NIS Benefit Increases

The following benefits payable under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS)

have been increased with effect from July 1, 2010.

Pensioners who have already received their pension order books will receive

the new rates in their next book, along with all the outstanding arrears.

                                                                        Existing                           New

Category of Benefit                                Weekly Rate                Weekly Rate

Old Age, Invalidity &

Widow’s/Widower’s Pension

·       Full Rate                                               $2,000                                   $2,400

·        3/4 Rate                                                $1,500                                   $1,800

·        1/2 Rate                                                $1,000                                   $1,200

Dependent Spouse’s Allowance                      $670                             $800

(Addition to Old Age/Invalidity Pension)

Orphan’s/Special Child’s Allowance  $3,500                            $4,200

Sugar Worker’s Pension                                  $1,000                                   $1,200

Special Anniversary Pension                           $1,000                                   $1,200

Employment Injury Benefit

And Disablement Pension                         $250 - $2,500             $320 - $3,200

Maternity Allowance                                      $4,070     (Linked to Minimum Wage)

(For Domestic Workers)                                                                                          

Type of Grant                                          Existing Grant              New Grant

Old Age, Invalidity &

Widow’s/Widower’s Grant                           $30,000                                  $40,000

Orphan’s/Special Child’s Grant                    $40,000                        $48,000

Funeral Grant                                                 $60,000                                  $70,000

The following NIGOLD benefit allocations have been increased with effect from

July 1, 2010.

Pensioners should continue to use their NIGOLD cards to access these benefits.

                                                                  Existing                                    New

Category of Benefit                      Annual Maximum               Annual Maximum

Prescription Drugs                                    $4,000                                   $5,000

Diagnostic Services                                  $3,000                                   $4,000

Dental & Optical Services                       $2,000                                    $3,000

The following NIGOLD benefit allocations have been renewed with effect from

April 1, 2010.

Category of Benefit                      Conditions                                    Maximum

Doctor’s Visit                                  maximum one per day                       $500

Consultation                                    referral only (per visit)            $1,000

Hospital Room & Board                 per night                                             $800

Hospital Miscellaneous                  per disability                                      $6,000

Hospital Outpatient                         per disability                                      $2,000

Surgeon’s Fee                                  per procedure (co-pay $1,000)         $30,000

Assistant Surgeon’s Fee                  per procedure (co-pay $500)   $12,000

Anaesthetist’s Fee                           per procedure (co-pay $500)   $12,000

Pensioners who have not yet received their Sagicor NIGOLD card should contact

your NIS Parish Office for further information.

NIS Works When You Can’t!