Frequently Asked Questions

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Here are some of the questions we hear most often. If you have a question that is not answered here, send us a message on Live Chat, FB Messenger or WhatsApp. Our Customer Care team is here to help. (Monday-Thursday: 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm)

 

CONTRIBUTIONS

Online Employer Services gives Self-Employed Persons & Employers direct access to submit contribution statements online.

For more details, visit Employer Services

 

The term ‘employer‘ includes: 

  • Self-Employed, Sole Proprietor, Voluntary Contributor, Partnership,
  • Limited Liability Company, Cooperative, Foreign Owned, NGO/Church, and Quasi Government.
  1. Visit Employer Services here bit.ly/ssbemployerservices
  2. Log in to your account and press ‘Link to an Existing Employer’ to add your employer profile (s).
  3. Enter the Employer Number, and ‘Name of Employer/Organization’. (Must match exactly as it appears in SSB records)
  4. Select ‘Yes’ to indicate that you are the owner.
  5. Congratulations! Your Access Request has been successfully submitted.
    • Instructions to fully activate your account will be sent to your email inbox.
  1. Visit Employer Services here bit.ly/ssbemployerservices
  2. Log in to your account and press ‘Link to an Existing Employer to add the employer profile (s).
  3. Enter the ‘Employer Number’, and ‘Name of Employer/Organization’. (Must match exactly as it appears in SSB records)
  4. Select ‘NO’ to indicate that you are not the owner.
  5. Upload the following Supporting Documents:
  6. Congratulations! Your Access Request has been successfully submitted.
    • Instructions to fully activate your account will be sent to your email inbox.

No, Employer Numbers are newly issued numbers that replaced your old Business Number.

  • If you have not received your newly issued Employer Numbers, please contact the nearest SSB office or SSB Customer Care to obtain your new Employer Numbers.
  1. Visit Online Employer Services at socialsecurity.org.bz.
    • Select ‘View Statements’ under the Transactions menu.
    • Next, click Add Statements to create the statement.

2. Select the Month for the Contribution Statement that you are submitting.

  1. Create the Statement using any of the below methods:
    • ‘Upload File’,
    • ‘Copy Previous Month’, or
    • Add Employee manually.
  1. Make payments using any of the three available channels.
    • Online Banking,
    • Over the Counter (Debit/Credit or Cash),
    • Dropbox Service (Cheques only).

Yes, as a Self-Employed Person, follow these steps:

  1. Visit Online Employer Services
    • Select ‘View Statements’ under the Transactions menu.
    • Next, click Add Statements to create the statement.

2. Select the Month for the Contribution Statement that you are submitting.

3. Click Submit Statement to complete.(Statements are automatically created using your declared insurable income as a Self-Employed Person.)

4. Make payments using any of the three available channels.

    • Online Banking,
    • Over the Counter (Debit/Credit or Cash),
    • Dropbox Service (Cheques only).

Contribution payments can be made using any of the channels below:

  • Online Banking (Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Heritage Bank),
  • Over-the-Counter at any SSB Branch Office (Debit/Credit Card or Cash),
  • DropBox Service (Cheques only)

If using your Online Banking, follow these steps:

  1. Login to your Online Banking and select Self-Service Payments if using Belize Bank online.
  2. OR Bill Pay if using Atlantic Bank or Heritage Bank online.
  3. Select Social Security Board.
  4. Enter the required PAYMENT REFERENCE NUMBER, payment details and submit.

Note: If using Belize Bank online, the recommended device is Desktop/PC.

Calculate using the online Contributions Calculator on the SSB website under Online Services.

Employees can apply by completing and submitting the Employment Declaration (ED1 Form) to info@socialsecurity.org.bz or the nearest branch office

By Law, all Employers are required to pay contributions and provide pay slips for every payday showing contribution deductions made from the salary of all their currently employed staff/workers.

Employees also have the right to report Employers for none payment of contributions by visiting the nearest SSB Branch Office to submit a FIN59 form. An inspector will be assigned to the case with an investigation to follow. The entire process will be kept completely confidential.

