Social Security Administration

Offi ce of Policy

Offi ce of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics

500 E Street, SW, 8th Floor

Washington, DC 20254

SSA Publication No. 13-11803

Released: September 2007

Social Security Programs

Throughout the World:

Africa, 2007

Preface

This third issue in the current four-volume series of Social Security Programs Throughout the 

World reports on the countries of Africa. The combined fi ndings of this series, which also includes 

volumes on Europe, Asia and the Pacifi c, and the Americas, are published at 6-month intervals 

over a 2-year period. Each volume highlights features of social security programs in the particular 

region.

The information contained in these volumes is crucial to our efforts, and those of researchers in other countries, to review different ways of approaching social security challenges that will 

enable us to adapt our social security systems to the evolving needs of individuals, households, 

and families. These efforts are particularly important as each nation faces major demographic 

changes, especially the increasing number of aged persons, as well as economic and fi scal issues.

Social Security Programs Throughout the World is the product of a cooperative effort between 

the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the International Social Security Association 

(ISSA). Founded in 1927, the ISSA is a nonprofi t organization bringing together institutions and 

administrative bodies from countries throughout the world. The ISSA deals with all forms of compulsory social protection that by legislation or national practice are an integral part of a country’s 

social security system.

Previous editions of this report, which date back to 1937, were issued as one volume and were 

prepared by SSA staff. With the introduction of the four-volume format in 2002, however, the 

research and writing has been contracted out to the ISSA. The ISSA has conducted the research 

largely through its numerous country-based correspondents, as well as its Social Security Worldwide Database and a myriad of other types of data that must be drawn together to update this 

report. Members of the ISSA’s Information System and Databases Unit analyzed the information 

and revised the publication to refl ect detailed changes to each social security program. Social 

Security Programs Throughout the World is based on information available to the ISSA and SSA 

with regard to legislation in effect in January 2007, or the last date for which information has been 

received.

Questions about the report should be sent to Barbara Kritzer at ssptw@ssa.gov. Corrections, 

updated information, and copies of relevant documentation and legislation are also welcome and 

may be sent to:

International Social Security Association

Information System and Databases Unit

Case postale 1

4 route des Morillons

CH-1211 Geneva 22

Switzerland

This report is available at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/policy. For additional copies, please 

e-mail op.publications@ssa.gov or telephone 202-358-6274.

SSA staff members were responsible for technical and editorial assistance and production. 

Barbara Kritzer served as technical consultant and provided overall project management. Staff of 

the Division of Information Resources edited and produced the report and prepared the electronic 

versions for the Web.

Susan Grad

Acting Associate Commissioner

for Research, Evaluation, and Statistics

September 2007

Contents

Guide to Reading the Country Summaries

Sources of Information ............................................................................................... 1

Types of Programs

Employment-Related ..................................................................................................... 2

Universal ........................................................................................................................ 2

Means-Tested ................................................................................................................. 3

Other Types of Programs ............................................................................................... 3

Format of Country Summaries

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors ................................................................................ 4

Sickness and Maternity .................................................................................................. 8

Work Injury .................................................................................................................... 11

Unemployment ............................................................................................................... 13

Family Allowances ......................................................................................................... 15

Tables

1. Types of social security programs ............................................................................. 17

2. Types of mandatory systems for retirement income ................................................. 19

3. Demographic and other statistics related to social security, 2007 ............................ 21

4. Contribution rates for social security programs, 2007 .............................................. 23

Country Summaries

Algeria ................................................. 27

Benin ................................................... 33

Botswana ............................................. 38

Burkina Faso ....................................... 40

Burundi ............................................... 45

Cameroon ............................................ 49

Cape Verde .......................................... 53

Central African Republic .................... 57

Chad .................................................... 60

Congo (Brazzaville) ............................ 64

Congo (Kinshasa) ................................ 68

Côte d’Ivoire ....................................... 71

Egypt ................................................... 75

Equatorial Guinea ............................... 81

Ethiopia ............................................... 84

Gabon .................................................. 86

Gambia ................................................ 90

Ghana .................................................. 93

Guinea ................................................. 96

Kenya .................................................. 101

Liberia ................................................. 104

Libya ................................................... 106

Madagascar ......................................... 109

Malawi ................................................ 114

Mali ..................................................... 115

Mauritania ........................................... 120

Mauritius ............................................. 124

Morocco .............................................. 129

Niger ................................................... 133

Nigeria ................................................. 137

Rwanda ............................................... 140

São Tomé and Principe ....................... 143

Senegal ................................................ 146

Seychelles ........................................... 151

Sierra Leone ........................................ 155

South Africa ........................................ 158

Sudan................................................... 163

Swaziland ............................................ 165

Tanzania .............................................. 167

Togo .................................................... 171

Tunisia ................................................. 175

Uganda ................................................ 181

Zambia ................................................ 183

Zimbabwe ........................................... 186

This third issue in the current four-volume series 

of Social Security Programs Throughout the World

reports on the countries of Africa. The combined fi ndings of this series, which also includes volumes on 

Europe, Asia and the Pacifi c, and the Americas, are 

published at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. 

Each volume highlights features of social security 

programs in the particular region.

This guide serves as an overview of programs in 

all regions. A few political jurisdictions have been 

excluded because they have no social security system 

or have issued no information regarding their social 

security legislation. In the absence of recent information, national programs reported in previous volumes 

may also be excluded.

In this volume on Africa, the data reported are 

based on laws and regulations in force in January 2007 

or on the last date for which information has been 

received.1

 Information for each country on types of 

social security programs, types of mandatory systems 

for retirement income, contribution rates, and demographic and other statistics related to social security is 

shown in Tables 1–4 beginning on page 17.

The country summaries show each system’s major 

features. Separate programs in the public sector and 

specialized funds for such groups as agricultural workers, collective farmers, or the self-employed have not 

been described in any detail. Benefi t arrangements of 

private employers or individuals are not described in 

any detail, even though such arrangements may be 

mandatory in some countries or available as alternatives to statutory programs.

The country summaries also do not refer to 

international social security agreements that may be 

in force between two or more countries. Those agreements may modify coverage, contributions, and benefi t 

provisions of national laws summarized in the country 

write-ups. Since the summary format requires brevity, 

technical terms have been developed that are concise 

as well as comparable and are applied to all programs. 

1

The names of the countries in this report are those used 

by the U.S. Department of State. The term country has been 

used throughout the volume even though in some instances 

the term jurisdiction may be more appropriate.

The terminology may therefore differ from national 

concepts or usage.

Sources of Information

Most of the information in this report was collected 

from the Social Security Programs Throughout the 

World survey conducted by the International Social 

Security Association (ISSA) under the sponsorship of 

the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). This 

information was supplemented by data collected from 

the ISSA’s Developments and Trends Annual Survey. 

Empirical data were also provided by numerous social 

security offi cials throughout the world. (For a listing 

of countries and jurisdictions that responded to the survey, see page 2.) Important sources of published information include the ISSA Documentation Center; the 

legislative database of the International Labour Offi ce; 

social security institution websites; and selected 

documents received from social security institutions. 

During the compilation process, international analysts 

at both SSA and the ISSA examined the information 

sources for factual errors, ambiguous statements, and 

contradictions.

Types of Programs

The term social security in this report refers to programs established by statute that insure individuals 

against interruption or loss of earning power and for 

certain special expenditures arising from marriage, 

birth, or death. This defi nition also includes allowances to families for the support of children.

Protection of the insured person and dependents 

usually is extended through cash payments to replace 

at least a portion of the income lost as the result of old 

age, disability, or death; sickness and maternity; work 

injury; unemployment; or through services, primarily 

hospitalization, medical care, and rehabilitation. Measures providing cash benefi ts to replace lost income are 

usually referred to as income maintenance programs; 

measures that fi nance or provide direct services are 

referred to as benefi ts in kind.

Three broad approaches to coverage provide cash 

benefi ts under income-maintenance programs; namely, 

employment-related, universal, and means-tested 

systems. Under both the employment-related and the 

Guide to Reading

the Country Summaries
2 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

universal approaches, the insured, dependents, and 

survivors can claim benefi ts as a matter of right. Under 

means-tested approaches, benefi ts are based on a 

comparison of a person’s income or resources against 

a standard measure. Some countries also provide other 

types of coverage.

Employment-Related

Employment-related systems, commonly referred to 

as social insurance systems, generally base eligibility 

for pensions and other periodic payments on length 

of employment or self-employment or, in the case of 

family allowances and work injuries, on the existence 

of the employment relationship itself. The amount of 

pensions (long-term payments, primarily) and of other 

periodic (short-term) payments in the event of unemployment, sickness, maternity, or work injury is usually related to the level of earnings before any of these 

contingencies caused earnings to cease. Such programs 

are fi nanced entirely or largely from contributions 

(usually a percentage of earnings) made by employers, 

workers, or both and are in most instances compulsory 

for defi ned categories of workers and their employers.

The creation of notional defi ned contributions 

(NDC) is a relatively new method of calculating benefi ts. NDC schemes are a variant of contributory social 

insurance that seek to tie benefi t entitlements more 

closely to contributions. A hypothetical account is created for each insured person that is made up of all contributions during his or her working life and, in some 

cases, credit for unpaid activity such as caregiving. A 

pension is calculated by dividing that amount by the 

average life expectancy at the time of retirement and 

indexing it to various economic factors. When benefi ts 

are due, the individ ual’s notional account balance is 

converted into a periodic pension payment.

Some social insurance systems permit voluntary 

affi liation of workers, especially the self-employed. 

In some instances, the government subsidizes such 

programs to encourage voluntary participation.

The government is, pro forma, the ultimate guarantor of many benefi ts. In many countries, the national 

government participates in the fi nancing of employment-related as well as other social security programs. 

The government may contribute through an appropriation from general revenues based on a percentage of 

total wages paid to insured workers, fi nance part or 

all of the cost of a program, or pay a subsidy to make 

up any defi cit of an insurance fund. In some cases, the 

government pays the contributions for low-paid workers. These arrangements are separate from obligations 

the government may have as an employer under systems that cover government employees. Social security 

contributions and other earmarked income are kept in 

a dedicated fund and are shown as a separate item in 

government accounts. (For further details on the government’s role in fi nancing social security, see Source 

of Funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.)

Universal

Universal programs provide fl at-rate cash benefi ts to 

residents or citizens, without consideration of income, 

employment, or means. Typically fi nanced from general revenues, these benefi ts may apply to all persons 

Benin Ghana Senegal

Botswana Madagascar Seychelles

Burkina Faso Malawi Sierra Leone

Burundi Mali Sudan

Cameroon Mauritania Swaziland

Cape Verde Mauritius Tanzania

Congo Kinshasa Morocco Tunisia

Côte d'Ivoire Niger Uganda

Ethiopia Nigeria Zambia

Gabon Rwanda Zimbabwe

Gambia São Tomé and Principe

Countries in Africa that Responded to the

Social Security Programs Throughout the World Survey
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 3

with suffi cient residency. Universal programs may 

include old-age pensions for persons over a certain 

age; pensions for disabled workers, widow(er)s, and 

orphans; and family allowances. Most social security 

systems incorporating a universal program also have a 

second-tier earnings-related program. Some universal 

programs, although receiving substantial support from 

income taxes, are also fi nanced in part by contributions 

from workers and employers.

Means-Tested

Means-tested programs establish eligibility for benefi ts 

by measuring individual or family resources against 

a calculated standard usually based on subsistence 

needs. Benefi ts are limited to applicants who satisfy a 

means test. The size and type of benefi ts awarded are 

determined in each case by administrative decision 

within the framework of the law.

The specifi c character of means, needs, or income 

tests, as well as the weight given to family resources, 

differ considerably from country to country. Such 

programs, commonly referred to as social pensions 

or equalization payments, traditionally are fi nanced 

primarily from general revenues.

Means-tested systems constitute the sole or principal form of social security in only a few jurisdictions. 

In other jurisdictions, contributory programs operate in tandem with income-related benefi ts. In such 

instances, means- or income-tested programs may be 

administered by social insurance agencies. Meanstested programs apply to persons who are not in 

covered employment or whose benefi ts under employment-related programs, together with other individual 

or family resources, are inadequate to meet subsistence 

or special needs. Although means-tested programs can 

be administered at the national level, they are usually 

administered locally.

In this report, when national means-tested programs supplement an employment-related benefi t, 

the existence of a means-tested program is generally 

noted, but no details concerning it are given. When a 

means-tested program represents the only or principal 

form of social security, however, further details are 

provided.

Other Types of Programs

Three other types of programs are those delivered, in 

the main, through fi nancial services providers (mandatory individual accounts, mandatory occupational 

pensions, and mandatory private insurance), publicly 

operated provident funds, and employer-liability 

systems.

Programs Delivered by Financial Services 

Providers

Mandatory individual account. Applies to a program 

where covered persons and/or employers must contribute a certain percentage of earnings to the covered 

person’s individual account managed by a contracted 

public or private fund manager. The mandate to 

establish membership in a scheme and the option to 

choose a fund manager lie with the individual. The 

accumulated capital in the individual account is normally intended as a source of income replacement for 

the contingencies of retirement, disability, ill health, 

or unemployment. It may also be possible for eligible 

survivors to access the accumulated capital in the case 

of the insured’s death.

Contributions are assigned to an employee’s individual account. The employee must pay administrative 

fees for the management of the individual account and 

usually purchase a separate policy for disability and 

survivors insurance.

Mandatory occupational pension. Applies to a program 

where employers are mandated by law to provide 

occupational pension schemes fi nanced by employer, 

and in some cases, employee contributions. Benefi ts 

may be paid as a lump sum, annuity, or pension.

Mandatory private insurance. Applies to a program 

where individuals are mandated by law to purchase 

insurance directly from a private insurance company.

Provident Funds. These funds, which exist primarily 

in developing countries, are essentially compulsory 

savings programs in which regular contributions withheld from employees’ wages are enhanced, and often 

matched, by employers’ contributions. The contributions are set aside and invested for each employee in a 

single, publicly managed fund for later repayment to 

the worker when defi ned contingencies occur. Typically, benefi ts are paid out in the form of a lump sum 

with accrued interest, although in certain circumstances drawdown provisions enable partial access 

to savings prior to retirement or other defi ned contingencies. On retirement, some provident funds also 

permit benefi ciaries to purchase an annuity or opt for 

a pension. Some provident funds provide pensions for 

survivors.

Employer-Liability Systems. Under these systems, 

workers are usually protected through labor codes 

that require employers, when liable, to provide speci-
4 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

fi ed payments or services directly to their employees. 

Specifi ed payments or services can include the payment of lump-sum gratuities to the aged or disabled; 

the provision of medical care, paid sick leave, or both; 

the payment of maternity benefi ts or family allowances; the provision of temporary or long-term cash 

benefi ts and medical care in the case of a work injury; 

or the payment of severance indemnities in the case of 

dismissal. Employer-liability systems do not involve 

any direct pooling of risk, since the liability for payment is placed directly on each employer. Employers 

may insure themselves against liability, and in some 

jurisdictions such insurance is compulsory.

Format of Country Summaries

Each country summary discusses fi ve types of 

programs:

Old age, disability, and survivors;

Sickness and maternity;

Work injury;

Unemployment; and

Family allowances.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Benefi ts under old age, disability, and survivor programs usually cover long-term risks, as distinct from 

short-term risks such as temporary incapacity resulting 

from sickness and maternity, work injury, or unemployment. The benefi ts are normally pensions payable 

for life or for a considerable number of years. Such 

benefi ts are usually provided as part of a single system 

with common fi nancing and administration as well as 

interrelated qualifying conditions and benefi t formulas.

The laws summarized under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors focus fi rst on benefi ts providing pensions or lump-sum payments to compensate for loss 

of income resulting from old age or permanent retirement. Such benefi ts are usually payable after attaining a specifi ed statutory age. Some countries require 

complete or substantial retirement in order to become 

eligible for a pension; other countries pay a retirement 

pension at a certain age regardless of whether workers 

retire or not.

The second type of long-term risk for which pensions are provided is disability (referred to in some 

countries as invalidity). Disability may be generally 

defi ned as long-term and more or less total work 

impairment resulting from a nonoccupational injury or 

disease. (Disability caused by a work injury or occupa-

•

•

•

•

•

tional disease is usually compensated under a separate 

program; see Work Injury, below.)

The third type of pension is payable to dependents 

of insured workers or pensioners who die. (Pensions for survivors of workers injured while working 

are usually provided under a separate Work Injury 

program.)

Coverage. The extent of social security coverage 

in any given country is determined by a number 

of diverse factors, including the kind of system, 

sometimes the age of the system, and the degree of 

economic development. A program may provide 

coverage for the entire country or some portion of the 

workforce.

In principle, universal systems cover the entire 

population for the contingencies of old age, disability, 

and survivorship. A person may have to meet certain 

conditions, such as long-term residence or citizenship. 

Many countries exclude aliens from benefi ts unless 

there is a reciprocal agreement with the country of 

which they are nationals.

