Press Release
SSB Outlines Criteria for COVID-19 Unemployment/Underemployment Benefit
$10M earmarked for persons whose livelihood were affected by pandemic
June 2, 2020, Road Town, Tortola – As part of Phase II of its Economic Response Plan, the Government of the Virgin Islands has set up, through the Social Security Board, a “$10M COVID-19 Unemployment/Underemployment Relief Fund” for persons whose livelihoods were affected by the pandemic.
Eligibility Criteria for the COVID-19 Unemployment/Underemployment Benefit.
To qualify, an unemployed/underemployed person must:
- have been in insurable employment for at least one year prior to 30 March 2020;
- have paid at least 13 out of the 20 contribution weeks immediately before 30 March 2020;
- have been financially impacted by COVID-19; and
- be actively seeking employment.
Self-employed persons must have paid SSB/NHI contributions up to February 2020 in addition to meeting all conditions outlined for unemployed/underemployed persons.
The benefit will be calculated at a rate of 50-percent (50%) of insurable earnings up to a maximum of $1000, and a minimum of $500 a month. The benefit will be paid for a maximum period of three (3) months.
Forms are available at the offices of the Social Security Board and can be downloaded from the SSB website or via this direct link – https://www.vissb.vg/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/SSB-UAB-Form.pdf.
The Social Security Board continues to legally contribute to the community to maintain a level of social protection for all residents of the British Virgin Islands.
###
NOTES(S) TO EDITOR(S):
Insurable employment means work under the authority of an employer in the British Virgin Islands. This includes legal employment under a contract of service and self-employed.
Insurable earnings mean the portion of one’s salary or earnings from which monthly contributions are deducted.
DOWNLOAD ENGLISH PDF | DESCARGAR PDF EN ESPAÑOL