No. Contributions paid into the SSB program remains on record of all its members for any future payments on benefits.

Persons can apply for their Contribution History by completing an Employment Declaration (ED1) form and submitting to the nearest branch office. Click here for the form.

Employees are also advised to provide copies of all their pay slips for each payday showing contribution deductions made from their salary.

MY SOCIAL SECURITY

MY SOCIAL SECURITY Self-Service Portal is your direct access to manage all your Social Security information. Take control with MY SOCIAL SECURITY to view, update and manage your Social Security record.

Note: Must be 14 years or older and have a valid email address to create an account. Minors under age 14 must be linked to a parent’s or guardian’s account.

To create an account, you must:

  • Be fourteen (14) years or older, and
  • Have a valid personal email address.

Note: Minors under 14 years must be linked to a parent’s or guardian’s account.

Follow these steps to create your My Social Security account:

  1. Visit the My Social Security portal at ssbportal.org.bz 
  2. Click ‘Create Account
  3. Enter your Date of Birth and Phone Number
  4. Enter & Verify your personal email address by clicking ‘Send Verification’. (Enter the verification code sent to your email inbox to proceed)
  5. Create a Password that meets the requirements.
  6. Enter your Name & Select the Reason for your account then click Create to complete.
  • If you already have a Social Security Number, click LINK MY SSN –  Follow the steps in your confirmation email to complete activation.
  • If you do not have a Social Security Number, click REGISTER WITH SSB – Follow and complete the online registration process.

Note: Account activation must be done via Facial Recognition via a WhatsApp video call or a visit to the office.

  1. If you already have a Social Security number:
    • On your homepage, click ‘LINK MY SSN
    • Enter your details and submit
    • Check your email inbox for additional steps to complete activation.

2. If you do not have a Social Security number:

    • On your homepage, click ‘REGISTER WITH SSB’ 
    • Proceed to register for a Social Security number.

Note: Activation must be done by Facial Recognition via a WhatsApp video call or a visit to the office using the Reference Number in your confirmation email.

Activate your account using WhatsApp by sending us a message with your REFERENCE NUMBER and NAME to any of the numbers below:
  • +501-607-5416
  • +501-624-0661
  • +501-606-8261
  • +501-630-2818 (Para activar su cuenta en Español)
Note:
  • The WhatsApp numbers listed above are ONLY for activations of MY SOCIAL SECURITY Accounts. (Mon. to Thurs.:8AM – 5PM & Friday.:8AM – 4:30PM)
  • Account Activation must be done via Facial Recognition. (WhatsApp Video Call or Visit to the Office.)

To make changes to your personal information, follow these steps:

  1. Visit My Social Security portal at ssbportal.org.bz
  2. Click ‘Login‘ to sign in to your newly created account,
  3. On your homepage, click on ‘Edit’
  4. Select the change you wish to complete:
    • Name Change,
    • Contact Information,
    • Bank or Credit Union Account Information,
    • Marital Status
  5. Enter your desired changes,
  6. Upload your Supporting Document(s),
  7. Click ‘Next’ to submit.

Note: Changes made to your existing registration record may result in having a new card printed. For example, a name change. 

If you do not require any changes to your card or personal information, follow these steps:

  1. Visit My Social Security Portal at ssbportal.org.bz
  2. Click ‘Login‘ to sign in to your newly created account.
  3. Click ‘Card Replacement’ listed under Dashboard on the left-side menu. (Profile > Dashboard > Card Replacement)
  4. Select the Reason for your replacement:
    • Damaged/Destroyed,
    • Expired,
    • Lost,
    • Stolen,
  5. Click ‘Next’ to book your appointment,
  6. Select the Branch Office, Date & Time for your appointment.
  7. Submit to complete.
  1. Visit My Social Security portal at ssbportal.org.bz
  2. Click on ‘Login‘ to sign in to your newly created account
  3. On your homepage, click on ‘Register with SSB
  4. Fill in all fields of each category:
    • Personal Information
    • Contact, Family
    • Beneficiary Information (if applicable)
    • Bank/Credit Union Information
  5. Upload Supporting Documents
    • Original documents must be presented at time of your appointment.
  6. Review your application, book your appointment, and submit to complete.