The extent of employment-related benefi ts is usually determined by the age of the system. Historically, 

social security coverage was provided fi rst to government employees and members of the armed forces, 

then to workers in industry and commerce, and eventually extended to the vast majority of wage earners and 

salaried employees through a general system. As a 

result, public employees (including military personnel 

and civil servants), teachers, and employees of public 

utilities, corporations, or monopolies are still covered by occupation-specifi c separate systems in many 

countries.

In many countries, special occupational systems 

have been set up for certain private-sector employees, 

such as miners, railway workers, and seamen. Qualifying conditions and benefi ts are often more liberal 

than under the general system. The risk involved in 

an occupation, its strategic importance for economic 

growth, and the economic and political strength of 

trade unions may have had a role in shaping the type 

and size of benefi ts offered by the particular program.

Groups that might be considered diffi cult to 

administer—family workers, domestics, day workers, 

agricultural workers, and the self-employed—were 

often initially excluded from coverage. The trend has 

been to extend coverage to these groups under separate funds or to bring them gradually under the general system. In some countries, noncovered workers 

become eligible for the right to an eventual pension 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 5

if they make voluntary contributions at a specifi ed 

level. Some systems also provide voluntary coverage 

for women who leave the labor force temporarily to 

have children or to raise a family, or for self-employed 

persons not covered by a mandatory program. Some 

developed countries with younger programs have 

constructed a unifi ed national program, thus largely 

bypassing the need for developing separate industrial 

or agricultural funds.

Most developing countries have extended coverage gradually. Their fi rst steps toward creating a social 

security system have commonly been to cover wage 

and salary workers against loss of income due to work 

injury, and then old age and, less commonly, disability.

In a number of developing countries, particularly 

in those that were once British colonies, this initial 

step has come via the institutional form of provident 

funds. Most provident funds provide coverage for 

wage and salary workers in the government and private sector. A few funds have exclusions based on the 

worker’s earnings or the size of the fi rm. Funds that 

exclude employees with earnings above a certain level 

from compulsory coverage may in some cases give 

them the option to affi liate or continue to participate 

voluntarily.

Source of Funds. The fi nancing of benefi ts for oldage, disability, and survivor programs can come from 

three possible sources:

A percentage of covered wages or salaries paid by 

the worker,

A percentage of covered payroll paid by the 

employer, and

A government contribution.

Almost all pension programs under social insurance (as distinct from provident funds or universal 

systems) are fi nanced at least in part by employer 

and employee contributions. Many derive their funds 

from all three sources. Contributions are determined 

by applying a percentage to salaries or wages up to a 

certain maximum. In many cases the employer pays a 

larger share.

The government’s contribution may be derived 

from general revenues or, less commonly, from special 

earmarked or excise taxes (for example, a tax on 

tobacco, gasoline, or alcoholic beverages). Government contributions may be used in different ways to 

defray a portion of all expenditures (such as the cost 

of administration), to make up defi cits, or even to 

fi nance the total cost of a program. Subsidies may be 

•

•

•

provided as a lump sum or an amount to make up the 

difference between employer/employee contributions 

and the total cost of the system. A number of countries 

reduce or, in some cases, eliminate contributions for 

the lowest-paid wage earners, fi nancing their benefi ts 

entirely from general revenues or by the employer’s 

contribution.

The contribution rate apportioned between the 

sources of fi nancing may be identical or progressive, increasing with the size of the wage or changing 

according to wage class. Where universal and earnings-related systems exist side by side, and the universal benefi t is not fi nanced entirely by the government, 

separate rates may exist for each program. In other 

instances, fl at-rate weekly contributions may fi nance 

basic pension programs. These amounts are uniform 

for all workers of the same age and sex, regardless of 

earnings level. However, the self-employed may have 

to contribute at a higher rate than wage and salary 

workers, thereby making up for the employer’s share.

For administrative purposes, a number of countries assess a single overall social security contribution 

covering several contingencies. Benefi ts for sickness, 

work injury, unemployment, and family allowances as 

well as pensions may be fi nanced from this single contribution. General revenue fi nancing is the sole source 

of income in some universal systems. The contribution of the resident or citizen may be a percentage of 

taxable income under a national tax program. General 

revenues fi nance all or part of the means-tested supplementary benefi ts in many countries.

Contribution rates, as a rule, are applied to wages 

or salaries only up to a statutory ceiling. A portion of 

the wage of highly paid workers will escape taxation 

but will also not count in determining the benefi t. In a 

few cases, an earnings ceiling applies for the determination of benefi ts but not for contribution purposes. In 

some countries, contribution rates are applied not to 

actual earnings but to a fi xed amount that is set for all 

earnings falling within a specifi ed range or wage class.

Qualifying Conditions. Qualifying to receive an 

old-age benefi t is usually conditional on two requirements: attainment of a specifi ed age and completion 

of a specifi ed period of contributions or covered 

employment. Another common requirement is total or 

substantial withdrawal from the labor force. In some 

instances, eligibility is determined by resident status or 

citizenship.

Old-age benefi ts generally become payable 

between ages 60 and 65. In some countries, length-of-
6 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

service benefi ts are payable at any age after a certain 

period of employment, most commonly between 30 

and 40 years. In recent years, several countries have 

increased the age limit for entitlement, in part because 

of budgetary constraints arising as a consequence of 

demographic aging.

Many programs require the same pensionable age 

for women as for men. Others permit women to draw 

a full pension at an earlier age, even though women 

generally have a longer life expectancy. Although the 

norm has been for the differential to be about 5 years, 

there is now an emerging international trend toward 

equalizing the statutory retirement age.

Many programs offer optional retirement before 

the statutory retirement age is reached. A reduced pension, in some instances, may be claimed up to 5 years 

before the statutory retirement age. Some countries 

pay a full pension before the regular retirement age 

if the applicant meets one or more of the following 

conditions: work in an especially arduous, unhealthy, 

or hazardous occupation (for example, underground 

mining); involuntary unemployment for a period near 

retirement age; physical or mental exhaustion (as 

distinct from disability) near retirement age; or, occasionally, an especially long period of coverage. Some 

programs award old-age pensions to workers who are 

older than the statutory retirement age but who cannot 

satisfy the regular length-of-coverage requirement. 

Other programs provide increments to workers who 

have continued in employment beyond the normal 

retirement age.

Universal old-age pension systems usually do not 

require a minimum period of covered employment or 

contributions. However, most prescribe a minimum 

period of prior residence.

Some old-age pension systems credit periods 

during which persons, for reasons beyond their control, were not in covered employment. Credits can be 

awarded for reasons such as disability, involuntary 

unemployment, military service, education, child 

rearing, or training. Other systems disregard these 

periods and may proportionately reduce benefi ts for 

each year below the required minimum. Persons with 

only a few years of coverage may receive a refund of 

contributions or a settlement in which a proportion 

of the full benefi t or earnings is paid for each year of 

contribution.

The majority of old-age pensions fi nanced through 

social insurance systems require total or substantial 

withdrawal from covered employment. Under a retirement test, the benefi t may be withheld or reduced for 

those who continue working, depending on the amount 

of earnings or, less often, the number of hours worked. 

Universal systems usually do not require retirement 

from work for receipt of a pension. Provident funds 

pay the benefi t only when the worker leaves covered 

employment or emigrates.

Some countries provide a number of exemptions 

that act to eliminate the retirement condition for specifi ed categories of pensioners. For instance, the retirement test may be eliminated for workers who reached 

a specifi ed age above the minimum pensionable age or 

for pensioners with long working careers in covered 

employment. Occupations with manpower shortages 

may also be exempted from the retirement test.

The principal requirements for receiving a disability benefi t are loss of productive capacity after completing a minimum period of work or having met the 

minimum contribution requirements. Many programs 

grant the full disability benefi t for a two-thirds loss of 

working capacity in the worker’s customary occupation, but this requirement may vary from one-third to 

100 percent.

The qualifying period for a disability benefi t is 

usually shorter than for an old-age benefi t. Periods of 3 

to 5 years of contributions or covered employment are 

most common. A few countries provide disability benefi ts in the form of an unlimited extension of ordinary 

cash sickness benefi ts.

Entitlement to disability benefi ts may have age 

limitations. The lower limit in most systems is in the 

teens, but it may be related to the lowest age for social 

insurance or employment or to the maximum age for 

a family allowance benefi t. The upper age limit is 

frequently the statutory retirement age, when disability 

benefi ts may be converted to old-age benefi ts.

For survivors to be eligible for benefi ts, most 

programs require that the deceased worker was a 

pensioner, completed a minimum period of covered 

employment, or satisfi ed the minimum contribution 

conditions. The qualifying contribution period is often 

the same as that for the disability benefi t. The surviving spouse and orphans may also have to meet certain 

conditions, such as age requirements.

Old-Age Benefi ts. The old-age benefi t in most countries is a wage-related, periodic payment. However, 

some countries pay a universal fi xed amount that bears 

no relationship to any prior earnings; others supplement their universal pension with an earnings-related 

pension.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 7

Provident fund systems make a lump-sum payment, usually a refund of employer and employee 

contributions plus accrued interest. In programs that 

have mandatory individual accounts, options for retirement include purchasing an annuity, making withdrawals from an account regulated to guarantee income for 

an expected lifespan (programmed withdrawals), or a 

combination of the two (deferred annuity).

Benefi ts that are related to income are almost 

always based on average earnings. Some countries 

compute the average from gross earnings, including 

various fringe benefi ts; other countries compute the 

average from net earnings. Alternatively, some countries have opted to use wage classes rather than actual 

earnings. The wage classes may be based on occupations or, for administrative convenience, on earnings 

arranged by size using the midpoint in each step to 

compute the benefi t.

Several methods are used to compensate for 

averages that may be reduced by low earnings early 

in a worker’s career or by periods without any credited earnings due, for example, to unemployment or 

military service, and for the effects of price and wage 

increases due to infl ation. One method is to exclude 

from consideration a number of periods with the lowest (including zero) earnings. In many systems the 

period over which earnings are averaged may be shortened to the last few years of coverage, or the average 

may be based on years when the worker had his or her 

highest earnings. Other systems revalue past earnings 

by applying an index that usually refl ects changes in 

national average wages or the cost of living. Some 

assign hypothetical wages before a certain date. 

Alternatively, others have developed mechanisms for 

automatic adjustment of workers’ wage records based 

on wage or price changes.

A variety of formulas are used in determining 

the benefi t amount. Instead of a statutory minimum, 

some systems pay a percentage of average earnings—for instance, 35 percent or 50 percent—that is 

unchanged by length of coverage once the qualifying 

period is met. A more common practice is to provide a 

basic rate—for example, 30 percent of average earnings—plus an increment of 1 percent or 2 percent of 

earnings either for each year of coverage or for each 

year in excess of a minimum number of years. Several 

countries have a weighted benefi t formula that returns 

a larger percentage of earnings to lower-paid workers 

than to higher-paid workers.

Most systems limit the size of the benefi t. Many 

do so by establishing a ceiling on the earnings taken 

into account in the computation. Others establish a 

maximum cash amount or a maximum percentage of 

average earnings set, for example, at 80 percent. Some 

systems combine these and other, similar methods.

Most systems supplement the benefi t for a wife 

or child. The wife’s supplement may be 50 percent or 

more of the basic benefi t, although in some countries 

the supplement is payable only for a wife who has 

reached a specifi ed age, has children in her care, or 

is disabled. It may also be payable for a dependent 

husband.

Minimum benefi ts are intended to maintain a minimum standard of living in many countries, although 

that objective is not always achieved. A maximum that 

reduces the effect large families have on benefi ts is 

commonly used to limit total benefi ts, including those 

of survivors, in the interest of the fi nancial stability of 

the program.

In some countries, benefi ts are automatically 

adjusted to refl ect price or wage changes. In other 

countries, the process is semiautomatic—the adequacy 

of pensions is reviewed periodically by an advisory 

board or other administrative body that recommends a 

benefi t adjustment to the government, usually requiring legislative approval.

Disability Benefi ts. Under most programs, provisions 

for disability benefi ts for persons who are permanently 

disabled as the result of nonoccupational causes are 

very similar to those for the aged. The same basic 

formula usually applies for total disability as for old 

age—a cash amount usually expressed as a percentage of average earnings. Increments and dependents’ 

supplements are generally identical under the total disability and old-age programs. For the totally disabled, 

a constant-attendance supplement, usually 50 percent 

of the benefi t, may be paid to those who need help on 

a daily basis. Partial disability benefi ts, if payable, are 

usually reduced, according to a fi xed scale. The system 

may also provide rehabilitation and training. Some 

countries provide higher benefi ts for workers in arduous or dangerous employment.

Survivor Benefi ts. Most systems provide periodic 

benefi ts for survivors of covered persons or pensioners, although some pay only lump-sum benefi ts. 

Survivor benefi ts are generally a percentage of either 

the benefi t paid to the deceased at death or the benefi t 

to which the insured would have been entitled if he or 
8 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

she had attained pensionable age or become disabled 

at that time.

Survivor benefi ts are paid to some categories of 

widows under nearly all programs. The amount of a 

widow’s benefi t usually ranges from 50 percent to 

75 percent of the deceased worker’s benefi t or, in some 

cases, 100 percent. In some countries, lifetime benefi ts 

are payable to every widow whose husband fulfi lls 

the necessary qualifying period. More commonly, the 

provision of widows’ benefi ts is confi ned to widows 

who are caring for young children, are above a specifi ed age, or are disabled.

Lifetime benefi ts are ordinarily payable to aged 

and disabled widows. Those awarded to younger 

mothers, however, are usually terminated when all 

children have passed a certain age, unless the widow 

has reached a specifi ed age or is disabled. Most widows’ benefi ts also terminate on remarriage, although 

a fi nal lump-sum grant may be payable under this 

circumstance. Special provisions govern the rights 

of the divorced. Age limits for orphan’s benefi ts are 

in many cases the same as for children’s allowances. 

Many countries fi x a somewhat higher age limit for 

orphans attending school or undergoing an apprenticeship or for those who are incapacitated. The age limit 

is usually removed for disabled orphans as long as 

their incapacity continues. Most survivor programs 

distinguish between half orphans (who have lost one 

parent) and full orphans (who have lost both parents), 

with the latter receiving benefi ts that are 50 percent to 

100 percent larger than those for half orphans. Special 

payments are also made to orphans under the family 

allowance programs of some countries.

Benefi ts are payable under a number of programs 

to widowers of insured workers or pensioners. A widower usually must have been fi nancially dependent on 

his wife and either disabled or old enough to receive 

an old-age benefi t at her death. A widower’s benefi t 

is usually computed in the same way as a widow’s 

benefi t.

Many systems also pay benefi ts to other surviving close relatives, such as parents and grandparents, 

but only in the absence of qualifying widows, widowers, or children. The maximum total benefi t to be split 

among survivors is usually between 80 percent and 

100 percent of the benefi t of the deceased.

Administrative Organization. Responsibility for 

administration generally rests with semiautonomous 

institutions or funds. These agencies are usually 

subject to general supervision by a ministry or government department but otherwise are largely selfgoverning, headed by a tripartite board that includes 

representatives of workers, employers, and the government. Some boards are bipartite with representatives 

of workers and employers only or of workers and the 

government. Where coverage is organized separately 

for different occupations, or for wage earners and 

salaried employees or self-employed workers, each 

program usually has a separate institution or fund. In 

a few cases, the administration of benefi ts is placed 

directly in the hands of a government ministry or 

department.

Sickness and Maternity

Sickness benefi t programs are generally of two types: 

cash sickness benefi ts, which are paid when shortterm illnesses prevent work, and health care benefi ts, 

which are provided in the form of medical, hospital, 

and pharmaceutical benefi ts. Some countries maintain a separate program for cash maternity benefi ts, 

which are paid to working mothers before and after 

childbirth. In most countries, however, maternity 

benefi ts are administered as part of the cash sickness 

program. (Benefi ts provided as a result of work injury 

or occupational disease are provided either under work 

injury or sickness programs. Details of the benefi ts are 

discussed under Work Injury.)

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts as well as 

health care are usually administered under the same 

branch of social security. For this reason, these programs are grouped together in the country summaries.

An important reason for grouping these numerous 

benefi ts together is that each deals with the risk of temporary incapacity. Moreover, in most instances, such 

benefi ts are furnished as part of a single system with 

common fi nancing and administration. Most countries 

provide medical care services for sickness and maternity as an integral part of the health insurance system 

and link those services directly with the provision of 

cash benefi ts. In some instances, however, maternity 

cash grants are covered under family allowance programs. Occasionally, medical care services are provided under a public health program, independent of 

the social insurance system. Where this dual approach 

is followed, it has been indicated in the summaries.

Where health care is dispensed directly by the 

government or its agencies and the principal source 

of funds is general revenue, the cash benefi t program 

usually continues to be administered on an insurance 

basis, funded by payroll contributions, and merged in 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 9

some instances with other aspects of the social insurance system such as old age and disability. However, 

countries that deliver health care primarily through 

private facilities and private funding are also likely to 

have developed separate programs. Where the social 

security program operates its own medical facilities, 

both types of benefi ts are usually administered jointly.

