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If you have questions about Social Security that is not answered here, feel free to call or visit one of Social Security branches nearest you. We will be happy to assist in any way we can.

• 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, just as a private insurance company pays benefits. The big difference is that while a private insurance company can pick and choose the people it will insure Social Security insures every legally employed person in the country. As long as the legal requirements are met, Social Security cannot refuse to include anyone in the program.

• How is Social Security governed?

The Ministry of Finance is responsible for the general supervision of the scheme. A Board of Directors of seven members administers the Scheme.

• How does Social Security invest its funds?

The Investment Committee advises the Board of Directors how best to invest money that is not needed immediately for benefit payments. (See Section 49 of the Social Security Act.)

• Can I borrow against my 10 years of paying into the Scheme?

Social Security is not a bank or credit union. The contributions you pay go into the Social Security Fund and are used to pay benefits.

• How does one qualify for a Social Security loan?

Social Security is not a loan institution and does not lend money except as part of its investment program. Any proposal for a loan as an investment must go to the Investment Committee for analysis and recommendation, and then to the Board of Directors for approval.

• How is the rate of return on Social Security investments calculated?

It is calculated in the same way that the rate of return is calculated for any other investment program. More details can be obtained from the Investment Committee.

• Why doesn't Social Security invest in its own doctors and hospital?

Social Security was not set up to directly provide medical care, but only to pay for medical care under certain circumstances. To directly administer a health care system would cost far more than the present rate of contributions would allow.

• Where can I obtain a copy of the Social Security Act?

A copy of the Social Security Act may be obtained from any Social Security Office at ten dollars per copy. You can also download the Act or any part of it you need from the Social Security website, www.socialsecurity.org.bz for free.

• Why is it necessary for people to register with Social Security?

Social Security is a mandatory national social insurance program that affects, in one way or another, nearly every person in the country. Such a program can work most effectively when everyone is registered, is paying contributions, is entitled to a benefit, and there is a complete database assembled.

• What documents are required for Social Security registration?

That depends on such factors as where you are from. See the registration section of this handbook for details.

• How many years will the new Social Security card be valid for?

The Social Security card is generally valid for five years; there are exceptions. See the registration section of this handbook.

• With the new card, will I receive a new Social Security number?

No. If you have been registered, your new Social Security card will have the same number that you were given at the time of registration whether recently or years ago.

• Do we have to register children?

Yes, every child is to be registered. A mother shall register her baby no later than 30 days after the birth of the baby.

• Can I register for my new Social Security card at any office regardless of where I presently reside?

Yes. You may apply for your Social Security card at any Social Security Office.

• What is the price of the new card?

There is no charge. The card is free.

• If my new Social Security card is lost, can I get a new one?

Yes. The Social Security card can be replaced at a cost of $15.

• Is registration for the new card compulsory or voluntary?

All eligible people in Belize are required to have a Social Security card. Everyone who is legally resident in Belize is eligible.

• Why do we need to produce a document to get the new card when the information is already in the database?

In 1981, Social Security registered over 24,000 people in three months. Some of those people are now telling Social Security the information in the database is wrong. Many addresses are outdated and Social Security cannot communicate with insured persons when necessary. The database is being updated by Social Security with the legal, verifiable documents you provide. Our new registration system ensures more accurate information on our records.

• Will there be coverage for our entire family with this new Social Security card?

The Social Security card indicates that you are registered with Social Security. It does not determine Social Security benefits.

• What is insurable employment?

It is any trade, business or profession of a person between 18 and 60 years.

• How do I know how many contributions I have?

Visit the Social Security Office nearest you; the customer service staff there can inform you what contributions are in your record.

• If both parents qualify for maternity grant at the birth of a child, why is it that only one parent can get the benefit?

A double benefit cannot be paid for the same child. The husband qualifies only if the insured woman does not qualify and he meets the qualifying conditions.

• What is Constant Attendance Allowance?

This is a payment made to people who are one hundred percent disabled as a result of an employment injury and who need constant attendance. It is 25 percent of the disablement pension and is paid at the same time as the pension.

• Who can claim Funeral Grant?

Generally, the immediate family can make a claim. In the absence of the immediate family, the person who pays funeral expenses can claim the grant.

• I am legally married however I have been separated from my wife/husband for over eight years. Can my common-law be the person to collect any benefits from Social Security when I die?

Again, the specifics of each case are different. Go to the Social Security office nearest you to find out about your case.

• If I migrate to another country, can my pension payments be mailed to me?

It will not be mailed to you. Inform Social Security in writing of your designated bank account number in Belize. Your pension payments will be deposited directly to the designated account. Remember to provide a pensioner's declaration every six months on the prescribed form.

• My father has two children, if he dies, who gets the benefit?

Possibly both, if they are minors. However, each case is different. Social Security needs to know all the specific information about the children before determining the benefit. This is one reason why all children need to be registered with Social Security so that information about them will already be in the database.

• Why aren't the qualifying conditions for Maternity Grant different for seasonal workers?

Social Security does not have separate requirements for seasonal workers. All insured workers are covered by the same set of regulations regarding contributions and benefits.

• What are some of the necessary requirements in making a benefit claim?

Each benefit has its own requirements. See the benefits section of this handbook, or ask at the Social Security office nearest you.

• What will happen to my contributions if I quit working?

When you are not employed, your Social Security account is frozen. It is re-activated whenever you return to work as a self-employed and pay contributions. You may keep your account active by paying voluntary contributions thereby building up your retirement fund and increasing benefits to your survivors.

• Can benefit payments be increased without raising payments of contributions?

A decision to do so would be dependent on the state of the Fund, and the impact that any such increase would have on the fund. When benefits are raised without raising contributions, there is a risk of using up the reserve money in the Fund. If that should happen, the scheme might not be sustainable in the future.

• Who can apply to pay voluntary contributions?

If you have been employed and have at least 150 contributions paid on your behalf, you may apply to make voluntary contributions when you are not working. If you have been employed and are not now employed, you should talk with the customer service staff at the Social Security Office nearest you to find out if you qualify for Voluntary Insurance.

• How does one apply for Voluntary Insurance?

You can apply for Voluntary Insurance at any office of Social Security if you have been employed, have at least 150 contributions paid on your behalf and are under the age of 65. You need to apply within 26 weeks of your last day of employment to be eligible.

• What are the available benefits for those who pay Voluntary Insurance?

You can build up your retirement benefit and increase survivors' benefit.

• If a Self employed is injured on the job, what are the steps to be taken?

The first step is to get to a general medical practitioner, then notify Social security about the accident within 24 hours after the accident occurred. You are to cooperate fully in any investigation of the accident.