If the child is under 14 years old, a Parent/Guardian must first create an account to proceed with the following steps:

  1. Visit My Social Security portal at ssbportal.org.bz
  2. Click on ‘Login‘ to sign in to your newly created account
  3. On the Parent’s/Guardian’s homepage, click ‘Register a Child/Dependent
  4. Click on ‘Association’ drop list and select ‘Child’,
  5. Fill in all fields of each category:
    • Personal Information
    • Contact
    • Family etc.
    • Upload Supporting Documents. (Original documents must be presented at time of your appointment.)
  6. Review your application, book your child’s appointment, and submit to complete.

To apply for a New/Replacement card, or to update your personal information/ record, you must be:

  • 14 years or older applying for yourself, or
  • A Parent/ Legal Guardian who is applying for their child under 14 years, or
  • A person with the legal authority to apply for a dependent person.
  • CARD REPLACEMENT to request a new card without any changes to your existing information/record. (Damaged, Expired, Lost, Stolen)
  • EDIT to request changes to your existing information/record that may result in having a new card printed. (Name Change, Martial Status, etc.)
  • LINK AN EXISTING CHILD/DEPENDENT SSN to link an existing Social Security Number for your Child/Dependent. ((Must be completed by a Parent’s/ Guardian’s account for minors under 14 years.)
  • LINK MY SSN to request linking/account activation. (If you already have a Social Security number.)
  • PROFILE DASHBOARD to view a snapshot of your information and recent notifications.
  • QUERY HISTORY to view all previous queries sent from your account.
  • REGISTER A CHILD/DEPENDENT to apply for a 1st-Time Registration for your Child/Dependent. (Must be completed by a Parent’s/ Guardian’s account for minors under 14 years.)
  • REGISTER WITH SSB to apply for your 1st-Time registration with SSB. (If you do not have a Social Security number.)
  • SUBMIT A QUERY sends us a direct email with your query/concern.
  • UPDATE HISTORY to view all previous or recent updates made to your information/record.
  • VIEW DOCUMENTATION provides general information such as Frequently Asked Questions.

On the date of your appointment, please:

  • Arrive 10 minutes early,
  • Bring your Reference Code, and
  • Original supporting documents.

Note: The full list of required documents are listed on the website under 1st-Time Registration, Card Replacement or General Card Info.

Only applicants 14 years and older, with their own scheduled appointment, should visit the office to capture their signature, photograph and fingerprints.

Note: Minors under 14 years do not need to join their Parent/Guardian for the appointment.

Yes, but only for yourself or your children (under age 14) and/or a dependent.

Your contact information is required to activate your account and is used for all future updates from SSB, such as:

  • Your Appointment confirmation,
  • Changes to your record,
  • Query updates, and
  • To reset your password.

If you encounter any problems creating or using your account:

  • Email us at support@socialsecurity.org.bz;
  • Send us your query using “’Submit a Query‘ from your account;
  • Click on ‘View Documentation‘ for Frequently Asked Questions;
  • Message us on Live Chat www.socialsecurity.org.bz; (Mon-Thurs 8AM to 5PM and Fri 8AM to 4:30PM)

To reset your password:

  1. Visit My Social Security portal at ssbportal.org.bz
  2. Click on ‘Login’ and click ‘Forgot Password
  3. Enter your Email Address and click on ‘Send Verification Code’.
  4. Check your inbox for an email message which contains a code to verify your email address.
  5. You can now proceed to create a new password.

No. You can create an account anytime, anywhere.

No. Depending on the type of registration service or update, you may be required to visit the office to provide original documents, or to have your photograph captured and signature taken.

Yes. You are free to sign out and sign in back later to complete the registration application. No changes can be made to your application once it has been submitted and approved.

The status of your registration application is displayed as a notice on your dashboard. To view:

  • Sign-in to your account
  • Click on ‘Dashboard’ on the top menu.