Benefi ts designed to assist in the provision of 

long-term care, often at home, are generally supported 

by a special tax. Benefi t levels are normally set to the 

level of care required. These benefi ts may be payable 

in cash, as care services, or as a combination of the 

two.

Coverage. The proportion of the population covered by sickness programs varies considerably from 

country to country, in part because of the degree of 

economic development. Coverage for medical care 

and cash benefi ts is generally identical in countries 

where both types of benefi ts are provided through 

the same branch of social insurance. In a number of 

systems, particularly in developing countries, health 

care insurance extends only to employees in certain 

geographic areas. A common procedure is to start the 

program in major urban centers, then extend coverage 

gradually to other areas. Both cash sickness and health 

care programs may exclude agricultural workers, who, 

in some countries, account for a major proportion of 

the working population. Where a health insurance 

system (as distinguished from a national health service 

program) exists, most workers earning below a certain 

ceiling participate on a compulsory basis. Others, such 

as the self-employed, may be permitted to affi liate on 

a voluntary basis. In several countries, higher-paid 

employees are specifi cally excluded from one or both 

forms of sickness insurance, although some voluntary 

participation is usually permitted.

Many countries include pensioners as well as other 

social security benefi ciaries under the medical care 

programs, in some cases without cost to the pensioner. 

Elsewhere, pensioners pay a percentage of their pension or a fi xed premium for all or part of the medical 

care coverage. Special sickness insurance systems may 

be maintained for certain workers, such as railway 

employees, seamen, and public employees.

Where medical care coverage is provided through 

a national health service rather than social insurance, 

the program is usually open in principle to virtually all 

residents. However, restrictions on services to aliens 

may apply.

Source of Funds. Many countries have merged the 

fi nancing of sickness programs with that of other 

social insurance benefi ts and collect only a single 

contribution from employees and employers. More 

commonly, however, a fi xed percentage of wages, up 

to a ceiling, is contributed by employees and employers directly to a separate program that administers both 

health care and cash benefi ts for sickness and maternity. Some countries also provide a government contribution. Where medical care is available to residents, 

generally through some type of national health service, 

the government usually bears at least the major part of 

the cost from general revenues.

Qualifying Conditions. Generally, a person becoming 

ill must be gainfully employed, incapacitated for work, 

and not receiving regular wages or sick-leave payments from the employer to be eligible for cash sickness benefi ts. Most programs require claimants to meet 

a minimum period of contribution or to have some 

history of work attachment prior to the onset of illness 

to qualify. Some countries, however, have eliminated 

the qualifying period.

The length of the qualifying period for cash sickness benefi ts may range from less than 1 month to 6 

months or more and is ordinarily somewhat longer for 

cash maternity benefi ts. Usually the period must be 

fairly recent, such as during the last 6 or 12 months. 

In the case of medical benefi ts, a qualifying period 

is usually not required. In instances where such a 

requirement does exist, it is generally of a short duration. Most programs providing medical services to 

dependents of workers, as well as to the workers themselves, do not distinguish in their qualifying conditions 

between the two types of benefi ciaries. A few programs require a longer period of covered employment 

before medical services are provided to dependents.

Cash Benefi ts. The cash sickness benefi t is usually 

50 percent to 75 percent of current average earnings, 

frequently with supplements for dependents. Most 

programs, however, fi x a maximum benefi t amount or 

do so implicitly through a general earnings ceiling for 

contributions and benefi ts. Benefi ts may be reduced 

when benefi ciaries are hospitalized at the expense of 

the social insurance system.

A waiting period of 2 to 7 days is imposed under 

most cash sickness programs. As a result, benefi ts may 

not be payable if an illness or injury lasts for only a 

few days. Similarly, in the case of a prolonged inability to work, benefi ts may not be payable for the fi rst 

few days. Under some programs, however, benefi ts are 

retroactively paid for the waiting period when the dis-
10 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

ability continues beyond a specifi ed time, commonly 

2 to 3 weeks. A waiting period reduces administrative and benefi t costs by excluding many claims for 

short illnesses or injuries during which relatively little 

income is lost and can also help reduce the potential 

for the inappropriate use of the system by workers.

The period during which a worker may receive 

benefi ts for a single illness or injury, or in a given 

12-month period, is ordinarily limited to 26 weeks. 

In some instances, however, benefi ts may be drawn 

for considerably longer and even for an unlimited 

duration. A number of countries permit the agency to 

extend the maximum entitlement period to 39 or 52 

weeks in specifi c cases. In most countries, when cash 

sickness benefi ts are exhausted, the recipient is paid a 

disability benefi t if the incapacity continues.

Cash maternity benefi ts are usually payable for 

a specifi ed period, both before and after childbirth. 

A woman is almost always required to stop working 

while receiving maternity benefi ts, and usually she 

must use the prenatal and postnatal medical services 

provided by the system. In some countries, cash maternity benefi ts are also payable to working men who stay 

home to care for a newborn child while the mother 

returns to work. Cash payments may also be available 

for a parent, usually the mother, who is absent from 

work to care for a sick child under a specifi ed age.

The proportion of earnings payable as a cash 

maternity benefi t differs considerably from country 

to country but, like cash sickness benefi ts, is usually 

between 50 percent and 75 percent of current earnings. 

However, in a number of countries, maternity benefi ts 

are set at 100 percent of wages. Benefi t payments usually start approximately 6 weeks before the expected 

date of childbirth and end 6 to 8 weeks afterward.

A nursing allowance—usually 20 percent or 25 

percent of the regular maternity benefi t and payable for 

up to 6 months or longer—may be provided in addition to the basic cash maternity benefi t. A grant for the 

purchase of a layette—clothes and other essentials for 

the new-born baby—or the provision of a layette itself 

is furnished under some programs. Finally, a lumpsum maternity grant may be paid on the birth of each 

child. The wives of insured men may be eligible for 

this grant. Similar benefi ts may be provided under the 

family allowance program.

Medical Benefi ts. Medical services usually include at 

least general practitioner care, some hospitalization, 

and essential drugs. Services of specialists, surgery, 

maternity care, some dental care, a wider range of 

medicines, and certain appliances are commonly 

added. Transportation of patients and home-nursing 

services may be included.

There are three principal methods of meeting the 

cost of health care: direct payment to providers by the 

public system or its agents, reimbursement of patients, 

and direct provision of medical care. These methods 

may be used in different combinations and may be 

varied for different kinds of services.

Under direct payment, the social security or 

public medical care system pays providers directly 

for services. Patients usually have little or no direct 

fi nancial dealings with the care provider. Payments for 

care are commonly made on the basis of contracts with 

service providers or the professional groups representing them, such as practitioner or hospital associations. 

Remuneration may take the form of a specifi ed fee for 

each service, a capitation payment in return for providing all necessary services to a given group of persons, 

or a salary.

Under the reimbursement method, the patient 

makes the initial payment and is reimbursed by social 

security for at least part of the cost. A maximum is 

sometimes placed on the refund, expressed as a percentage of the bill or a fl at amount that can vary with 

the nature of the service as stipulated in a schedule 

of fees. The ceiling on medical bills can be placed on 

the provider when presenting the bill or on the patient 

when applying for reimbursement. In the latter case, 

the patient may be reimbursed for only a small portion 

of the bill.

Under the direct-provision method, the social 

security system or the government owns and operates 

its own medical facilities, largely manned by salaried 

staff. Countries using this method may contract for 

services of public or private providers. The patient 

normally pays no fee for most of these services, except 

insofar as part of the social security contribution may 

be allotted toward health care funding.

Regardless of the funding method used, all 

national health care programs provide for at least a 

small degree of cost-sharing by patients, usually on 

the assumption that such charges discourage overuse. 

Thus, the patient either pays part of the cost to the 

provider or social security agency or receives less than 

full reimbursement. Even under the direct-provision 

method, with its emphasis on basically free medical 

services to the whole population, patients are generally 

required to pay a small fi xed fee per medical treatment 

or prescription or per day of hospitalization.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 11

Some health care systems have no limit on how 

long medical care may be provided. Other systems fi x 

a maximum, such as 26 weeks, for services provided 

for any given illness. Some set limits only on the 

duration of hospitalization paid for by social security. 

Where time limits are imposed, they may be extended.

Maternity Care. Prenatal, obstetric, and postnatal 

care for working women is provided in most countries 

under the medical services program. Obstetric care 

is sometimes limited to the services of a midwife, 

although a doctor is usually available in case of complications. Care in a maternity home or hospital, as 

well as essential drugs, are ordinarily furnished where 

necessary.

Medical Care for Dependents. When medical benefi ts for insured workers are provided through social 

insurance, similar services are typically furnished 

to their spouse and young children (and, in some 

cases, other adults or young relatives living with and 

dependent on the insured). Maternity care is generally 

provided to the wife of an insured man.

In some countries, however, medical services 

available to dependents are more limited than those 

provided to insured workers or heads of families. 

Dependents may be subject to a shorter maximum 

duration for hospital stays, for example, and may have 

to pay a larger percentage of the cost of certain services such as medicines.

Administrative Organization. The administrative 

organization for the sickness and maternity program is 

similar to that of the old-age, disability, and survivor 

program in many countries. Most commonly, such 

programs are administered by some form of national 

social security institution. Under some systems, social 

security agencies own and operate their own medical 

facilities, furnishing at least part of the services available under their programs.

In most countries with a national health insurance 

program, responsibility for detailed administration lies 

with semiautonomous, nongovernment health funds or 

associations. All workers covered by the program must 

join one of these funds.

Each health fund usually requires government 

approval and must satisfy certain requirements. Workers and, in some countries, employers participate in 

the election of governing bodies. The funds normally 

collect contributions within minimum and maximum 

limits. Funds may also receive government subsidies 

related to their expenditures or to the number of affi liated members.

National law usually prescribes the minimum 

(and, in some cases, the maximum) cash benefi ts and 

medical services the health funds may provide. In a 

few countries, individual funds may determine what 

specifi c health care benefi ts and services to provide 

and arrange to furnish medical care to their members. 

This arrangement can involve delivery through contracts with care and service providers in the region.

Less commonly, government departments are 

responsible for the actual provision of medical services, usually through a national health service program. The administrative responsibility for delivering 

medical services in some countries is often separated 

from the administration of cash benefi t programs, 

which tend to be linked with other types of social security benefi ts.

Work Injury

The oldest type of social security—the work injury 

program—provides compensation for work-connected 

injuries and occupational illnesses. Such programs 

usually furnish short- and long-term benefi ts, depending on both the duration of the incapacity and the 

age of survivors. Work injury benefi ts nearly always 

include cash benefi ts and medical services. Most 

countries attempt to maintain separate work injury 

programs that are not linked directly with other social 

security measures. In some countries, however, work 

injury benefi ts are paid under special provisions of 

the general social security programs. Both types of 

programs are dealt with under Work Injury.

Types of Systems. There are two basic types of work 

injury systems: social insurance systems that use a 

public fund, and various forms of private or semiprivate arrangements required by law. In most countries, 

work injury programs operate through a central public 

fund, which may or may not be part of the general 

social insurance system. All employers subject to the 

program must pay contributions to the public carrier, 

which in turn pays the benefi ts.

Countries that rely primarily on private arrangements require employers to insure their employees 

against the risk of employment injury. However, in 

some of these countries, only private insurance is 

available. In the remainder, a public fund does exist, 

but employers are allowed the option of insuring with 

either a private carrier or the public fund.

The premiums charged by private or mutual insurance companies for work injury protection usually 

vary according to the experience of work accidents in 
12 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

different undertakings or industries, and the cost of 

protection may vary widely. In some countries, however, experience rating has been eliminated, and all 

employers contribute to the program at one rate.

In other instances, workers’ compensation laws 

simply impose on employers a liability to pay direct 

compensation to injured workers or their survivors. 

Employers covered under such laws may simply pay 

benefi ts from their own funds as injuries occur or may 

voluntarily purchase a private or mutual insurance 

contract to protect themselves against risk.

Coverage. Work injury programs commonly cover 

wage and salary workers and exclude the selfemployed. The programs of some of the more highly 

industrialized nations cover practically all employees. 

However, many countries either exclude all agricultural employees or cover only those who operate 

power-driven machinery. Some programs also exclude 

employees of small enterprises.

Source of Funds. Work injury benefi ts are fi nanced 

primarily by employer contributions, refl ecting the 

traditional assumption that employers should be liable 

when their employees suffer work injuries. Where certain elements of the work injury program are meshed 

with one or more of the other branches of the social 

insurance system, however, fi nancing usually involves 

contributions from employees, employers, and the 

government. Another exception occurs in countries 

that provide medical treatment for work-connected 

illnesses under their ordinary public medical care 

programs.

Work Injury Benefi ts. Work injury programs provide cash benefi ts and medical benefi ts. Cash benefi ts 

under work injury programs may be subdivided into 

three types: benefi ts for temporary disability, those for 

permanent total disability, and those for permanent 

partial disability. No qualifying period of coverage or 

employment is ordinarily required for entitlement to 

work injury benefi ts. The concept of work-connected 

injury has gradually been liberalized in a number of 

countries to cover injuries occurring while commuting 

to and from work.

Temporary disability benefi ts are usually payable 

from the start of an incapacity caused by a work injury, 

though some programs require a waiting period of 1 

to 3 days. Benefi ts normally continue for a limited 

period, such as 26 to 52 weeks, depending on the 

duration of incapacity. If incapacity lasts longer, the 

temporary disability benefi t may be replaced by a permanent disability benefi t. In some systems, temporary 

benefi ts may continue for an extended period, particularly if the temporary and permanent benefi t amounts 

are identical.

The temporary benefi t is nearly always a fraction of the worker’s average earnings during a period 

immediately before injury, usually at least one-third 

to one-half. A ceiling may be placed on the earnings 

considered in computing a benefi t. Temporary benefi ts under work injury programs may be signifi cantly 

higher than in the case of ordinary sickness. Benefi ts 

are reduced under some programs when a worker is 

hospitalized.

The second type of cash work injury benefi t is provided in cases of permanent total disability. Generally, 

it becomes payable immediately after the temporary 

disability benefi t ceases, based on a medical evaluation that the worker’s incapacity is both permanent and 

total. The permanent total disability benefi t is usually 

payable for life, unless the worker’s condition changes. 

A minority of programs, however, pay only a single 

lump-sum grant equal to several years’ wages.

The permanent total disability benefi t usually 

amounts to two-thirds to three-fourths of the worker’s 

average earnings before injury, somewhat higher than 

for ordinary disability benefi ts. In addition, unlike 

ordinary disability benefi ts, the rate usually does not 

vary based on the length of employment before the 

injury. Supplements may be added for dependents 

and for pensioners requiring the constant attendance 

of another person, in which case benefi ts may exceed 

former earnings. In some countries, the benefi ts of 

apprentices or new labor force entrants who become 

permanently disabled as a result of work-connected 

injury or disease are based on hypothetical lifetime 

wages or on the wage of an average worker in the 

particular industry. This mechanism overcomes the 

problem of establishing a lifetime benefi t based on a 

very low starting wage.

The third type of cash work injury benefi t is 

provided when permanent partial disability results in 

a worker’s loss of partial working or earning capacity. 

It is usually equal to a portion of the full benefi t corresponding to the percentage loss of capacity. Alternatively, permanent partial disability benefi ts may be 

paid in the form of a lump-sum grant. Partial disability 

payments are generally smaller and are usually stipulated in a schedule of payments for particular types of 

injuries. Some systems pay the benefi t as a lump sum 

when the extent of disability is below a stated percentage, such as 20 percent.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 13

Medical and hospital care and rehabilitation 

services are also provided to injured workers. Nearly 

always free, they may include a somewhat wider range 

of services than the general sickness program. Ordinarily, they are available until the worker recovers or the 

condition stabilizes. In some countries, however, free 

care is limited, the amount being based on the duration 

of services or their total cost.

Survivor Benefi ts. Most work injury programs also 

provide benefi ts to survivors. These benefi ts are customarily payable to a widow, regardless of her age, 

until her death or remarriage; to a disabled widower; 

and to orphans below specifi ed age limits. If the benefi t is not exhausted by the immediate survivors’ claims, 

dependent parents or other relatives may be eligible 

for small benefi ts. No minimum period of coverage is 

required.

Survivor benefi ts are computed as a percentage 

of either the worker’s average earnings immediately 

before death or the benefi t payable (or potentially payable) at death. These percentages are typically larger 

than those for survivor benefi ts under the general 

program and do not normally vary with the length of 

covered employment. They are usually about onethird to one-half of the worker’s average earnings for 

a widow, about half as much for each half orphan, and 

about two-thirds as much for each full orphan. A limit 

is commonly placed on the combined total of survivor 

benefi ts.

Not all countries, however, provide work injury 

benefi ts to survivors, and some do not differentiate 

between survivors in this category and survivors entitled to benefi ts under other social insurance programs. 

Some schemes pay only a lump sum equal to the 

worker’s earnings over a specifi ed number of years. 

Most systems also pay a funeral grant equivalent to a 

fi xed sum or a percentage of the worker’s earnings.

Administrative Organization. The functions involved 

in administering work injury programs differ widely 

between countries in which employers are not required 

to insure or can insure with private carriers and those 

in which a public agency or fund has sole responsibility for both collecting contributions and paying 

benefi ts.

