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Public Relations and Communication Unit,

1F North Street, Kingston

Friday, November 3, 2023

Minister Charles Jr. Advocates CARICOM to Strengthen Caribbean Social Security Amidst Challenges

Montego Bay, Jamaica – November 2, 2023 – In a proactive call to action, the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., has championed the need for strategic reforms within CARICOM social security institutions. Addressing leaders at the 31st meeting of CARICOM Heads of Social
Security Organizations, Minister Charles highlighted the critical role robust social protection systems play in fostering resilience across Caribbean nations.

During the landmark gathering at Montego Bay’s Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, the Minister emphasized the imperative for regional social security organizations to embrace financial reform. “Our collective future hinges on sustainable social security systems that can weather the storms of crises, as starkly demonstrated by the recent earthquake and the ongoing pandemic recovery,”
Minister Charles Jr. stated.

Echoing the sentiments of regional unity and the theme of resilience, the Minister lauded the 50-year legacy of CARICOM’s service to the community through initiatives like CSME and CASS. He credited Jamaica’s swift and efficient response to the COVID-19 crisis to a strong Social Protection Policy Framework and the strategic foresight of government reforms, which have se the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) on a path of substantial growth.

The Minister also recognized the instrumental support of regional and development partners over the past three decades, praising their role in capacity building and policy development, which has been crucial in implementing transformative programs and interventions.
The meetings of the CARICOM Heads of Social Security Organizations, which resumed post pandemic, serve as an essential platform for dialogue on social security and pension-related issues, identifying gaps, and enhancing the capabilities of the region’s institutions. Minister Charles took the opportunity to reaffirmed Jamaica’s steadfast commitment to regional collaboration, ensuring the Caribbean’s social security landscape remains strong and responsive to the needs of its people.

IMG_DCS 6455-Following the Official Opening Ceremony and Luncheon of the CARIOM Heads of Social Security Organizations 31st Meeting, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour & Social Security (C) engages Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Mr. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano (1st R), Secretary General of the InterAmerican Conference on Social Security (CISS), Mr. Alvaro Velarco (R), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden (1st l) and Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Dr. Norman Dunn in a light discussion which was held on November 1, 2023 at the Hilton Resort & Spa Hotel in St. James.

IMG_DSC6376-Hon Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour & Social Security delivered the main address at the Official Opening Ceremony and Luncheon of the CARIOM Heads of Social Security Organizations 31st Meeting held on November 1, 2023 at the Hilton Resort & Spa Hotel in St. James.

IMG_DSC6432-From Left-Right-CARICOM Secretariat Communications Specialist, Mr. Salas Hamilton, Principal of the University of the West Indies Mona campus, Professor Densil Williams, Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Dr. Norman Dunn; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, CD, Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Mr. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary General of the Inter-American Conference on Social Security (CISS), Mr. Alvaro Velarco, and Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Audrey Deer Williams shared camera lens following the Official Opening and Luncheon of the CARIOM Heads of Social Security Organizations 31st Meeting held on November 1, 2023 at the Hilton Resort & Spa Hotel in St. James.

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Contact: MLSS Communication Unit|Tel: (876) 967-5484|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, July 19, 2023

More Benefit Increases for NIS Pensioners

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is confirming that along with increases to Pension benefits, which became effective on April 1, 2023, three other benefits under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) have also been increased.

Employment Injury Benefits have been increased from $3,200 to $4,200 per week, with effect from April 1, 2023.

The Funeral Grant has been increased from $90,000 to $150,000. The increase is applicable to claims for eligible contributors, pensioners, and their spouses who have died on or since April 1, 2023.

Additionally, benefits under the NI Gold (Comprehensive) Health Insurance Plan (HIP) have also been increased, with effect from June 1, 2023. The increases to the HIP coverage apply to hospitalization, surgical fees, doctors’ visits, diagnostic procedures, dental and optical services and prescription drugs.

The rates of increase for hospitalization range from 25% to 150%. Daily room and Board Rates have been increased from $800 to $1,000 per day, while Hospital Out-Patient coverage has been increased from $2,000 to $5,000.