A notification will be sent to your email with the reason for rejected status. You can then update or resolve any area(s) of your application and resubmit.

Yes. The reschedule or cancel feature is visible on the notice section of your dashboard. To view:

  • Sign-in to your account
  • Click ‘Dashboard’ on the top menu.

Appointments can only be made three (3) months in advance, however you can cancel or reschedule, if necessary.

To view, follow these steps:

  • Click on ‘Update History’ on the left-side menu.

To change your email address:

  • Sign-in to your account
  • Click on your profile located on the upper right-hand corner.
  • Under Edit Profile, select ‘Change Email’,
  • Enter your new email address.
  • Click on the ‘Save Email’ button.

An account cannot be deleted once it has been created.

REGISTRATION

By Law, all Belizeans are required to be registered with Social Security to ensure future social insurance coverage for employed persons over age 14. The Social Security card is also considered a second form of personal ID.

 

SSB continues to provide 10 Social Security Benefits to safeguard you, your family and your future:
Sickness | Invalidity | Injury | Medical Care | Retirement | Maternity | Disability | Funeral Grant | Survivors’ | Death

Your Social Security number serves as your unique account with SSB that is used to accurately record all your contributions and track your benefit payments throughout your entire work life.

No. Only persons’ ages 14 and older are required to be present to capture their signature, photograph and fingerprints.

ISSUE TYPE                         FEE                                                                        CARD HOLDER 

First Issue                       BZ $5.00                             Born Belizean, Naturalized Belizean, Permanent Resident of Belize, CARICOM National (Holder of                                                                                                                                  CSME Qualifying Certificate & Indefinite Entry Stay Stamp) 

First Issue                       BZ $26.00                           Foreign National with Temporary Residency Status 

Replacement                   BZ $26.00                           All replacement cards after first issue. 

No fee is charged for the following exceptions: 

  1. Defective cards, provided a card reprint request is made within one month from the date of issue; or
  2. Any card identified as printed with an error due to administrative oversight.

For more card details, visit the General Card Information page.

  1. BORN BELIZEAN
  2. FOREIGN BORN PERSON WITH PERMANENT RESIDENCY STATUS AND RIGHT TO WORK IN BELIZE
    1. Naturalized Belizean
    2. Permanent Resident of Belize
    3. CARICOM National (Holder of CSME Qualifying Certificate AND Indefinite Entry of Stay stamp)
  3. FOREIGN BORN PERSON WITH TEMPORARY RESIDENCY STATUS AND RIGHT TO WORK IN BELIZE
    1. CARICOM National (Holder of CSME Definite Entry of Stay stamp)
    2. Condition Stamp Holder
    3. Refugee Card Holder
    4. Special Permit Holder with Condition Stamp
    5. Temporary Employment Permit Holder
    6. Temporary Resident Permit Holder
  4. FOREIGN BORN PERSON WITH TEMPORARY RESIDENCY STATUS AND WITHOUT THE RIGHT TO WORK IN BELIZE
    1. Dependent Permit Holder
    2. Student Permit Holder

NOTE: A parent or legal guardian must apply for the registration of his/her dependent child who is under age fourteen (14) and must provide a valid photo ID. The legal guardian of a dependent child must provide a Court Order showing legal guardianship.

Click here to learn more on Registration.

Click here to view the full list of required Registration Documents for 1st-Time Registration.

Acceptable documents for Name Changes are:

  • Adoption Certificate
  • Corrected Birth Certificate
  • Divorce Absolute
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Deed Poll with Birth Certificate or Adoption Certificate.

Acceptable Photo IDs include:

  • Belize Passport, OR
  • Passport from naturalized country or country of origin; OR
  • Belize Voter’s Identification Card (with color photo); OR
  • Drivers’ License; OR
  • National Identity/Identification Card (foreign national); OR
  • Social Security Card
  • Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary School Student ID issued in Belize (applicable to dependent children under eighteen years) OR

If unable to provide any of the above valid Photo IDs, then please present the following:

  • A recent (2 X 2inch) color photo of applicant with a Justice of the Peace Declaration that reads: I certify this is a true likeness of __________ and I have known him/ her for ________ years.