Unemployment

Benefi ts in this category provide compensation for 

the loss of income resulting from involuntary unemployment. In some countries, these programs are 

independent of other social security measures and 

may be closely linked with employment services. 

In other countries, the unemployment programs are 

included with social security measures covering other 

short-term risks, although employment services may 

continue to verify unemployment and assist in a job 

search.

Unemployment programs, which exist mainly in 

industrialized countries, are compulsory and fairly 

broad in scope in many countries. Some countries 

restrict benefi ts to those who satisfy a means or income 

test. In addition to the programs offering scheduled 

payments, a number of countries provide lump-sum 

grants, payable by either a government agency or the 

employer; other countries provide mandatory individual severance accounts, providing total benefi ts equal 

to the value of accumulated capital in the individual 

account. In addition, employers in many instances are 

required to pay lump-sum severance indemnities to 

discharged workers.

Coverage. About half of the compulsory unemployment programs cover the majority of employed 

persons, regardless of the type of industry. Coverage 

under the remaining programs is limited to workers 

in industry and commerce. A few exclude salaried 

employees earning more than a specifi ed amount. 

Some have special provisions covering temporary and 

seasonal employees. Several countries have special 

occupational unemployment programs, most typically 

for workers in the building trades, dockworkers, railway employees, and seafarers.

Voluntary insurance systems are limited to industries in which labor unions have established unemployment funds. Membership in these funds is usually 

compulsory for union members in a covered industry 

and may be open on a voluntary basis to nonunion 

employees. Noninsured workers, such as recent school 

graduates or the self-employed, for example, may be 

eligible for a government-subsidized assistance benefi t 

when they become unemployed.

Source of Funds. The methods used to fi nance 

unemployment insurance are usually based on the 

same contributory principles as for other branches of 

social insurance—contributions amounting to a fi xed 

percentage of covered wages are paid on a scheduled 

basis. In many cases, the government also grants a 

subsidy, particularly for extended benefi ts.

Unemployment insurance contributions are 

shared equally between employees and employers in 

many countries. Alternatively, the entire contribution 

may be made by the employer. However, govern-
14 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

ment subsidies may be quite large, amounting to as 

much as two-thirds of the program’s expenditures. 

Means-tested unemployment assistance programs are 

fi nanced entirely by governments, with no employer or 

employee contribution.

Qualifying Conditions. To be entitled to unemployment benefi ts, a worker must be involuntarily unemployed and have completed a minimum period of 

contributions or covered employment. The most common qualifying period is 6 months of coverage within 

the year before employment ceased. In a number of 

industrialized countries, however, students recently out 

of school who are unable to fi nd jobs may be eligible 

for unemployment benefi ts, even without a work 

record. This benefi t provides a transition from school 

to work, particularly in periods of recession.

Nearly all unemployment insurance programs, 

as well as those providing unemployment assistance, 

require that applicants be capable of, and available for, 

work. An unemployed worker, therefore, is usually 

ineligible for unemployment benefi ts when incapacitated or otherwise unable to accept a job offer. Usually, 

the unemployed worker must register for work at an 

employment offi ce and report regularly for as long as 

payments continue. This close linkage between unemployment benefi ts and placement services ensures that 

benefi ts will be paid only after the person has been 

informed of any current job opportunities and been 

found unsuitable.

An unemployed worker who refuses an offer of 

a suitable job without good cause usually will have 

benefi ts temporarily or permanently suspended. Most 

programs stipulate that the job offered must have been 

suitable for the worker. The defi nitions of suitable 

employment vary considerably. Generally, the criteria include the rate of pay for the job being offered 

in relation to previous earnings; distance from the 

worker’s home; relationship to the worker’s previous 

occupation, capabilities, and training; and the extent 

to which the job may involve dangerous or unhealthy 

work. In some countries, long-term unemployed workers may also be obliged to undertake employment 

retraining programs. Some countries also provide the 

unemployed with access to educational placements. 

If an unemployed worker refuses a place on a retraining program or fails, without good cause, to attend an 

educational placement, benefi ts can be temporarily or 

permanently suspended.

An unemployed worker may satisfy all of the qualifying conditions for a benefi t but still be temporarily 

or permanently disqualifi ed. Nearly all unemployment 

systems disqualify a worker who left voluntarily without good cause, was dismissed because of misconduct, 

or participated in a labor dispute leading to a work 

stoppage that caused the unemployment. The period of 

disqualifi cation varies considerably, from a few weeks 

to permanent disqualifi cation.

Unemployment Benefi ts. Weekly benefi ts are usually a percentage of average wages during a recent 

period. A system of wage classes rather than a single 

fi xed percentage is used in some countries. The basic 

rate of unemployment benefi ts is usually between 40 

percent and 75 percent of average earnings. However, 

a ceiling on the wages used for benefi t computations or 

maximum benefi t provisions may considerably narrow 

the range within which the basic percentage of wages 

applies.

Flat-rate amounts are sometimes payable instead 

of graduated benefi ts that vary with past wages and 

customarily differ only according to the family status 

or, occasionally, the age of the worker. Supplements 

for a spouse and children are usually added to the basic 

benefi t of unemployed workers who are heads of families. These supplements are either fl at-rate amounts or 

an additional percentage of average earnings.

Most countries have a waiting period of several 

days before unemployment benefi ts become payable 

to reduce the administrative burden of dealing with a 

very large number of small claims. Most waiting periods are between 3 and 7 days. Some programs have a 

waiting period for each incident of unemployment, and 

others limit eligibility to once a year. Longer waiting 

periods may be prescribed for certain workers, such as 

the seasonally employed.

Most countries place a limit on the period during 

which unemployment benefi ts may be continuously 

drawn. Typically, this limit varies from 8 to 36 weeks 

but may be longer in certain cases.

Duration of benefi ts may also depend on the length 

of the preceding period of contribution or coverage 

under the program. That criterion may reduce the 

maximum duration of unemployment benefi ts for 

workers with brief work histories. However, workers 

with a long history of coverage may, under some programs, have their benefi t period extended well beyond 

the ordinary maximum.

Many unemployed workers who exhaust the right 

to ordinary benefi ts continue to receive some assistance, provided their means or incomes are below 

specifi ed levels. Recipients are usually required to 

continue registering and reporting at an employment 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 15

exchange. Some countries that have unemployment 

assistance but no insurance program do not place any 

limit on the duration of payments. A number of countries require that insured workers approaching retirement age who have been out of work for a specifi ed 

period be removed from the unemployment rolls and 

granted a regular old-age benefi t.

Administrative Organization. Unemployment insurance systems may be administered by government 

departments or self-governing institutions that are 

usually managed by representatives of insured persons, 

employers, and the government.

Unemployment insurance and placement service 

programs usually maintain a close administrative 

relationship that ensures that benefi ts are paid only 

to workers who are registered for employment. At 

the same time, this liaison increases the effectiveness 

of the placement services by providing an incentive, 

through payment of benefi ts, for unemployed persons 

to register and report regularly.

Some countries have merged the administration 

of unemployment insurance and employment service 

programs, especially at the lower administrative levels 

where claims are received and benefi ts are paid by the 

local employment offi ce. Other countries require persons to register with a local employment offi ce, but the 

receipt of claims and payment of benefi ts are handled 

by a separate insurance offi ce.

In addition to providing an income for the unemployed, many governments have elaborate measures to 

prevent or counteract unemployment. The typical procedure is for government employment services to work 

with industry to promote occupational and geographic 

mobility of labor and to minimize unemployment 

caused by economic or technological developments; 

they do that by subsidizing the retraining and relocation of workers in industries that are declining or being 

restructured. Governments may grant tax and other 

incentives to industry to locate in areas of high unemployment, or they may allocate funds to create jobs in 

anticipation of periods of seasonal unemployment.

Family Allowances

The general purpose of family allowance programs is 

to provide additional income for families with young 

children in order to meet at least part of the added 

costs of their support. These programs may either be 

integrated with other social security measures or kept 

entirely separate. In this report, family allowances primarily include regular cash payments to families with 

children. In some countries, they also include school 

grants, birth grants, maternal and child health services, 

and allowances for adult dependents.

Most industrialized countries have family allowance programs that originated in Europe in the 19th 

century when some large companies began paying premiums to workers with large families. The idea spread 

gradually, and several European countries enacted 

programs during the 1920s and 1930s. Most programs 

in operation today, however, have been in place since 

1945.

Types of Systems and Coverage. Family allowance 

programs are of two types: universal and employmentrelated. The fi rst category, in principle, provides allowances to all resident families with a specifi ed number 

of children. The second category provides allowances 

to all wage and salary workers and, in some cases, the 

self-employed. A few systems cover some categories 

of nonemployed persons as well. Most employmentrelated programs continue to pay family allowances 

to insured persons with dependent children in their 

care when they retire or are temporarily off the job 

and receiving sickness, unemployment, work injury, 

disability, or other benefi ts. Employment-related family programs also pay allowances to widows of social 

security benefi ciaries.

Source of Funds. The differences in family allowance 

programs are refl ected in the methods used for fi nancing. In universal systems, the entire cost is usually 

covered by general revenue. By contrast, countries 

linking eligibility with employment meet the cost 

of allowances entirely or in considerable part from 

employer contributions, usually at a uniform percentage-of-payroll rate. If employer contributions do not 

cover the entire cost, the remainder is usually met 

from a government subsidy. Few countries require 

an employee contribution toward family allowances, 

although some require self-employed persons to 

contribute.

Eligibility. Eligibility is commonly related to the size 

of the family and, in some cases, to family income. 

Many countries pay allowances beginning with the 

fi rst child. In addition, some countries pay an allowance for a nonemployed wife or other adult dependent, 

even if there are no children.

In some countries, families with only one child are 

ineligible. Age requirements vary but are usually tied 

to the last year of school or the minimum working age, 

which are often the same and fall somewhere between 

ages 14 and 18. Under most programs, the continua-
16 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

tion of schooling, apprenticeship, or vocational training qualifi es a child for an extension of the age limit. 

In the case of disabled children, many countries extend 

the age limit beyond that for continued education or 

pay allowances indefi nitely.

Benefi ts. Whether a program pays a uniform rate for 

all children or an increasing or decreasing amount for 

each additional child may refl ect the history or the 

intent of the program. The allowance structure may 

vary, for example, depending on whether the primary 

intent is to provide assistance or stimulate population 

growth. The allowance in most countries is a uniform 

amount for every child, regardless of the number of 

children in a family. The allowance in most of the 

other countries increases for each additional child; the 

payment for a fi fth child, for example, may be considerably larger than that for the fi rst or second child. In 

a few countries, the allowance per child diminishes or 

ceases with the addition of children beyond a certain 

number. In some countries, family allowances (and tax 

exemptions for dependent family members) have been 

replaced or supplemented by credits or other forms of 

a negative income tax.

Administrative Organization. In countries where 

family allowances are available to all families and 

fi nanced from general revenues, the program is usually 

administered by a government department. Where 

allowances are payable mainly to families of employed 

persons and fi nanced primarily from employer contributions, the administration may be by a semiautonomous agency under public supervision. Equalization 

funds may handle the program’s fi nancial operations. 

Each employer pays family allowances to its employees with their wages. The fi rm then settles with the 

local fund only the surplus or defi cit of contributions 

due, after deducting allowances the fi rm has paid. A 

similar procedure of settling only surpluses or defi -

cits is followed by the local funds in relation to the 

regional equalization funds under whose supervision 

they operate. The equalization process makes it possible to fi x a uniform contribution rate for all employers, 

regardless of the number of children in their employees’ families. It also eliminates any effect allowances 

might have in inducing employers to discriminate in 

hiring workers with children.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 17

Cash

benefits

for both

Cash

benefits plus

medical care a

Algeria X X X X X X

Benin X b c X d X

Botswana e d d X d c

Burkina Faso X b X X d X

Burundi X d d X d X

Cameroon X b X X d X

Cape Verde X X X X d X

Central African Republic X b X X d X

Chad X b c X d X

Congo (Brazzaville) X b X X d X

Congo (Kinshasa) X d c X d X

Côte d'Ivoire X b X X d X

Egypt X X X X X d

Equatorial Guinea X X X X d X

Ethiopia X d d X d d

Gabon X b XXd X

Gambia X d d X d d

Ghana X d cXd d

Guinea X X f XXd X

Kenya X d g X d d

Liberia X d d X d d

Libya X X X X d c

Madagascar X b X X d X

Malawi d d g X d d

Mali X b X X d X

Mauritania X b X X d X

Mauritius X d g X c X

Morocco X X X X d X

Niger X b X X d X

Nigeria X d X X c d

Rwanda X d d X d d

(Continued)

Sickness and maternity

Table 1.

Types of social security programs

Country

Old age,

disability,

and

survivors

Work

injury Unemployment

Family 

allowances
18 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Cash

benefits

for both

Cash

benefits plus

medical care a

São Tomé and Principe X X c X d d

Senegal h b XXd X

Seychelles X X c X c d

Sierra Leone X d d X d d

South Africa X i X cXX X

Sudan X d d X d d

Swaziland X d d X d d

Tanzania X b X X d d

Togo X b c X d X

Tunisia X X X X X X

Uganda X d d X d d

Zambia X d g X d d

Zimbabwe X d g X d d

a.

b.

c.

d. Has no program or information is not available.

e. Old-age and orphan's benefits only.

f. Maternity benefits are financed under Family Allowances.

g. Medical benefits only.

h. Old-age and survivor benefits only.

i. Old-age and disability benefits only, with survivor benefits provided under Unemployment.

Table 1.

Continued

Country

Old age,

disability,

and

survivors

Sickness and maternity

Work

injury

Coverage is provided for medical care, hospitalization, or both.

Maternity benefits only.

Family 

allowances

Coverage is provided under other programs or through social assistance.

Unemployment

SOURCE: Based on information in the country summaries in this volume.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 19

Country

FlatrateEarningsrelatedMeanstestedFlat-rate

universal

Provident

funds

Occupational 

retirement 

schemes

Individual 

retirement 

schemes

Algeria X

Benin X

Botswana X

Burkina Faso X

Burundi X

Cameroon X

Cape Verde X

Central African Republic X

Chad X

Congo (Brazzaville) X

Congo (Kinshasa) X

Côte d'Ivoire X

Egypt X

Equatorial Guinea X

Ethiopia X

Gabon X

Gambia X X

Ghana X

Guinea X

Kenya X

Liberia X X

Libya X

Madagascar X

Malawi a

Mali X

Mauritania X

Mauritius X X b

Morocco X

Niger X

Nigeria X

Rwanda X

Table 2.

Types of mandatory systems for retirement income

(Continued)
20 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Country

FlatrateEarningsrelatedMeanstestedFlat-rate

universal

Provident

funds

Occupational 

retirement 

schemes

Individual 

retirement 

schemes

São Tomé and Principe X

Senegal X

Seychelles X X

Sierra Leone X

South Africa X

Sudan X

Swaziland X

Tanzania X

Togo X

Tunisia X

Uganda X

Zambia X

Zimbabwe X

a.

b.

Occupational retirement schemes: Employers are required by law to provide private occupational retirement schemes 

financed by employer and, in some cases, employee contributions. Benefits are paid as a lump sum, annuity, or pension.

SOURCE: Based on information in the country summaries in this volume.

No mandatory system for retirement income.

Benefits increase with age.

Individual retirement schemes: Employees and, in some cases, employers must contribute a certain percentage of 

earnings to an individual account managed by a public or private fund manager chosen by the employee. The accumulated 

capital in the individual account is used to purchase an annuity, make programmed withdrawals, or a combination of the two 

and may be paid as a lump sum.

Provident funds: Employee and employer contributions are set aside for each employee in publicly managed special 

funds. Benefits are generally paid as a lump sum with accrued interest.

NOTE: The types of mandatory systems for retirement income are defined as follows:

Flat-rate pension: A pension of uniform amount or one based on years of service or residence but independent of 

earnings. It is financed by payroll tax contributions from employees, employers, or both.

Earnings-related pension: A pension based on earnings. It is financed by payroll tax contributions from employees, 

employers, or both.

Means-tested pension: A pension paid to eligible persons whose own or family income, assets, or both fall below 

designated levels. It is generally financed through government contributions, with no contributions from employers or 

employees.

Flat-rate universal pension: A pension of uniform amount normally based on residence but independent of earnings. It is 

generally financed through government contributions, with no contributions from employers or employees.

Table 2.