Coverage for Diagnostic Services, Consultants’ Fees and Doctors’ Visits including emergency Home Visits, have been increased by 100%.

Prescription Drug coverage has been increased by 40%, while coverage for dental and optical services have been increased by 166%.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security remains steadfast in its commitment to the provision of effective social protection services for our pensioners, and all other vulnerable groups in the Jamaican population.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Labour Ministry Apologizes for Delay in Payment of NIS Pension Arrears

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is aware that some National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Pensioners did not see their pension arrears for the months of April and May reflected in their Bank Accounts on June 30, 2023.

The delay, which is due to a technical issue, has affected some pensioners who receive their NIS pension benefits via direct deposits into their bank accounts.

The Ministry apologizes for any inconvenience caused, and assures its Pensioners that we are working assiduously with our financial partners to have the issues urgently resolved.

Every effort is being made to have the payments delivered by Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Thursday, June 15, 2023

NIS Pensioners Begin Receiving Increases TODAY

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is pleased to announce that effective today, NIS pensioners will begin to see the new pension rates reflected in their bank accounts.

This is the first increase received by pensioners under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) in five (5) years.

The Ministry had previously indicated that payment of the new rates, which became effective on April 1, 2023, would be delivered on a phased basis, starting mid-June 2023, with a payment of arrears at the end of June. Some pensioners saw the new amounts reflected in their accounts as early as five (5) days ago.

The Ministry is reminding pensioners who are paid by Pension Order Books, that they will receive the new rates when their new Pension Order Books are due, beginning in July. The first Pension Order Voucher in the new book will reflect the arrears as well as the month’s payment at the new rate.

The pension rate increases are applicable to Retirement Pension benefits, the Invalidity and the Widows and Widowers Pensions, and range from 23% to 76%. The benefit for persons in receipt of Full-rate pensions has been increased by 23%, moving from $3,400 to $4,200 per week.

For persons receiving three-Quarter-rate pensions, the benefit has been increased by 37%, and moves from $2,550 per week to $3,500 per week. Pensioners receiving half-rate pensions will see an increase of 76%, moving from $1,700 per week to $3,000 per week.

Pensioners whose new Pension Order Books are due in the August to December period will be paid the new rate, with the arrears reflected on the first Pension Order Voucher in the new books.

The ministry reiterates our commitment to continue our ongoing work to upgrade our systems and become more efficient in the delivery of our services. We remain steadfast in

our strategic focus to establish service excellence and committed leadership in customer service delivery.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Ministry Denies Allegations of Pension Fraud Probe

The Ministry takes note of the recent publication by the Jamaica Observer titled “Pension Fraud Probe”.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security states categorically that there is no fraud probe being conducted by its Internal Auditors into the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) at this time. The Ministry has not received any reports of fraudulent activity relating to the Postmaster General (PMG) paying out more money than was disbursed to them by the NIS.

However, the Ministry takes note of the article and considers these allegations serious. As such we are inviting external independent authorities to examine the allegations to ensure full transparency and accountability.

The Ministry is assuring the public that it takes the management of public resources seriously, and that it continues to implement strategies to ensure the efficient and effective performance of our systems.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, May 19, 2023

Increases to National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Invalidity and Widows and Widowers Pensions

Further to our earlier advisory, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is advising members of the public that along with the Retirement Pension benefits, the Invalidity and the Widows and Widowers Pensions under the National Insurance Scheme have also been increased, with effect from April 1, 2023. The increases range from 23% to 76%.

The benefit for persons in receipt of Full-rate pensions has been increased by 23%, moving from $3,400 to $4,200 per week.

For persons receiving three-Quarter-rate pensions, the benefit has been increased by 37%, and move from $2,550 per week to $3,500 per week.

Pensioners receiving half-rate pensions will see an increase of 76%, moving from $1,700 per week to $3,000 per week.

Payment of the new rates will be delivered on a phased basis, starting in June 2023.

Pensioners who receive their payment by direct deposits will receive their payments of the new rates mid-June. Payment of arrears will be made at the end of June.