Click here to view the General Card Information that covers the following:

  • Guidelines for Photo ID
  • Fees
  • Validity
  • Photo & Signature

Original Primary Documents required for a card replacement are:

  • Belizean Passport OR
  • Birth Certificate or Adoption Certificate AND a valid Photo ID

NOTE: For card replacements, Born Belizeans are not required to provide their original birth certificate only if said document is already recorded in SSB’s database or at the General Registry, Vital Statistics in Belize.

Click here to learn more on Card Replacements

Original Primary Documents required are:

  • Birth Certificate or Adoption Certificate AND 
  • A Valid Photo ID

Acceptable Photo IDs include: 

  • Belize Passport, OR 
  • Passport from naturalized country; OR 
  • Belize Voter’s Identification Card (with color photo); OR 
  • Drivers’ License; OR 
  • Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary School Student ID issued in Belize (applicable to dependent children under eighteen years) OR 

 If unable to provide any of the valid Photo IDs listed above, then: 

  • recent (2 X 2inch) color photo of applicant with a Justice of the Peace Declaration that reads: I certify this is a true likeness of __________ and I have known him/ her for ________ years. 

A parent or legal guardian must apply for his/her dependent child who is under age fourteen (14) and must provide a valid Photo ID.

NOTE: A Court Order showing legal guardianship is also required from a legal guardian.

Original and Valid Primary Documents required are:

    • Belize Nationality Certificate with photo; OR
    • Belize Nationality Certificate without photo and a photo ID; OR
    • Belize Passport.

Note: A photo ID of the applicant is required if the Belize Nationality Certificate being presented does not bear his own photograph.

Click here to learn more on Card Replacements

Original and Valid Primary Documents required are:

    • CARICOM Single Market & Economy Free Movement of Skills (CSME) Qualifying Certificate AND
    • Passport from country of origin or naturalized country with Indefinite Entry of Stay “Right to Work” Stamp affixed on one of the passport pages.

Note: Qualifying Certificate is a Certificate of Recognition of Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) Act.

Valid passport from country of original or naturalized country. AND

Valid permits, cards or stamps such as:

  • Condition Stamp; OR
  • Dependent Permit; OR
  • Definite Entry of Stay “Right to Work” Stamp affixed on one of the passport pages; OR
  • Refugee Card; OR
  • Student Permit; OR
  • Special Permit with Condition Stamp; OR
  • Temporary Employment Permit; OR
  • Temporary Residence Permit. OR

Note: A foreign national must submit his/her original birth certificate if he/she becomes a Permanent Resident or citizen of Belize.

Primary Documents required for new/replacement card are:

    • Belize Permanent Residence Card; OR
    • Passport from country of origin or naturalized country with Belize Permanent Residence stamp affixed on one of the passport pages.

Note: An expired passport with Belize Permanent Residence stamp affixed is also acceptable.

BENEFITS

SSB offers the following Benefits, some conditions apply:

  • Sickness Benefit
  • Maternity Benefit (Allowance or Grant)
  • Sickness Benefit after Maternity
  • Funeral Grant
  • Survivor’s Benefit (Pension or Grant)
  • Invalidity Benefit (Pension or Grant)
  • Retirement Benefit (Pension or Grant)
  • Employment Injury Benefit
  • Disablement Benefit (Pension or Grant)
  • Non-Contributory Pension

Submit your claims using the following available options:

IN OFFICE: Submit your complete claim package at any SSB Branch Office countrywide during normal working hours.

OR

DROP BOX: Drop off complete claim package into the Drop Box Slot conveniently located outside of the Branch Office.

NoteLate claims must be submitted with a late note or indication on the form stating the reason for the delay. Failure to submit complete and accurate benefit claims within the 14 day deadline may result in loss of benefit/delay in payment.