Continued
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 21

Algeria 32.8 4.5 51.7 70.9 73.7 60 55 50 45 6,603

Benin 8.4 2.7 88.3 55.6 57.8 55 55 c c 1,091

Botswana 1.8 3.4 63.9 50.5 50.7 65 65 c c 9,945

Burkina Faso 13.9 3.1 96.8 50.7 53.8 55 55 c c 1,169

Burundi 7.8 2.6 91.2 48.1 51.0 60 60 c c 677

Cameroon 17.7 3.5 82.4 50.0 50.8 60 60 50 50 2,174

Cape Verde 0.5 4.3 77.9 68.3 74.5 65 60 c c 5,727

Central African 

Republic 4.1 3.9 87.2 43.3 46.1 55 50 c c 1,094

Chad 10.1 3.0 96.8 49.3 52.0 55 55 c c 2,090

Congo

(Brazzaville) 3.6 3.2 82.1 54.0 56.6 55 55 c c 978

Congo

(Kinshasa) 58.7 2.6 99.2 45.2 47.7 65 60 c c 705

Côte d'Ivoire 18.5 3.2 81.4 47.5 49.3 55 55 50 50 1,551

Egypt 72.8 4.8 61.5 69.1 73.6 60 60 c c 4,211

Equatorial 

Guinea 0.4 4.1 86.9 50.4 52.8 60 60 c c 20,510

Ethiopia 78.9 2.9 90.1 51.7 54.3 60 60 55 55 756

Gabon 1.2 4.7 68.3 56.4 57.1 55 55 c c 6,623

Gambia 1.6 3.7 80.3 58.6 60.3 60 60 45 45 1,991

Ghana 22.5 3.6 74.5 59.6 60.5 60 60 55 55 2,240

Guinea 9.0 3.1 86.9 54.4 57.6 55 55 50 50 2,180

Kenya 35.5 2.7 83.1 53.0 55.2 55 55 c c 1,140

Liberia 3.4 2.2 96.4 44.8 46.6 60 60 c c 1,000

Libya 5.9 3.8 51.7 71.7 76.9 65 60 c c 7,570

Madagascar 18.6 3.1 88.3 57.7 61.3 60 55 c c 857

Malawi 13.2 3.0 100.4 48.1 48.4 d d d d 646

Mali 11.6 3.6 105.3 52.1 56.6 58 58 53 53 998

Mauritania 2.9 3.6 78.2 62.4 66.0 60 55 c c 1,940

Mauritius 1.2 6.6 44.9 69.5 76.2 60 60 c c 12,027

Morocco 30.4 5.2 55.0 69.0 73.4 60 60 55 55 4,309

Niger 13.2 3.1 104.0 57.8 56.0 60 60 c c 779

Nigeria 141.3 2.9 89.7 46.4 47.3 50 50 c c 1,154

Rwanda 9.2 2.5 85.1 44.6 47.8 55 55 c c 1,263

Table 3.

Demographic and other statistics related to social security, 2007

Men Men Men

Statutory

pensionable

age

Women

Early

pensionable

age b Total 

population

(millions)

Percentage

65 or

older

Dependency

ratio a Women

Life

expectancy

at birth (years)

(Continued)

Country Women

GDP

per

capita

(US$)
22 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

São Tomé and 

Principe 0.1 4.4 85.1 63.6 67.4 62 57 c c 1,231

Senegal 11.7 4.2 86.5 61.1 65.1 55 55 53 53 1,713

Seychelles 0.08 6.1 45.9 66.9 77.8 63 63 c c 16,652

Sierra Leone 5.5 3.3 85.5 41.0 44.2 60 60 55 55 561

South Africa 47.9 4.2 56.9 48.8 49.7 65 60 c c 11,192

Sudan 36.9 3.5 79.2 57.1 60.1 60 60 50 50 1,949

Swaziland 1.1 3.2 75.4 39.8 39.4 50 50 c c 5,638

Tanzania 38.4 3.0 90.1 51.4 53.6 60 60 55 55 674

Togo 6.2 3.1 86.5 56.7 60.1 55 55 c c 1,536

Tunisia 10.1 6.3 46.3 71.9 76.0 60 60 50 50 7,768

Uganda 28.9 2.5 107.9 50.8 52.2 55 55 c c 1,478

Zambia 11.4 2.9 94.5 42.1 42.5 55 55 50 50 943

Zimbabwe 13.1 3.5 75.4 44.1 42.7 60 60 c c 2,065

a.

b.

c.

d.

GDP = gross domestic product.

NOTES: Information on statutory and pensionable ages is taken from the country summaries in this volume.

No statutory old-age pension system.

Men Women

Early

pensionable

age b Total 

population

(millions)

Population aged 14 or younger plus population aged 65 or older, divided by population aged 15–64.

General early pensionable age only; excludes early pensionable ages for specific groups of employees.

The country has no early pensionable age, has one only for specific groups, or information is not available.

Men Women

SOURCES: United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, World Population Prospects: 

The 2006 Revision Population Database , available at http://esa.un.org/unpp (2006); Human Development Report 2006, 

prepared for the United Nations Development Programme (Gordonsville VA: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006); U.S. Central 

Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook, 2007 (Washington DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2007).

Percentage

65 or

older

GDP

per

capita

Women (US$)

Life

expectancy

at birth (years)

Men

Table 3.

Continued

Country

Dependency

ratio a

Statutory

pensionable

age
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 23

Algeria b 7 c 10 c 17 c 9 25 d 34

Benin 3.6 6.4 10 3.6 16.4 20

Botswana 0 0 0 e 0 0 f 0 e

Burkina Faso g 5.5 5.5 11 5.5 16 21.5

Burundi 2.6 3.9 6.5 2.6 6.9 h 9.5

Cameroon g 2.8 4.2 7 2.8 12.95 15.75

Cape Verde g 3 7 10 7 16 23

Central African Republic b,g 2 3 5 2 18 20

Chad b,g 2 4 6 2 12.5 14.5

Congo (Brazzaville) b,g 4 8 12 4 20.48 24.48

Congo (Kinshasa) 3.5 3.5 7 3.5 9 12.5

Côte d'Ivoire g 3.2 4.8 8 3.2 12.55 15.75

Egypt b 13 17 30 14 26 40

Equatorial Guinea b 4.5 i 21.5 i 26 i 4.5 21.5 26

Ethiopia 4 i 6 i 10 i 4 6 10

Gabon g 2.5 5 7.5 2.5 20.1 22.6

Gambia g 5 10 15 5 11 16

Ghana 5 i 12.5 i 17.5 i 5 12.5 f 17.5

Guinea b,g 2.5 4 6.5 5 18 23

Kenya b,g 5 5 10 5 5f 10

Liberia b 3 3 6 3 4.75 7.75

Libya b 3.75 i 10.5 i 14.25 i 5.25 12.95 j 18.2

Madagascar g 1 9.5 10.5 1 13 14

Malawi 0 k 0 k 0 k 0 0 f 0

Mali 3.6 5.4 9 3.6 16.4 20

Mauritania g 1 2 3 1 15 16

Mauritius g 3 i 6 i 9 i 3 6 9 l

Morocco g 3.96 7.93 11.89 4.29 16.1 f 20.39

Niger g 1.6 2.4 4 1.6 15.4 17

Nigeria 7.5 7.5 15 7.5 7.5 f 15

Rwanda g 336 3 5 8

Country Employer

Insured

person

Table 4.

Contribution rates for social security programs, 2007 (in percent)

All social security programs a

Employer Total

Insured

person

Old age, disability, and survivors

Total

(Continued)
24 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

São Tomé and Principe 4 i 6 i 10 i 4 6 10

Senegal g 5.6 8.4 14 8.6 20.9 29.5

Seychelles 5 i,m 10 i,m 15 i 5 10 15

Sierra Leone 5 10 15 5 10 f 15

South Africa b,g 0 0 0 e 1 1 f 2 e,n

Sudan 8 17 25 8 19 27

Swaziland g 5 5 10 5 5 f 10

Tanzania 10 i 10 i 20 i 10 10 f 20

Togo b 4 8 12 4 16.5 20.5

Tunisia 7.74 7.76 15.5 10.37 14.88 25.25

Uganda 5 10 15 5 10 f 15

Zambia g 5 5 10 5 5 f 10

Zimbabwe g 336 3 3 f 6

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

i.

j.

k.

l.

m.

n.

Plus a flat-rate contribution.

Government pays the total cost of family allowances.

Employers pay the total cost of family allowances.

Also includes the contribution rates for other programs.

Employers pay the total cost of maternity benefits.

There is no Old Age, Disability, and Survivors program.

Data are at least 2 years old.

Contributions finance old-age benefits only.

A lump sum contribution is also paid for unemployment benefits.

Government pays the total cost of the Old Age, Disability, and Survivors program.

Employers pay the total cost of work injury benefits.

Contributions are submitted to a ceiling on some benefits.

Country Employer

Old age, disability, and survivors

Insured

person

Insured

person Employer Total

All social security programs a

Government pays the total cost of unemployment benefits and family allowances.

SOURCE: Based on information in the country summaries in this volume.

Includes Old Age, Disability, and Survivors; Sickness and Maternity; Work Injury; Unemployment; and Family 

Allowances. In some countries, the rate may not cover all of these programs. In some cases, only certain groups, such 

as wage earners, are represented. When the contribution rate varies, either the average or the lowest rate in the range 

is used.

Total

Table 4.

Continued
Country

Summaries

SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 27

Algeria

Algeria

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 69.78 dinars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current laws: 1983, implemented in 1984, with 1996, 1997, 

and 1999 amendments; and 1994 (early pension).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All persons employed under a labor contract, domestic 

workers, actors, and certain categories of fi shermen and 

apprentices with earnings at least equal to half the legal 

minimum wage.

Special systems for armed forces personnel and selfemployed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 7% of gross earnings (including 0.5% for 

the early pension).

The insured person’s contributions fi nance old-age benefi ts 

only. Disability benefi ts, survivor benefi ts, and the death 

grant are fi nanced under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 10% of gross payroll (including 0.5% for the 

early pension).

The employer’s contributions fi nance old-age benefi ts only. 

Disability benefi ts, survivor benefi ts, and the death grant are 

fi nanced under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Government: None; the government subsidizes the minimum pension.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men); age 55 (veterans), with 

at least 15 years of coverage. Age 55 (women) with at least 

10 years of coverage. Regardless of age (men and women) 

with 32 years of contributions. Retirement from work is 

necessary.

Workers who do not have the required number of years of 

coverage at the normal retirement age can continue working 

for up to 5 years in order to satisfy the qualifying condition.

Persons employed in arduous or unhealthy work can retire 

before the normal retirement age. The normal retirement age 

for insured women (age 55) who have raised at least one 

child for at least 9 years is reduced by a year for each child, 

up to a maximum of 3 years. The normal retirement age 

for disabled veterans (age 55) is reduced, according to the 

assessed degree of disability.

Paid at any age for totally disabled workers who do not meet 

the disability pension qualifying conditions.

Partial pension: Age 50 with at least 20 years of contributions (men) and age 45 with 14 years of contributions 

(women).

Early pension: Age 50 with at least 20 years of contributions 

(men) and age 45 with 14 years of contributions (women). 

The insured must not receive income from any professional 

activity. The employer must pay a lump-sum contribution, 

calculated according to the number of years that the insured 

retires before the normal retirement age.

Retirement settlement: Age 60 or older with at least 

5 years or 20 quarters of coverage and ineligible for the oldage pension.

All old-age benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a 

reciprocal agreement.

Disability pension: The total disability pension is paid for 

the assessed loss of all working capacity. The insured must 

be currently covered with at least 60 days of employment in 

the last 12 months or 180 days in the last 3 years.

Partial disability: The insured must be assessed with a loss 

of at least 50% of earning capacity.

All disability benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a 

reciprocal agreement.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or satisfi ed the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Death grant: The deceased had at least 15 days (or 

100 hours) of insured employment in the 3 months before 

death.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) of any age; children 

younger than age 18 (age 25 if an apprentice with earnings 

not greater than half the legal minimum wage, age 21 if a 

student, no limit if disabled or a daughter without income); 

and dependent parents with income less than the minimum 

old-age pension.

All survivor benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a 

reciprocal agreement.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 2.5% of average 

monthly earnings in the 5 years before retirement or the best 

5 years of the total professional career (whichever is higher) 

times the number of years of coverage, up to a maximum of 

80%.

For pension calculation purposes, each covered year or 

covered quarter is based on 180 days or 45 days of work, 

respectively. The pension is paid monthly.
28 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Algeria

If the insured’s pension is less than the legal monthly minimum wage, the amount paid is increased to the value of the 

legal monthly minimum wage. (The legal monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.)

The maximum pension is equal to 15 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

Dependent spouse’s supplement: 1,000 dinars is paid.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of 

the insured’s pension. The minimum supplement is 

2,470.34 dinars.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 1% for each year 

that the pension is awarded before the normal retirement 

age. The pension is increased every 12 months by 1% until 

the pensioner reaches the normal retirement age, when it is 

then recalculated according to the number of years the pension was awarded before the normal retirement age and the 

insured’s total coverage period.

If the insured’s pension is less than 75% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage, the pension payable is increased 

by between 10% and 50%, according to the schedule in law. 

(The legal monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.)

Dependent spouse’s supplement: Equal to 12.5% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.

Retirement settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 2.5% 

of average monthly earnings in the 5 years before retirement 

or the best 5 years of the total professional career (whichever is higher) times the number of years of coverage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in May.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 80% of average earnings in the last year or the best 3 years of the total 

professional career (whichever is higher).

At the normal retirement age, the disability pension ceases 

and is replaced by an old-age pension of at least the same 

amount.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

pension.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to 60% of average 

earnings in the last year or the best 3 years of the total professional career (whichever is higher).

If the insured’s pension is less than the legal monthly minimum wage, the amount paid is increased to the value of the 

legal monthly minimum wage. (The legal monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.)

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in May.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 75% of the 

old-age pension or disability pension (50% if there are other 

survivors) paid or payable to the deceased. If there is more 

than one widow, the pension is split equally among them.

Other eligible survivors: 30% of the old-age pension or 

disability pension paid or payable to the deceased is paid for 

one other survivor; 40% is divided equally if there is more 

than one other eligible survivor.

If there is no surviving spouse, 45% of the old-age pension 

or disability pension paid or payable to the deceased is paid 

to a full orphan and 30% is paid to a dependent parent.

If all survivor benefi ts combined are less than the legal 

monthly minimum wage, the amount paid is increased to 

the value of the legal monthly minimum wage. (The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.)

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 90% 

(100% if the deceased’s pension was less than the legal 

minimum monthly wage) of the pension paid or payable 

to the deceased. (The legal monthly minimum wage is 

10,000 dinars.)

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in May.

Death grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 12 times the 

deceased’s best monthly earnings in the year before death.

The minimum death grant is equal to 12 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security (http://www.mtss.gov

.dz) provides general supervision.

National Retirement Fund administers the old-age program 

for salaried employees.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the disability 

and survivors program for salaried employees.

National Social Security Fund for Nonwage Earners (http://

www.casnos.com.dz) administers the old-age and disability 

program for nonwage earners.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 1983, implemented in 1984.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Cash and medical benefi ts: All employed persons.

Medical benefi ts only: Persons receiving an unemployment benefi t, persons receiving the early pension, national 

liberation war pensioners, disabled persons with an assessed 

degree of disability of at least 50%, unemployed students, 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 29

Algeria

and their respective dependents; the dependents of certain 

categories of prisoner.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1.5% of gross earnings.

The insured person’s contributions also fi nance disability 

benefi ts, survivor benefi ts, and the death grant under Old 

Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 12.5% of gross payroll.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance disability benefi ts, survivor benefi ts, and the death grant under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: The insured must be in covered employment when the incapacity begins. For up to 

6 months’ entitlement, the insured must have been employed 

for at least 15 days (or 100 hours) in the last quarter or 

60 days (or 400 hours) in the last 12 months; for entitlement 

beyond 6 months, the insured must have been employed 

for at least 60 days (or 400 hours) in the last 12 months or 

180 days in the last 3 years.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

15 days (or 100 hours) of insured employment in the last 

3 months or 60 days (or 400 hours) in the last 12 months 

before the pregnancy began.

Medical benefi ts: The insured must have at least 15 days 

(or 100 hours) of insured employment in the 3 months 

before the year in which the incapacity began or 60 days (or 

400 hours) of employment in the last 12 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 50% of the daily 

wage (100% for an extended illness or hospitalization) for 

the fi rst 15 days; thereafter, 100% of the daily wage from 

the 16th day up to a maximum of 3 years; 4 years under 

certain circumstances.

The minimum daily wage (at the 100% rate) is equal to 

eight times the legal hourly minimum wage.

The legal hourly minimum wage is 52.17 dinars.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of earnings. The benefi t is paid for up to 14 weeks (including up to 

6 weeks before the expected date of childbirth).

The minimum daily wage is equal to eight times the legal 

hourly minimum wage.

The legal hourly minimum wage is 52.17 dinars.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, 

medicines, laboratory services, ophthalmologic and optician services, some dental care including dental prostheses, 

functional and vocational rehabilitation, prostheses, thermal 

and specialized cures, and transportation.

Full medical care in government hospitals is provided free 

and for unlimited duration for certain categories of sickness; 

some categories may require cost sharing.

Cost sharing: Medical expenses are reimbursed at 80% 

(100% for insured persons with chronic diseases, work 

injury benefi ciaries assessed as more than 50% disabled, and 

old-age pensioners or disability pensioners with income less 

than the legal minimum wage).

