- What is the purpose of Social Security?
- What age can a person become insured with the Social Security Fund ?
- What documents are required to get registered as an employee?
- What documents are required to get registered as an employer?
- Are non-nationals required to participate in the Social Security program?
- How can I know whether or not my employer is paying my contributions?
- Can an employee refuse to pay contributions?
- Can an employer refuse to deduct and remit contributions?
- Can I continue contributing if I am residing overseas?
- Am I still required to pay contributions if I work after the Pensionable Age?
- What benefits does one qualify for as an Insured Person?
- Who is a Self-employed Person?
- Who is a Voluntary Contributor?
- Who is a Social Security Inspector?
What is the purpose of Social Security?
Social Security is a safety net for the insured worker. In many ways, Social Security is like private insurance. Just as a private insurance company collects premiums, Social Security collects contributions. And where there is need and the requirements are met, Social Security pays benefits.
What age can an individual become insured with the Montserrat Social Security Fund ?
All working persons (employees or self-employed) 16 years or older, are required by law to get registered and to contribute toward their future benefits. They are required to pay contributions until they attain the Pensionable Age.
What documents are required to get registered as an employee?
- A completed Registration of Employee form
- A passport
- An original or copy of Birth certificate along with a notarized photograph.
- An original or copy of Marriage certificate (if applicable).
What documents are required to get registered as an employer?
Every employer must complete and submit a Registration of Employer form. If the business is a partnership, the form must be signed by all partners. If the business is being operated as a Company, or under a Business Name, the employer is also required to present all the other relevant Documents for Registration (Refer to 9 (b) on the Registration of Employer form)
Are non-nationals required to participate in the Social Security program?
Every employee in Montserrat (including non-nationals) must be registered with the Montserrat Social Security Fund (MSSF) , and must pay contributions. Non-nationals must obtain and produce a Work Permit issued by the Government of Montserrat Labor Department.
How can I know whether or not my employer is paying my contributions?
It is every person’s responsibility to ensure that contributions are being remitted on his behalf. To find out whether your contributions are being paid, please contact the MSSF office. Every employee should ensure that his Social Security card is given to his employer on the first day of employment, or shortly thereafter.
Can an employee refuse to pay contributions?
No. The Social Security Act provides that contributions be paid on behalf of all working persons between the ages of 16 and the Pensionable Age.
Can an employer refuse to deduct and remit contributions?
It is an offence to refuse or fail to pay these contributions. Every employer is an agent of Social Security for the collection and payment of contributions. Therefore, if he fails to make the deductions, he then becomes personally liable for paying them.
Can I continue contributing if I am residing overseas?
Yes you can. If you are between the ages of 16 and the Pensionable Age you are entitled to pay contributions on a voluntary basis.
Am I still required to pay contributions if I work after the Pensionable Age?
No, an Insured person is only required to pay contributions between the ages of 16 and the Pensionable Age.
What benefits does one qualify for as an Insured Person?
Click here for more information.
Who is a Self-employed Person?
A Self-employed person is distinct from an employee in that he works for himself. He is not employed as part of the business of another, neither is his work integrated into the business of another. Generally, such a person controls the terms and conditions under which he works. Click here for more information
Who is a Voluntary Contributor?
A Voluntary Contributor is an Insured person who does not satisfy the conditions under which he may contribute as an employee or self-employed person, and who, as a result, chooses to contribute on his own behalf on a voluntary basis.Click here for more information.
Who is a Social Security Inspector?
Social Security Inspectors are Officers who are duly authorized by Section 12 of the Social Security Act to visit any place where persons are employed, and to conduct the appropriate investigation and examination of employment related records to ensure that the proper procedures are being followed in keeping with the provisions of the Social Security Act. It must be noted that it is an offence under the Act to obstruct, molest or refuse admission to these Inspectors, or to refuse to furnish them with any information or documents which are required for the purposes of inspection or investigation.