 20% of his AWIE. Additionally, the Short-term Benefits he may qualify for is paid at the rate of 60% of his AWIE.
The benefits provided are divided into three categories as follows:
Short-Term benefits
These are benefits that are generally payable for a short duration of time (not exceeding 26 weeks), 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 MSSF office if there is any change of circumstances affecting his continued rights to such benefit.
The Short-Term Benefits being paid by MSSF are as follows:
- Sickness Benefit paid every 10 days
- Maternity Benefit paid every 10 days
- Maternity Grant a one time payment
Long-term Benefits
Long-Term Benefits are generally payable for a longer duration of time than Short-term Benefits which are paid for a maximum period of twenty-six (26) weeks. The amount of benefit payable is calculated according to the number of Contributions (or Credits) which a person has earned during his working life up to the date of his eligibility and his average income for the best seven (7) years of the last fifteen (15) years prior to his date of eligibility. Having determined the Claimant’s Average earnings, the Claimant is usually paid a percentage of that Average Earnings.
The Long-term benefits being paid by MSSF are as follows:
- Age Benefit: paid fourth weekly every 28 days
- Age Grant: one-time payment
- Invalidity Benefit: paid fourth weekly every 28 days
- Invalidity Grant: one-time payment
- Survivors’ Benefit: paid fourth weekly every 28 days
- Survivors’ Grant: one-time payment
- Funeral Grant: one-time payment
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.
Employment Injury Benefits
These are benefits that are payable as a direct consequence of an occupational hazard. The benefits being paid under the Employment Injury Branch are as follows:
- Employment Injury Benefit paid fourth weekly every 28 days
- Disablement Pension Benefit paid fourth weekly every 28 days
- Disablement Benefit Grant one time payment
- Medical Expenses Benefit one time payment
- Death Benefit Grant one time payment