Maternity benefi ts are reimbursed at 100%; hospital charges 

are limited to 8 days.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, 

medicines, laboratory services, ophthalmologic and optician services, some dental care including dental prostheses, 

functional and vocational rehabilitation, prostheses, thermal 

and specialized cures, and transportation.

Full medical care in government hospitals is provided free 

and for unlimited duration for certain categories of sickness; 

some categories may require cost sharing.

Cost sharing: Medical expenses are reimbursed at 80% 

(100% for insured persons with chronic diseases, work 

injury benefi ciaries assessed as more than 50% disabled, and 

old-age pensioners or disability pensioners with income less 

than the legal minimum wage).

Maternity benefi ts are reimbursed at 100%; hospital charges 

are limited to 8 days.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security (http://www.mtss.gov

.dz) provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program for 

salaried employees.

National Social Security Fund for Nonwage Earners (http://

www.casnos.com.dz) administers the program for nonwage 

earners.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1919.

Current law: 1983, implemented in 1984.

Type of program: Social insurance system.
30 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Algeria

Coverage

All employed persons, apprentices, students in technical 

schools and trainees, persons undergoing medical or vocational rehabilitation, some kinds of voluntary worker, wards 

of juvenile courts, students, and convicted persons working 

in prison workshops.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None; work injury pensioners whose permanent disability pension is more than the legal minimum 

wage contribute 2% of the pension.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1% of gross payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 100% of the net daily wage and is 

paid from the day after the disability began until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

The minimum daily wage is equal to eight times the legal 

minimum hourly wage.

The legal minimum hourly wage is 52.17 dinars.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: The pension is equal to 

average earnings in the last 12 months times the assessed 

degree of disability.

A lump sum is paid if the assessed degree of disability is 

less than 10%.

The annual earnings for pension calculation purposes must 

not be less than 2,300 times the legal minimum hourly 

wage.

The legal minimum hourly wage is 52.17 dinars.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

pension.

Foreign worker settlement: In the absence of a reciprocal agreement, a lump sum equal to three times the annual 

pension is paid to injured foreign workers who leave the 

country.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, 

medicines, laboratory services, ophthalmologic and optician services, some dental care, prostheses, functional and 

vocational rehabilitation, thermal and specialized cures, and 

transportation.

There is no limit to duration.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow receives 75% (50% if there 

are other survivors) of the deceased’s average earnings in 

the 12 months before the date of the accident resulting in the 

insured’s death. If there is more than one widow, the pension 

is split equally among them.

Eligible survivors are a widow of any age; children younger 

than age 18 (age 25 if an apprentice with earnings of no 

more than half the legal minimum wage, age 21 if a student, 

no limit if disabled or a daughter without income); and 

dependent parents with income less than the minimum oldage pension.

Survivors of foreign workers are eligible for benefi ts if they 

reside in Algeria or are covered by a reciprocal agreement.

Other eligible survivors: 30% of the deceased’s average 

earnings are paid for one survivor; 40% is split equally if 

there is more than one eligible survivor.

If there is no surviving spouse, 45% of the deceased’s average earnings are paid to a full orphan and 30% to a dependent parent.

If all survivor benefi ts combined are less than the legal 

monthly minimum wage, the amount paid is increased to 

the value of the legal monthly minimum wage. (The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.)

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 90% 

(100% if the deceased’s pension was less than the legal 

minimum monthly wage) of the pension paid or payable 

to the deceased. (The legal monthly minimum wage is 

10,000 dinars.)

Death grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 12 times the 

deceased’s best monthly earnings in the year before death.

The minimum death grant is equal to 12 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security (http://www.mtss.gov

.dz) provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1994.

Type of program: Social insurance system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 31

Algeria

Coverage

Salaried workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 0.5% of gross earnings; contributions are 

paid on unemployment benefi ts.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1.5% of gross payroll plus a lump-sum contribution equal to 80% of each laid-off worker’s average monthly 

earnings in the last year for each year of employment (up 

to a maximum of 12 years), if the employee worked for the 

employer for more than 3 years.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefi t: The insured is involuntarily unemployed; must have at least 3 years of contributions, including the 6 months before unemployment; must not receive 

income from any professional activity; must have been 

looking for work for at least 3 months; and must reside in 

Algeria. The previous employer must have paid all required 

social security contributions.

Unemployment Benefi ts

The benefi t is calculated according to a reference salary that 

is equal to 50% of the sum of the insured’s average monthly 

earnings in the last 12 months and the legal monthly 

minimum wage (10,000 dinars). The benefi t is paid for 

2 months for each year of contributions, up to a maximum 

of 36 months.

The minimum duration of benefi t entitlement is 12 months.

The total duration of benefi t entitlement is split into four 

equal periods, and the benefi t payable declines over the four 

periods. The monthly benefi t is equal to 100% of the reference salary during the fi rst period, 80% during the second 

period, 60% during the third period, and 50% during the 

fourth period.

The minimum monthly benefi t is equal to 70% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The maximum monthly benefi t is equal to three times the 

legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.

Nonworking spouse’s supplement: 500 dinars a month is 

paid if the insured receives an unemployment benefi t of less 

than 7,000 dinars a month.

Unemployment benefi ciaries and their dependents are eligible for sickness, maternity, and family benefi ts (entitlement 

may continue for up to 12 months after the unemployment 

benefi t ceases). Periods during which the unemployment 

benefi t has been paid are credited for pension calculation 

purposes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security (http://www.mtss.gov

.dz) provides general supervision.

National Unemployment Insurance Fund administers the 

program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1941, with 1994 amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Nonagricultural employees and social insurance 

benefi ciaries.

Special systems for public-sector employees and employees 

of certain agricultural cooperatives.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 25% of the cost of family allowances for 

employees.

Government: 75% of the cost of family allowances for 

employees; the total cost of family allowances for social 

insurance benefi ciaries.

Qualifying Conditions

Family benefi ts: The child must be younger than age 17 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled). The 

insured must earn at least half the legal monthly minimum 

wage; be disabled or ill; or be receiving an unemployment 

benefi t, early retirement benefi t, or old-age pension.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 10,000 dinars.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: If family earnings are 15,000 dinars 

a month or less, the benefi t is 600 dinars a month for each 

of the fi rst fi ve children and 300 dinars for each additional 

child. If family earnings exceed 15,000 dinars a month, the 

benefi t is 300 dinars a month for each child.

School allowance: Paid for children older than age 6. 

If family earnings are 15,000 dinars a month or less, the 

benefi t is 800 dinars for each of the fi rst fi ve children and 

400 dinars for each additional child. If family earnings 

exceed 15,000 dinars a month, the benefi t is 400 dinars for 

each child. The school allowance is paid once a year in addition to family allowances.
32 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Algeria

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security (http://www.mtss.gov

.dz) provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 33

Benin

Benin

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1970.

Current law: 2003 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons; managers of companies under certain 

conditions.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

informal economy workers, cooperative members, apprentices, interns, and students at technical schools.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.6% of gross earnings. Voluntarily 

insured persons contribute a sum equal to 10% of the 

last gross salary earned while in compulsory insured 

employment.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(27,500 CFA francs in June 2004).

Contributions made by pensioners aged 55 to 60 who begin 

new covered employment or by foreign workers who leave 

the national territory may be reimbursed.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6.4% of gross payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(27,500 CFA francs in June 2004).

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with at least 180 months of insurance coverage. Retirement from covered employment is 

necessary.

An insurance month corresponds to any month in which 

the insured works at least 18 days or 120 hours in covered 

employment, including periods for which cash maternity or 

work injury benefi ts are paid.

The old-age pension is suspended if the pensioner begins 

new covered employment.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: The insured is ineligible for the oldage pension at age 55 but has at least 12 months of insurance coverage.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity and have at least 

60 months of insurance coverage, including 6 months in 

the 12 months before the disability began (the coverage 

condition is waived for a disability that is the result of an 

accident).

An insurance month corresponds to any month in which 

the insured works at least 18 days or 120 hours in covered 

employment, including periods for which cash maternity or 

work injury benefi ts are paid.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner, satisfi ed the qualifying conditions for a pension, or had at least 

180 months of insurance coverage.

An insurance month corresponds to any month in which 

the insured works at least 18 days or 120 hours in covered 

employment, including periods for which cash maternity or 

work injury benefi ts are paid.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor settlement: The deceased was ineligible for a 

pension.

Eligible survivors include a widow who was married at least 

a year before the insured’s death or who is pregnant by or 

who had a child with the deceased; a disabled or dependent 

widower who was married to the deceased at least a year 

before her death; and a dependent child younger than age 19 

(age 22 if an apprentice, a student, or disabled).

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 20% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 10 years. An 

increment of 2% is paid for every 12-month period of insurance coverage exceeding 180 months, up to a maximum of 

60% of the insured’s earnings (wage increases above 10% 

a year during the last 10 years are not taken into account in 

the calculation).

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage (27,500 CFA francs in June 2004).
34 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Benin

The maximum pension is set periodically by a Decree of the 

Council of Ministers.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 10 years 

times the number of 12-month periods of insurance 

coverage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system. (The last adjustment was made on October 1, 2005.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 20% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 10 years. An 

increment of 2% is paid for every 12-month period of insurance coverage exceeding 180 months, up to a maximum 

of 60% of the insured’s earnings. For each year that the 

pension is awarded before the insured reaches age 55, the 

insured is credited with a 6-month insurance period.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage (27,500 CFA francs in June 2004).

The maximum pension is set periodically by a Decree of the 

Council of Ministers.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

pension.

The disability pension ceases at age 55 and is replaced by an 

old-age pension of the same value.

When the insured is entitled to receive two or more pensions, the full amount of the higher pension and half the 

amount of the other pension(s) are paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system. (The last adjustment was made on October 1, 2005.)

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 40% of the pension paid or payable to 

the deceased is paid to the widow(er). If there is more than 

one widow, the pension is split equally among them. A disabled or dependent widower is eligible to receive a pension 

on behalf of his fi rst deceased spouse only.

The pension ceases on remarriage, and a lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

6 months’ pension.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

for one orphan; 40% for two or more orphans; 30% for a 

full orphan who is a single child. The amount paid may be 

recalculated if the number of eligible orphans changes.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 80% of the 

deceased’s pension.

If an eligible survivor also receives survivor benefi ts under 

the work injury program, the work injury survivor pension 

is paid in full along with the portion of the nonwork injury 

survivor pension that exceeds this amount.

Survivor settlement: One month of the pension the 

deceased would have been entitled to with 180 months of 

insurance is paid for each 6-month period of insurance the 

deceased had at the time of death. The settlement is split 

equally between the eligible spouse and orphans. In the 

absence of an eligible spouse and orphans, the settlement is 

paid to the deceased’s parents.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system. (The last adjustment was made on October 1, 2005.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Administration provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1998 (labor code) and 2003 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women; managers of companies under certain 

conditions.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

informal economy workers, cooperative members, apprentices, interns, and students at technical schools.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 0.2% of gross payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purpose are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(27,500 CFA francs in June 2004).

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 35

Benin

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

6 months of insurance coverage.

An insurance month corresponds to any month in which 

the insured works at least 18 days or 120 hours in covered 

employment, including periods for which cash maternity or 

work injury benefi ts are paid.

Benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

1998 labor code requires employers to provide paid sick 

leave.)

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s earnings at the time the maternity leave starts (the 

employer pays half). The benefi t is paid for 6 weeks before 

and 8 weeks after the expected date of childbirth; may be 

extended for up to 4 weeks in the event of complications 

arising from childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 1998 labor code 

requires employers to pay 60% of the cost of health and 

medical services for employees.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 1998 labor code 

requires employers to pay 60% of the cost of health and 

medical services for employees’ dependents. Eligible dependents are the spouse and dependent children.)

Some maternity, child health, and welfare services are provided under Family Allowances, below.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Administration provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current law: 2003 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, managers of companies under certain conditions, apprentices, interns, students at technical 

schools, members of cooperatives, nonsalaried managers of 

cooperatives and their assistants, local authority employees, 

and some civil servants on secondment.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

and informal economy workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1% to 4% of gross payroll, according to the 

assessed risk.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purpose are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(27,500 CFA francs in June 2004).

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the last month before the month in which the 

disability began.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(27,500 CFA francs in June 2004).

The benefi t is paid from the day after the disability began 

for a maximum of 12 months; thereafter, the benefi t is 

replaced by a temporary disability pension based on the 

insured’s yearly earnings in the year before the disability 

began, up to a ceiling of 10 times the legal minimum wage 

multiplied by 1.4, depending on the assessed degree of 

disability.

The disability is assessed by an approved doctor.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is totally disabled, the pension is equal to 100% of the insured’s annual 

earnings in the year before the year the disability began up 

to three times the legal minimum wage, plus 50% of the 

portion of earnings between this limit and 10 times the legal 

minimum wage.

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability of at 

least 20%, the pension is equal to the insured’s annual earnings in the year before the year the disability began multiplied by 0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for the 

portion of disability between 1% and 50% and by 1.5 times 
36 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Benin

the assessed degree of disability for the portion greater than 

50%.

The minimum monthly earnings for pension calculation 

purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

multiplied by 1.4. The legal monthly minimum wage is 

27,500 CFA francs (June 2004).

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of earnings.

Pensions are paid monthly if the assessed degree of disability is 75% or more; otherwise, monthly or quarterly.

The disability is assessed by an approved doctor.

When the insured is entitled to two or more pensions, the 

higher pension and half the amount of the other pension(s) 

are paid.

Disability allowance: For an assessed degree of disability 

of less than 20%, a lump sum is paid equal to 5 years’ pension, according to the assessed degree of disability.

The disability is assessed by an approved doctor.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system. (The last adjustment was made on July 1, 2003.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, medicines, appliances, prostheses, rehabilitation, and 

transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 30% of the deceased’s earnings taken 

into account for the calculation of the permanent disability pension are paid to a spouse who married the deceased 

before the disability began (a divorced spouse who received 

alimony may also receive a pension equal to up to 20% of 

the deceased’s earnings). If there is more than one widow, 

the pension is split equally among them.

The pension ceases on remarriage, and a lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

6 months’ pension.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s earnings taken 

into account for the calculation of the permanent disability 

pension are paid to each of the fi rst two orphans and 10% 

for each additional orphan.

Eligible orphans are dependent children younger than age 19 

(age 22 if an apprentice, a student, or disabled). An orphan 

receiving the pension may not receive family allowances.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

receives 10% of the deceased’s earnings taken into account 

for the calculation of the permanent disability pension.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% 

of the permanent disability pension paid or payable 

to the deceased; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

If an eligible survivor also receives survivor benefi ts under 

the old-age, disability, and survivors program, the work 

injury survivor pension is paid in full along with the portion 

of the nonwork injury survivor pension that exceeds this 

amount.

Funeral grant: Funeral costs are reimbursed up to fi ve times 

the legal monthly minimum wage (27,500 CFA francs a 

month in June 2004).

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system. (The last adjustment was made on July 1, 2003.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Administration provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 2003 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons, managers of companies under certain 

conditions, local authority employees, and some civil servants on secondment.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

informal economy workers, cooperative members, apprentices, interns, and students at technical schools.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8.8% of gross payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(27,500 CFA francs in June 2004).

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 15 

(age 22 if an apprentice, a student, or disabled). The parent 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 37

Benin

must have at least 6 months of insurance and be currently 

working at least 18 days or 120 hours during the month, 

including periods for which cash maternity or work injury 

benefi ts are paid.

The child must not receive an orphan’s pension.

If one of the parents receives family allowances from the 

special system for civil servants, only the higher benefi t 

award is paid.

Prenatal allowance: The pregnant woman must undergo 

prescribed medical examinations. The pregnant spouse of an 

insured worker is also eligible.

Benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 2,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child from the fi rst day of the month of birth.

Prenatal allowance: 500 CFA francs a month is paid for 

9 months.

Some maternity, child health, and welfare services are also 

provided.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Administration provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.
38 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Botswana

Botswana

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 5.94 pula.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1996 (universal pension and orphan 

care).

Type of program: Universal old-age pension and orphan 

care benefi t system.

Note: Botswana does not yet have national social security 

legislation.

Coverage

Old-age pension: All citizens of Botswana aged 65 or 

older.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Orphan care benefi t: All orphaned citizens of Botswana 

younger than age 18.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 65 or older and residing in 

Botswana.

Disability benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided; cash 

benefi ts are provided to registered destitute disabled persons under the destitute program (see Family Allowances, 

below).

Orphan care benefi t: Provided for the loss of one parent 

(single parent) or both parents (married couple); a social 

orphan whose parents’ whereabouts is not known. The child 

must be younger than age 18 and residing in Botswana.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: 166 pula a month is paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided; cash benefi ts are provided to registered destitute disabled persons under the 

destitute program (see Family Allowances, below).

Survivor Benefi ts

Orphan care benefi t: A monthly food basket equal to 

216.60 pula; a school uniform, transportation fees, sports 

fees, tour fees, clothing, rental fees where applicable, and 

other payments as required. The benefi ts are received by the 

orphan’s caregiver (guardian) or by an orphan acting as the 

head of the family (guardian) for younger siblings.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labor and Social Security (http://www

.gov.bw) provides general supervision and administers the 

program.

