Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697631763235.pdf (Antigua and Barbuda)
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS PAYABLE TO THE SELF-EMPLOYED PERSON?

Self-Employed persons are entitled to all the benefits offered by the Antigua & Barbuda Social Security Board, once he or she meets the qualifying criteria.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD A SELF- CEASE EMPLOYED REMITTANCE SOCIAL SECURITY CONTRIBUTIONS?

PERSON OF There is no national retirement age in Antigua & Barbuda.

However, there’s a Social Security designated pensionable age.
As of 1st January 2019, the pensionable age moved to 62 years; and, will incrementally increase by 1 year every two years until 2025, when the pensionable age will be 65 years, pursuant to Statutory Instrument No.

61, 2016.

IMPORTANT It is imperative that the ABSSB is informed of pending business closures and re-openings, in writing.

is designed to provide This leaflet the Self-Employed.

information about It is a Guide and should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of law.
Should you have further questions, please contact the Social Security Office at: THE ANTIGUA & BARBUDA SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD P.O.

Box 1125, Long Street St. John’s, Antigua Phone: 736-3000 / 736-3044 Fax: 481-3090 E-mail: socsec@socialsecurity.gov.ag Website: www.socialsecurity.gov.ag ABSSB.

Self-Employed Persons Brochure Copyright 2019 © SELF- EMPLOYED PERSONS BROCHURE WHO IS A SELF EMPLOYED PERSON?
A self-employed person is anyone from age 16 up to the designated pensionable age who is gainfully employed in Antigua & Barbuda; but whose employment is NOT under a contract of service; and, is not subject to the direct control of another individual or employer.

Each individual in a partnership arrangement is considered a self-employed person; and, is expected to be registered as such.

Coverage is extended non-nationals who meet the criteria.
to nationals and WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS?

include vendors, Self-Employed persons hair stylists, farmers, taxi and bus drivers, entertainers, graphic designers, photographers, engineers, architects, lawyers, accountants, consultants, plumbers, gardeners, carpenters, doctors, etc.

HOW DOES A SELF-EMPLOYED PERSON REGISTER?

Self-Employed persons are required to be registered at the Social Security Office.
To be registered, the self-employed person must attend an interview with the Self- Employed Coordinator; and, present the required documentations i.e.

a government- issued photo-ID and the IPO Certificate.

HOW DOES THE SELF-EMPLOYED PERSON DETERMINE HIS/HER DECLARED EARNINGS?

At the point of registration, the self-employed person must declare earnings based on Statutory Instrument No 59, 2016.
CLASS DECLARED EARNINGS I II III IV V Not less than the minimum wage Not less than $2,000 per month Not less than $2,500 per month Not less than $3,000 per month Not less than $6,000 per month WHAT IS THE RATE OF CONTRIBUTION?

The rate of contribution for self-employed persons is 10% of declared insurable earnings from a minimum equivalent to the national minimum wage to a maximum of $6,500 per month.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD CONTRIBUTIONS BE PAID?

Contributions are mandatory; and, are due and payable monthly.
Contributions must be paid no later than the 14th of the following month for which they are due.

Where the 14th falls on a weekend or public holiday, payments must be made by the next business day after the 14th.

Contributions can also be prepaid, if so desired.

WHERE CAN CONTRIBUTIONS BE REMITTED?

Contribution payments can be remitted via the cashiers or through the drop box [Cheques only] at the three locations.

WHAT HAPPENS IF CONTRIBUTION PAYMENTS ARE LATE?


If contributions are not paid within the prescribed time, a surcharge of 10% per month will be levied on contributions payable for each month that payment is late.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A PERSON IS EMPLOYED AND SELF-EMPLOYED AT THE SAME TIME?

A person can be employed and self-employed at the same time; and is required to pay contributions as an employee and on his/her declared insurable earnings.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SELF-EMPLOYED PERSON?
• Being registered with the Social Security Office; • Remittance of timely payments on or before the due date; • Complying with the Self-Employed Coordinator, the Social Security Inspectors, or any other authorized officers.