Pensioners who are paid by Pension Order Books, will receive the new rates when their new Pension Order Books are due beginning in July. That is, pensioners who are due new books in July 2023 will see the new rates reflected. The first Pension Order Voucher in the new book will reflect the arrears.

Similarly, pensioners whose new Pension Order Books are due in August, will be paid the new rate, with the arrears reflecting on the first Pension Order Voucher in the new books.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Increases to National Insurance Scheme Pensions

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is advising members of the public that the Old Age or Retirement Pension benefits under the National Insurance Scheme have been increased, with effect from April 1, 2023. The increases range from 23% to 76%.

Full-rate pensions have been increased by 23%, moving from $3,400 to $4,200 per week.

Three-Quarter-rate pensions have been increased by 37%, and move from $2,550 per week to $3,500 per week.

Pensioners receiving half-rate pensions will see an increase of 76%, moving from $1,700 per week to $3,000 per week.

Payment of the new rates will be delivered on a phased basis, starting in June 2023.

Pensioners who receive their payment by direct deposits will receive their payments of the new rates mid-June. Payment of arrears will be made at the end of June.

Pensioners who are paid by Pension Order Books, will receive the new rates when their new Pension Order Books are due beginning in July. That is, pensioners who are due new books in July 2023 will see the new rates reflected. The first Pension Order Voucher in the new book will reflect the arrears.

Similarly, pensioners whose new Pension Order Books are due in August, will be paid the new rate, with the arrears reflecting on the first Pension Order Voucher in the new books.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, February 28, 2022

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Expands Fleet of Mobile Units

The Ministry of Labour & Social Security has expanded its fleet of mobile units with the addition of two (2) 55 seater coaches, to improve efficiencies in the transportation of workers engaged under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme.

The buses were commissioned into service by Minister Karl Samuda, at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre during a brief ceremony on February 24, 2022, in which Her Excellency, Ms Emina Tudakovic, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, participated.

Immediately following the commissioning ceremony, the buses departed to the Norman Manley International Airport carrying ninety-five workers bound for Canada.

In her remarks to the departing workers, Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts Risden noted that the customized buses had been designed with their safety and comfort in mind, and challenged them to take care of the units. “These are not your regular buses; these coaches place emphasis on providing a safe, comfortable ride. Each unit is equipped with an info-tainment system, a spacious luggage compartment, padded, semi-bucket seats with arm and foot rests, and an air ride suspension system to cushion the feel of the road. The safety features include runway lights for night travelling and a full camera system. The buses are yours, so take care of them.”

The brief ceremony concluded with the cutting of a ribbon by Minister Samuda, who was accompanied by Her Excellency, Ms Emina Tudakovic, and Permanent Secretary Roberts Risden.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, says the reason overseas-based pensioners experienced difficulties in receiving pension payments was due to a newly implemented payment process.

She said the Ministry will ensure the situation does not recur.

“I am happy to report that entitlements for the United States and Canadian-based pensioners were uploaded in August, with pensioners verifying the receipt of the overdue payments,” she said.

The Minister was speaking at a quarterly press briefing, held at the Ministry’s North Street office in Kingston on September 4.

Mrs. Robinson noted further that United Kingdom and Rest-of-the-World-based pensioners can also expect to receive payments no later than this weekend.

“We have been advised that all the issues have been resolved, and we will now ensure that the payments due for September 15 are on time,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Robinson said the Ministry is working to improve customer service delivery to its clients, particularly in the processing of claims for social assistance; the turnaround time for work permit applications; and the turnaround time for the delivery of awards from the Industrial Disputes Tribunal.

She said the customer reception areas are also being improved to provide more efficiency in responding to telephone and email requests.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will, this financial year, also commission into service new offices in St. Ann’s Bay, St. Ann and Lucea, Hanover, as part of a project to improve infrastructure at its parish offices.

Mrs. Robinson said other offices are also being upgraded, including the St. James parish office.

Source: https://jis.gov.jm/labour-ministry-deals-with-overseas-pensioners/