Social Benefi ts Division, Department of Social Services, 

Ministry of Local Government (http://www.gov.bw) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

The amended 1982 Employment Act provides for up to 

14 days of paid sick leave a year.

The amended 1984 Employment Order requires employers in designated areas to pay maternity benefi ts to female 

employees. The maternity benefi t is equal to a minimum of 

25% of wages or 0.5 pula for each day of absence, whichever is greater, and is paid for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks 

after the expected date of childbirth; may be extended for 

an additional 2 weeks in the event of complications arising 

from pregnancy or childbirth.

The 1982 Employment Act requires employers in designated 

areas to provide certain medical services to employees and 

their dependents, including transportation to the nearest 

hospital.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1936.

Current laws: 1977, with 1980 and 1985 amendments; and 

1998.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 39

Botswana

Coverage

Employed persons, including government and local authority employees and armed forces personnel.

Exclusions: Casual workers and family labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost, met through the direct provision 

of benefi ts or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

66% of the insured’s earnings is paid for up to 6 months; 

may be extended for additional 3-month periods up to a total 

of 24 months with the approval of the Commissioner for 

Workmen’s Compensation. The benefi t is paid after a 7-day 

waiting period until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

Partial disability: Reduced benefi t amounts are paid according to the assessed degree of disability.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is assessed as totally disabled, a lump sum is 

paid equal to 60 months of the insured’s earnings minus the 

value of any temporary disability benefi ts paid previously to 

the insured.

The minimum benefi t is 16,000 pula.

The maximum benefi t is 250,000 pula.

Constant-attendance supplement: Up to a maximum of 25% 

of the permanent disability benefi t.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefi t is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability, as determined 

by the schedule in law.

The maximum partial disability benefi t is 200,000 pula.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical and surgical care, hospitalization, and medicines are provided by the employer, up to a maximum of 

75,000 pula; the costs of prostheses, up to a maximum of 

10,000 pula; and transportation costs, up to a maximum of 

1,500 pula.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum equal to 48 months of the 

insured’s earnings, minus the value of any temporary disability benefi ts paid previously to the deceased, is paid to 

dependent survivors.

The minimum benefi t is 8,000 pula.

The maximum benefi t is 20,000 pula.

A reduced benefi t is paid to survivors who were only partially dependent.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid, up to a maximum 

of 100 pula. (The amount is deducted from the survivor 

benefi t.)

Administrative Organization

Department of Labor and Social Security (http://www.gov

.bw) enforces the law.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Under the amended 1984 Employment Order, employees 

with 60 months of continuous employment are entitled to a 

severance benefi t from their employer.

Department of Labor and Social Security (http://www.gov.

bw) enforces the law.

Commissioner of Labor and Social Security provides 

supervision.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

Botswana provides monthly cash benefi ts (61 pula) and 

monthly food rations (equal to 172 pula) to all destitute residents, including those unable to support themselves because 

of old age, disability, or a chronic health condition; needy 

children younger than age 18 with a terminally ill parent; 

or orphans or abandoned children younger than age 18 not 

covered by the orphan care program.
40 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons and apprentices.

Persons previously insured for at least 6 consecutive months 

can insure on a voluntary basis on the condition that they 

do so in the fi rst 5 years following the end of compulsory 

insurance.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons and temporary workers.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5.5% of covered earnings. (Voluntarily 

insured persons contribute 11% of declared earnings. 

The declared earnings for contribution purposes must be 

between the minimum and maximum earnings levels.)

The minimum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage. 

The legal monthly minimum wage is 30,684 CFA francs. 

(The legal monthly minimum wage was last adjusted in 

2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and 

benefi t calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The 

maximum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation 

purposes were last adjusted in 2003.)

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 5.5% of covered payroll.

The minimum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage. 

The legal monthly minimum wage is 30,684 CFA francs. 

(The legal monthly minimum wage was last adjusted in 

2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and 

benefi t calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The 

maximum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation 

purposes were last adjusted in 2003.)

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 56 (blue-collar workers), age 58 

(white-collar workers), age 60 (managers), or age 63 (doctors and teachers in private higher education), with at least 

180 months of coverage. The pension is paid from age 50 

if prematurely aged, with at least 180 months of coverage. 

A month of coverage represents any month in which the 

insured worked for at least 18 days in covered employment. 

Retirement from gainful employment is necessary.

For a transitional period until 2009, the old-age pension is 

paid from age 55.

The pension is payable abroad.

Old-age settlement: Age 56 (blue-collar workers), age 58 

(white-collar workers), age 60 (managers), or age 63 (doctors and teachers in private higher education), with less than 

180 months of coverage. Retirement from gainful employment is necessary.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

permanent loss of 2/3 of earning capacity for any work and 

have at least 5 years of coverage including at least 6 months 

in the last year. There is no minimum qualifying period for 

a disability that is the result of a nonoccupational accident. 

The insured must be younger than the normal retirement 

age.

The pension is payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying conditions for the old-age pension or disability pension, was a 

pensioner, or had at least 180 months of coverage at the time 

of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), orphans younger 

than age 16 (age 19 if an apprentice, age 22 if a student or 

disabled), and parents if the deceased was unmarried and 

without children.

The pension is payable abroad.

Survivor settlement: Paid if the deceased had less than 

180 months of coverage and did not meet the qualifying 

conditions for a disability pension.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 2% of the 

insured’s average monthly covered earnings for each year of 

coverage, up to a maximum of 80%.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 30,684 CFA francs. 

(The legal monthly minimum wage was last adjusted in 

2007.)
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 41

Burkina Faso

Child’s supplement: 2,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each of the fi rst six dependent children.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 20% of 

the insured’s average monthly covered earnings in the 5 best 

years of coverage for each 6-month period of coverage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, depending 

on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 2005.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 2% of the 

insured’s average monthly covered earnings in the 5 best 

years of coverage for each year of coverage, up to a maximum of 80%. For each year that a claim is made before 

the insured reaches age 55, the insured is credited with a 

6-month coverage period.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 30,684 CFA francs. 

(The legal monthly minimum wage was last adjusted in 

2007.)

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Child’s supplement: 2,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each of the fi rst six dependent children.

The pension is paid quarterly.

The disability pension ceases at the normal retirement age 

and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same value, 

including the value of any constant-attendance allowance 

and child supplements payable.

If the insured also receives a disability pension under the 

work injury program, the work injury disability pension is 

paid in full along with the portion of the nonwork injury 

permanent disability pension that exceeds this amount.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, depending 

on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 2005.)

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 50% of the pension paid or payable to the deceased. If there is more than 

one widow, the pension is split equally among them. The 

pension ceases on remarriage.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Orphan’s pension: 50% of the deceased’s pension is split 

equally among eligible orphans. The pension amount paid 

to each orphan is not recalculated if the number of eligible 

orphans changes.

The value of the orphan’s pension must not be less than the 

value of family allowances. An orphan receiving the pension 

may not receive family allowances.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Dependent parent’s pension (in the absence of other 

survivors): Each eligible parent receives 25% of the 

deceased’s pension.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

If an eligible survivor also receives a survivor pension under 

the work injury program, the work injury survivor pension 

is paid in full along with the portion of the nonwork injury 

survivor pension that exceeds this amount.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 20% of 

the deceased’s average monthly covered earnings in the 5 

best years of coverage for each 6-month period of coverage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, depending 

on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 2005.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security (http://www.emploi

.gov.bf) provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance and Budget (http://www.fi nances.gov

.bf) provides fi nancial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.bf) administers the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1981 (maternity benefi t) and 2006 (social 

security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons and temporary workers.

Special system for civil servants (cash maternity benefi ts 

only).

Voluntary private health insurance programs are available.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.
42 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Burkina Faso

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The woman must be in insured 

employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s last gross earnings (of which the National Social 

Security Fund pays a sum equal to 100% of covered earnings and the employer pays the remainder). The benefi t is 

paid for 14 weeks, including at least 4 weeks before the 

expected date of childbirth; may be extended for up to 

3 additional weeks in the event of complications arising 

from pregnancy or childbirth. The full benefi t period after 

childbirth is paid for a stillborn child.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 30,684 CFA francs. (The legal monthly 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The maximum earnings for 

benefi t calculation purposes were last adjusted in 2003).

Some maternity services are provided under Family Allowances, below.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Working women receive free medical care during pregnancy 

and childbirth. (Additional benefi ts for mothers are provided 

under Family Allowances, below.)

The labor code requires employers to provide certain medical services.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

The spouse of an insured man receives free medical care 

during pregnancy and childbirth.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to mothers and children under Family Allowances, below.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security (http://www.emploi

.gov.bf) provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance and Budget (http://www.fi nances.gov

.bf) provides fi nancial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.bf) administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including temporary workers, members of cooperatives, students in training centers, and 

apprentices.

Persons previously insured for at least 6 consecutive months 

can insure on a voluntary basis on the condition that they 

do so in the fi rst 5 years following the end of compulsory 

insurance.

Exclusions: Civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None. (Voluntarily insured persons contribute 3.5% of declared earnings. The declared earnings for 

contribution purposes must be between the minimum and 

maximum earnings levels.)

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3.5% of covered payroll; up to 7% of covered 

payroll if the employer does not comply with occupational 

risk prevention guidelines.

The minimum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage. The 

legal monthly minimum wage is 30,684 CFA francs. (The 

legal monthly minimum wage was last adjusted in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and 

benefi t calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The 

maximum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation 

purposes were last adjusted in 2003.)

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the 90 days before the month in which the 

disability began. The benefi t is paid from the day after the 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 43

Burkina Faso

disability began until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 30,684 CFA francs. (The legal monthly 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The maximum earnings for 

benefi t calculation purposes were last adjusted in 2003.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the monthly pension is equal to 85% of the 

insured’s monthly average earnings in the 3 months before 

the disability began.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 30,684 CFA francs. (The legal monthly 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The maximum earnings for 

benefi t calculation purposes were last adjusted in 2003.)

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

The pension may be paid partially as a lump sum after 5 to 7 

years, subject to conditions.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is at 

least 15%, a percentage of the full pension is paid according 

to the assessed degree of disability.

The pension is paid quarterly; monthly if the assessed 

degree of disability is at least 75%.

If the assessed degree of disability is less than 15%, a lump 

sum equal to 3 years’ disability pension is paid according to 

the assessed degree of disability.

If the insured also receives a disability pension under the 

old-age, disability, and survivors program, the work injury 

permanent disability pension is paid in full along with 

the portion of the nonwork injury disability pension that 

exceeds this amount.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, depending 

on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 2005.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical, surgical, and dental care; hospitalization; medicines; X-rays; laboratory services; rehabilitation; retraining; appliances; and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings in the 3 months before 

the disability began.

Eligible survivors are a widow who was married to the 

deceased for at least 1 year (or who has a child or is pregnant by the deceased) or a dependent disabled widower. If 

there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally 

among them.

Orphan’s pension: 40% of the deceased’s average monthly 

earnings in the 3 months before the disability began is split 

equally among eligible orphans. The pension amount paid 

to each orphan is not recalculated if the number of eligible 

orphans changes.

Eligible orphans must be younger than age 16 (age 19 if an 

apprentice, age 22 if a student or disabled).

An orphan receiving the pension may not receive family 

allowances.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: 10% of 

the deceased’s average monthly earnings in the 3 months 

before the disability began is split equally among eligible 

dependents.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings in the 3 months before 

the disability began; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

If an eligible survivor also receives survivor benefi ts under 

the old-age, disability, and survivors program, the work 

injury survivor pension is paid in full along with the portion 

of the nonwork injury survivor pension that exceeds this 

amount.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to the value of 

15 days’ maximum earnings for contribution purposes 

(300,000 CFA francs in 2005).

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, depending 

on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 2005.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security (http://www.emploi

.gov.bf) provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance and Budget (http://www.fi nances.gov

.bf) provides fi nancial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.bf) administers the 

program.
44 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Burkina Faso

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons and social insurance benefi ciaries.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7% of covered payroll.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance maternity benefi ts, above.

The minimum earnings for contribution purposes are equal 

to the legal monthly minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 30,684 CFA francs. (The legal monthly 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 600,000 CFA francs. (The maximum earnings for contribution purposes were last adjusted in 2003.)

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: Any defi cit; contributes as an employer for 

public-sector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

(age 19 if an apprentice, age 22 if a student or disabled). The 

parent (or guardian) must have at least 3 months of covered employment based on 18 days or 120 hours a month 

of work. The allowance is also paid to a pensioner or to an 

unemployed person for the fi rst 6 months of unemployment.

The child must not receive an orphan’s pension.

If any parent is also entitled to family allowances from the 

special system for civil servants, only the higher benefi t 

award is paid.

Prenatal allowance: A parent must have at least 3 months 

of covered employment based on 18 days or 120 hours a 

month of work. The mother must undergo prescribed medical examinations. The full benefi t is paid if the claim is 

made in the fi rst 3 months of pregnancy.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 2,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each of the fi rst six children.

Prenatal allowance: 1,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

up to 9 months. The allowance is paid in three installments.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to mothers and children.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted depending on 

the fi nancial resources of the system. (Benefi ts were last 

adjusted in 2006.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security (http://www.emploi

.gov.bf) provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance and Budget (http://www.fi nances.gov

.bf) provides fi nancial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.bf) administers the 

program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 45

Burundi

Burundi

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1,043 francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 2002 (pensions).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers covered by the labor code, military personnel, and civil service and public utility contract workers.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.6% of covered monthly earnings 

(excluding family allowances and reimbursements paid by 

the employer); 3.8% if working under arduous conditions. 

Voluntarily insured persons contribute 6.5% of monthly 

income.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 150,000 francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3.9% of covered monthly payroll; 5.7% of 

covered monthly payroll on behalf of employees engaged in 

arduous work.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 150,000 francs.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 55 if prematurely aged or 

age 45 if working under arduous conditions) with at least 

15 years of coverage. Retirement is not necessary.

Old-age settlement: Paid to an insured person aged 60 or 

older who does not meet the qualifying conditions for an 

old-age pension.

Disability pension: Paid if the insured is assessed with a 

loss of physical or mental capacity of at least 66% and has 

at least 3 years of coverage, including 6 months of contributions in the last 12 months.

Survivor pension: Paid to eligible survivors if the deceased 

qualifi ed for a pension, was a pensioner, or had at least 

180 months of coverage at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er); unmarried orphans 

younger than age 16 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student, no limit if disabled); and parents in the absence of a 

surviving spouse and children.

Survivor settlement: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased did not meet the qualifying conditions for a 

pension.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er); unmarried orphans 

younger than age 16 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student, no limit if disabled); and parents in the absence of a 

surviving spouse and children.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus 2% for every 12-month period of 

coverage exceeding 180 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

national legal minimum wage. The highest national legal 

minimum monthly wage is 4,000 francs.

The national legal minimum wage is adjusted by ministerial 

ordinance. (The last adjustment was made in 1988.)

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

The insured can receive the old-age pension and one or 

more survivor pensions at the same time. If the insured is 

entitled to the old-age pension and the work injury permanent disability benefi t, the full amount of the higher pension and half the amount of the other pension is paid. If the 

insured is prematurely aged, the combined receipt of the 

old-age pension before age 60 and the disability pension is 

not allowed.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system. (Benefi ts were last adjusted in 2003.)

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher) times the number of 12-month periods 

of contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus 2% for every 12-month period 

of coverage exceeding 180 months. A 6-month contribution 

period is credited for each year that the insured is younger 

than the pensionable age at the time of the claim. The disability pension is normally awarded temporarily.
46 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Burundi

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

national legal minimum wage. The highest national legal 

monthly minimum wage is 4,000 francs.

The national legal minimum wage is adjusted by ministerial 

ordinance. (The last adjustment was made in 1988.)

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

The insured can receive the disability pension and one or 

more survivor pensions at the same time. If the insured is 

entitled to the disability pension and the work injury permanent disability pension, only the highest pension is paid. The 

combined receipt of the disability pension and the old-age 

pension before age 60 if prematurely aged is not allowed.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living if the award is permanent or the insured is 

aged 60 or older, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 50% 

of the deceased’s earnings.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 25% of 

the deceased’s pension; 40% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension (in the 

absence of other eligible survivors): Each receives 25% 

of the deceased’s pension.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s pension.

The survivor can receive a survivor pension and an old-age 

pension or disability pension at the same time.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system. (The last adjustment was made in 2003.)

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid, calculated as a 

percentage of the old-age pension the deceased would have 

received at the pensionable age.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Institute administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

The labor code (1993) requires employers to pay 2/3 of 

wages for sick leave for up to 3 months each calendar 

year and to provide medical care for workers and their 

dependents.

The labor code (1993) requires employers to pay 50% of 

wages for maternity leave of up to 12 weeks (14 weeks 

in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or 

childbirth), including at least 6 weeks after childbirth, if 

the woman has at least 6 months of service during the year 

before the expected date of childbirth.

The 1984 provision established a medical assistance program to provide medical, surgical, maternity, hospitalization, dental, and pharmaceutical services to the low-income 

population.