BENEFIT TYPEDEADLINE TO CLAIM
Sickness Benefit, Injury Benefit 14 days from first day of illness or incapacity
Maternity allowance8 weeks before Expected Delivery Date and 3 weeks after Delivery
Survivors/ Death, Invalidity, Disablement

Retirement

13 weeks from date of death or incapacity/illness

13 weeks after turning 60 or 65

Maternity Grant3 months from date of birth
Funeral Grant6 months from date of death

SSB replaces 80% of a person’s insurable earnings, not their salary. The Employer is responsible to pay the remaining balance of the employee’s full salary for up to 16 days according to the Labour laws of Belize.

Employees have a maximum of 14 days to submit their Sickness Benefit claim.

Note: If you are unable to do submit for yourself, a friend or family member or your employer may submit on your behalf in order to avoid delay.

Employees must have 50 overall contributions, be employed and have paid contributions for 5 of 13 weeks immediately before they got ill.

The Insured Female must have 50 overall contributions and no less than 25 paid contributions in 39 weeks immediately before the expected due date.

Deadline to claim Maternity Allowance is 8 weeks before Expected Delivery Date and 3 weeks after Delivery.

Note: If you are unable to do submit for yourself, a friend or family member or your employer may submit on your behalf in order to avoid delay.

The Maternity Benefit includes an allowance for a maximum of 14 weeks that replaces the insured female’s income for days off from work. The Maternity Grant is a one-time payment made to either the insured mother or insured father on the birth of their child.

No. However, The Maternity Grant can be paid to an Insured Male whose spouse did not qualify for the Maternity Benefit.

The Insured Male must have 50 overall contributions and have 25 contributions paid in the 50 weeks before his spouse has given birth.

Deadline to claim is 3 months after delivery.

Note: If you are unable to do submit for yourself, a friend or family member or your employer may submit on your behalf in order to avoid delay.

The Funeral Grant is a one-time payment to cover the funeral costs for the following:

  1. An Insured Person ($1,500);
  2. The spouse of an Insured Person ($1,000); or
  3. The dependent child of an Insured Person ($500).
  • The deceased Insured Person must have a minimum of 50 overall contributions for family members to claim the Funeral Grant; or
  • the Insured Person must have a minimum of 150 overall contributions to claim the Funeral Grant for the loss of a spouse or dependent child.

Deadline to claim is 6 months from date of death.

Yes. The surviving family members of a deceased Insured Person may be eligible for the Survivors’ Benefit. This benefit can be paid as either a monthly (4 week) Pension or as a one-time Grant.

The deceased Insured Person must have 500 overall contributions for family members to qualify for a Survivor’s Pension. If the deceased Insured Person has 26 to 499 overall contributions, family members may then qualify for a Survivor’s Grant.

Deadline to claim is 13 weeks after date of death.

Yes. The Retirement Benefit can be paid as a monthly (4 week) Pension or as a one-time Grant. The form of payment is determined by the Insured Person’s overall contributions.

Insured Persons are eligible to retire from ages of 60 – 64. However, must no longer be employed and have 500 overall contributions to qualify for the Retirement Pension. Insured Persons with 26 to 499 overall contributions may qualify for the Retirement Grant.

To appeal the decision of your claim, complete and submit the Appeal Form (AP1 Form) to info@socialsecurity.org.bz or to the nearest Branch Office.

GENERAL

Contact us: 

  • General Queries: info@socialsecurity.org.bz,
  • My Social Security: support@socialsecurity.org.bz
  • Investment Services: invest@socialsecurity.org.bz,
  • WhatsApp (messages only): +501-639-5745

Click here CONTACT US to view all nine (9) Branch Offices & their contact information.

Click here to view the full list of Forms.

Social Security is social insurance that replaces part of your income from work when you become sick, pregnant or disabled. It also replaces part of your income when you retire or die leaving survivors. It provides insurance for you and your family.

Yes. The surviving family members of a deceased Insured Person may be eligible for the Survivors’ and/or Death Benefits. Conditions Apply. For more information, click here.

This term refers to an insured male or female who is registered with SSB and employed therefore, is a member of the program.

This term refers to any regular employment or self-employment of 8 hours or more per week.

This term refers to the maximum portion of your weekly income that is insurable/covered and is used to calculate your maximum weekly cash benefits.