The 1980 law (health insurance) provides for medical benefi ts for civil servants and members of the armed forces.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 2002 (pensions).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers covered by the labor code, including 

agricultural workers, military personnel, police personnel, 

apprentices, and trainees.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of covered monthly payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 80,000 francs.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the insured’s average daily 

earnings up to a ceiling. The benefi t is paid from the 31st 

day after the disability began (from the 2nd day for a commuting accident or if the costs of the accident are met by the 

employer) for the total period of incapacity for work, up to 

a maximum of 6 months from the date of the accident. The 

insured’s salary is suspended while receiving benefi ts.

The average daily earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are based on earnings in the last 3 calendar months before 

the month in which the accident occurred.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 47

Burundi

The minimum benefi t is equal to the regional minimum 

wage (between 105 francs and 160 francs a day).

The minimum wage is adjusted by ministerial ordinance. 

(The last adjustment was made in 1988.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

as totally disabled, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings up to a ceiling.

The pension may be paid as a lump sum after 5 years, subject to conditions.

The average earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

based on earnings in the 3 calendar months before the month 

in which the accident occurred.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is at 

least 15%, the benefi t is equal to a percentage of the full 

pension according to the assessed degree of disability. If the 

assessed degree of disability is less than 15%, a lump sum 

is paid equal to 3 years’ pension according to the assessed 

degree of disability.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

If the insured is entitled to receive the old-age pension and 

the work injury permanent disability benefi t, the full amount 

of the higher pension and half the amount of the other pension is paid. If the insured is entitled to both the nonwork 

injury disability pension and the work injury permanent 

disability pension, only the highest pension is paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system. (The last adjustment was made in 2003.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

laboratory services, medicines, dental care, transportation, 

physiotherapy, eyeglasses, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 50% 

of the deceased’s earnings.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum equal to 6 months’ pension is paid to the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 16 

(age 21 if a student, no limit if disabled) receives 20% of the 

deceased’s earnings; 40% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension (in the 

absence of other eligible survivors): Each receives 20% 

of the deceased’s earnings.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of 

the pension the deceased would have received if totally 

disabled.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system. (The last adjustment was made in 2003.)

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 30 times the 

deceased’s average daily earnings up to a ceiling. The average earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are based on 

the earnings the deceased received in the 3 calendar months 

before the month in which the accident occurred.

The minimum grant is 60,000 francs.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions 

and benefi ts.

Medical services are provided by the National Social 

Security Institute and public or approved private medical 

institutions.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1971.

Current law: 1977 (family benefi ts).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Salaried workers and apprentices.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be unmarried and 

younger than age 16 (age 21 if a student or an apprentice, no 

limit if disabled). The wife must not be in paid employment. 

To receive the full benefi t, the insured must work at least 

4 hours a day.
48 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Burundi

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: Specifi ed monthly benefi ts are paid for 

the wife and for each child. Benefi ts are reduced by 50% if 

the insured works less than 4 hours a day.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Employers pay the benefi ts directly to employees.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 49

Cameroon

Cameroon

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1969 (pensions), implemented in 

1974, with 1984 and 1990 amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Voluntary insurance for previously covered workers (not yet 

implemented).

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.8% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 300,000 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4.2% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 300,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 20 years of insurance 

coverage and at least 180 months of contributions, including 

60 months in the last 10 years. Retirement from employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Early pension: Age 50 with at least 20 years of insurance 

coverage and at least 180 months of contributions, including 

60 months in the last 10 years.

Old-age grant: Age 60 (age 50 for early retirement) and 

ineligible for the old-age pension, with at least 12 months of 

contributions.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity and have at least 

5 years of insurance coverage, including 6 months of contributions in the last year. No contributions are required if the 

disability is the result of a nonwork-related accident.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or met 

the pension requirements at the time of death or had at least 

180 months of insurance coverage.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) of any age, children 

younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or disabled), and dependent parents.

Survivor grant: The deceased met the requirements for the 

old-age grant.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is 

higher), plus 1% for each 12-month period of contributions 

exceeding 180 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 50% of the legal minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the oldage pension.

Old-age grant: A lump sum is paid equal to the insured’s 

average monthly earnings times the number of 12-month 

periods of coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is 

higher), plus 1% for each 12-month period of contributions 

exceeding 180 months. For each year that a claim is made 

before the insured reaches age 60, the insured is credited 

with a 6-month insurance period.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

insured’s disability pension.

The disability pension ceases at the normal retirement age 

and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same value, 

including the value of any constant-attendance allowance.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 50% of the deceased’s old-age pension 

is paid to the widow(er). If there is more than one widow, 

the pension is split equally among them.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 15% of 

the deceased’s old-age pension; 25% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s pension: Each eligible parent receives 

10% of the deceased’s old-age pension.

Other eligible survivors (in the absence of the above):

The pension is split equally among other relatives.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s old-age pension.
50 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Cameroon

Survivor grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month’s 

pension (based on 180 months of contributions) for each 

6-month period of contributions.

Funeral grant: In the absence of eligible survivors, the cost 

of the funeral is paid.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, 

the National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnps.cm) 

administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1967, with 1995 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Exclusions: Self-employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The labor code requires employers to provide some 

paid sick leave.)

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

6 consecutive months of employment and be in insured 

employment at the date of childbirth.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide some paid sick 

leave.)

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

last monthly earnings and is paid for 4 weeks before and 

10 weeks after the expected date of childbirth; may be 

extended to 13 weeks after childbirth in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Insured women and the spouses of insured men receive 

1,400 CFA francs toward expenses in connection with childbirth and 200 CFA francs for each prenatal examination and 

for pediatric care examinations for up to 6 months.

Some free medical care is provided by government health 

facilities.

The labor code requires employers to provide certain medical services.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Some health care and welfare services are provided to mothers and children under Family Allowances, below.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, 

the National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnps.cm) 

administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1944.

Current law: 1977 (work injury).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, apprentices, seamen, technical students, 

and persons in training.

Exclusions: Civil servants.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons (not yet 

implemented).

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1.75%, 2.5%, or 5% of gross payroll, according 

to the assessed degree of risk.

Government: None.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 51

Cameroon

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of average monthly earnings in 

the 3 months before the disability began. The benefi t is paid 

from the day after the disability began until full recovery or 

certifi cation of permanent disability.

The maximum daily earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 17,933 CFA francs.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the pension is equal to 85% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the 3 months before the disability began.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage (23,514 

CFA francs).

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 537,994 CFA francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: The annual benefi t varies 

according to the value of the insured’s salary and the sector 

of activity in which the insured is employed.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is at 

least 20%, a percentage of the full pension is paid according 

to the assessed degree of disability; if the assessed degree 

of disability is less than 20%, a lump sum is paid equal to 

10 years’ partial disability pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, X-rays, laboratory services, and 

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 85% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 months.

The pension is split among the eligible survivors according 

to the schedule in law. Eligible survivors are a surviving 

spouse, children younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a full-time student or disabled), and dependent parents.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial is paid.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, 

the National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnps.cm) 

administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1967, with 1995 amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for apprentices with families.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7% of covered payroll; 5.65% (agriculture); 

3.7% (private schools).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 300,000 CFA francs.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance maternity benefi ts 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 14 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a full-time student or 

disabled). The parent must be working at least 18 days or 

120 hours a month.

Benefi ts continue to be paid during periods of work-related 

disability, for a 6-month period of sick leave, for a 14-week 

period of maternity leave, for a 3-month period if involuntarily unemployed, and during statutory vacation periods.

Allowances are also paid to old-age pensioners who retire 

with dependent children and to eligible survivors with 

dependent children.

Prenatal allowance: The pregnant woman must undergo 

two prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: The mother and child must undergo a prescribed medical examination.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 1,800 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child. The allowance is paid every 3 months.
52 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Cameroon

Prenatal allowance: 1,800 CFA francs a month is paid for 

9 months. The allowance is paid in two equal installments: 

during the 3rd or 4th month of pregnancy and during the 7th 

or 8th month of pregnancy.

Birth grant: 21,600 CFA francs is paid for each birth.

Some health care and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, 

the National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnps.cm) 

administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 53

Cape Verde

Cape Verde

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 82.94 escudos.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 2003 (self-employed persons), with amendments; and 2004 (employed persons), with amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private and public sectors (including government employees fi rst employed after December 

31, 2005); and certain business owners, employees of cooperatives, and self-employed persons.

Special systems for government employees (fi rst employed 

before January 1, 2006) and central bank employees; and 

certain business owners, employees of cooperatives, and 

self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3% of gross monthly earnings.

Self-employed person: 10% of gross monthly earnings.

Employer: 7% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 65 (men) or age 60 (women) with at 

least 15 years of contributions.

The pension is payable abroad (the benefi ciary pays administration costs).

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed as at least 

2/3 disabled or disabled with a loss of 1/3 of earning capacity, with at least 5 years of contributions.

The pension is payable abroad (the benefi ciary pays administration costs).

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or had at 

least 36 months of contributions.

The pension is payable abroad (the survivor pays administration costs).

Eligible survivors include a widow older than age 50 or disabled, a widower older than age 55 or disabled, and physically or mentally disabled children.

A temporary survivor pension is paid for up to 5 years to 

a widow younger than age 50, to a widower younger than 

age 55, and to surviving children aged 15 to 25 who are 

students.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The monthly pension is equal to 2% of 

annual average earnings, plus an annual coeffi cient adjusted 

for changes in the cost of living for each 12-month period of 

coverage.

The annual average earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are based on the 120 best-paid months in the last 15 years of 

contributions.

The minimum monthly pension is 4,782 escudos. (The minimum monthly pension was last adjusted in 2006.)

The maximum monthly pension is 80% of the insured’s 

average earnings.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically by 

decree. (Benefi ts were last adjusted in 2006.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The monthly pension is equal to 2% of 

annual average earnings, plus an annual coeffi cient adjusted 

for changes in the cost of living for each 12-month period of 

coverage.

The annual average earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are based on the 120 best-paid months in the last 15 years of 

contributions.

The minimum monthly pension is 4,782 escudos. (The minimum monthly pension was last adjusted in 2006.)

The maximum monthly pension is 80% of the insured’s 

average earnings.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically by 

decree. (Benefi ts were last adjusted in 2006.)

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The monthly pension is equal to 50% of 

the deceased’s pension.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan receives 25% of the 

deceased’s pension a month; 50% for each full orphan.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s old-age pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically by 

decree. (Benefi ts were last adjusted in 2006.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Solidarity provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Institute administers the program.
54 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Cape Verde

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1976.

Current laws: 2003 (self-employed persons), with amendments; and 2004 (employed persons), with amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private and public sectors.

Voluntary coverage for cash benefi ts for business owners, 

employees of cooperatives, and self-employed persons.

Business owners, employees of cooperatives, and selfemployed persons, pensioners, and recipients of social 

insurance benefi ts are covered for medical benefi ts.

Special systems provide cash benefi ts for government 

employees and certain business owners, employees of cooperatives, and self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of gross monthly earnings.

Self-employed person: None for medical benefi ts. Voluntary contributors pay 8% of gross monthly earnings for cash 

benefi ts.

Employer: 4% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts: The insured must 

have at least 4 months of contributions.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 70% of the 

insured’s last monthly earnings or average earnings in the 

last 4 months, whichever is higher. The benefi t is paid for up 

to 1,095 days. The employer pays 100% of earnings for the 

fi rst 3 days; thereafter, 40% up to the 90th day.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 90% of the 

insured’s last monthly earnings or average earnings in the 

last 4 months, whichever is higher. The benefi t is paid for 

45 days. (A nursing allowance is paid under Family Allowances, below.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, laboratory services, doctor’s consultations at 

home, medicines, prostheses, and dental care.

Cost sharing: The insured pays 15%, 25%, 45%, or 50% 

of the cost of medicines, according to the schedule in law; 

pensioners pay 5%, 15%, 40%, or 45%. Medicines are free 

for low-income pensioners. The insured pays 30% to 50% of 

the cost of dental care; 15% for low-income pensioners. The 

insured pays 20%, 25%, 30%, or 40% of the cost of prostheses and appliances; low-income pensioners pay 15%.

A daily lump sum of 1,000 escudos (1,500 escudos for lowincome pensioners) is paid for transportation costs and living expenses; 1,500 escudos (3,000 escudos for low-income 

pensioners) when receiving care abroad. A daily lump sum 

is also paid for an authorized accompanying person.

Low-income pensioners are pensioners with earnings less 

than 2.5 times the legal monthly minimum wage. (The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 12,296 escudos.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, laboratory services, doctor’s consultations at 

home, medicines, prostheses, and dental care.

Eligible dependents are children up to age 18 or receiving family allowances, dependent parents, and dependent 

grandparents.

Cost sharing: The insured’s dependents pay 15%, 25%, 

45%, or 50% of the cost of medicines, according to the 

schedule in law; the dependents of a pensioner pay 5%, 

15%, 40%, or 45%. Medicines are free for low-income 

pensioners’ dependents. The insured’s dependents pay 30% 

to 50% of the cost of dental care; 15% for low-income 

pensioners’ dependents. The insured’s dependents pay 20%, 

25%, 30%, or 40% of the cost of prostheses and appliances; 

low-income pensioners’ dependents pay 15%.

A daily lump sum of 1,000 escudos (1,500 escudos for lowincome pensioners’ dependents) is paid for transportation 

costs and living expenses; 1,500 escudos (3,000 escudos 

for low-income pensioners’ dependents) when receiving 

care abroad. A daily lump sum is also paid for an authorized 

accompanying person.

Low-income pensioners are pensioners with earnings less 

than 2.5 times the legal monthly minimum wage. (The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 12,296 escudos.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health provides general supervision.

National Health Service administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current laws: 1978 (compulsory insurance) and 1991 (private administration).

Type of program: Social insurance system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 55

Cape Verde

Coverage

Employed persons; tenant farmers and sharecroppers; members of cooperative enterprises; apprentices and trainees; 

certain categories of volunteer workers; and certain categories of self-employed persons, including family members 

employed by them.

Exclusions: Company managers, owners, and shareholders.

Special system for government employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: 6% of covered monthly earnings.

The maximum daily earnings for contribution purposes are 

300 escudos.

Employer: 2% of covered monthly payroll for salaried 

employees or 6% of covered monthly payroll for all other 

workers; for domestic servants, 50 escudos a month (full 

time) or 30 escudos a month (part time).

The maximum daily earnings for contribution purposes are 

300 escudos.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no qualifying period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from work are 

covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is totally disabled, the benefi t is equal to 40% 

of the insured’s earnings on the day the injury occurred (if 

those earnings differ from the insured’s normal earnings, 

40% of average earnings in the last 6 months) for the fi rst 

14 days; thereafter, 70%. For hospitalization, the benefi t is 

equal to 40% of the insured’s earnings; 70% with dependents. The benefi t is paid for up to 1,095 days.

The maximum daily earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 300 escudos.

Partial disability: The benefi t is equal to 25% of the 

insured’s earnings on the day the injury occurred (if those 

earnings differ from the insured’s normal earnings, 40% of 

average earnings in the last 6 months).

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is totally disabled, the monthly pension is equal to 70% of the insured’s 

earnings on the day the injury occurred (if those earnings 

differ from the insured’s normal earnings, 70% of average 

earnings in the last 6 months).

The maximum daily earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 300 escudos.

Constant-attendance supplement: Up to 30% of the insured’s 

earnings is paid a month.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is 

between 10% and 99%, a percentage of the full disability pension is paid according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

The degree of disability is assessed according to the schedule in law.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examinations every 6 months during the fi rst 2 years; thereafter, 

every year.

The pension is paid from the day after the disability began 

(the employer pays the insured’s earnings for the day of the 

work injury).

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, 

prostheses, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The monthly pension is equal to 30% 

of the deceased’s earnings on the day the injury occurred 

(if those earnings differ from normal earnings, 30% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the last 6 months).

Eligible survivors include a dependent widow, a dependent 

widower older than age 64 or disabled, and a divorced 

spouse receiving alimony. (The pension is split equally if 

there is more than one eligible divorced spouse.)

The maximum daily earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 300 escudos.

The pension ceases if the widow(er) remarries or cohabits.

Remarriage allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to a year’s 

pension.

Orphan’s pension: The monthly pension is equal to 15% 

of the deceased’s earnings for each child (including unborn, 

adopted, natural, and any other dependent children) up to 

age 18 (age 24 if a student, no limit if disabled); 45% for 

each full orphan.

Other eligible survivors: A monthly pension equal to 10% 

of the deceased’s earnings is paid to dependent parents and 

grandparents and to dependent brothers and sisters up to 

age 16.

The total monthly survivor pension for other eligible survivors is 30% of the deceased’s earnings.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 70% of the 

deceased’s monthly earnings.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral, up to a maximum of 

7,500 escudos.
56 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Cape Verde

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the fi nancial resources of the 

system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Solidarity provides general 

supervision.

Private insurance companies administer the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current law: 2004 (employed persons).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Persons in insured employment or receiving social insurance 

benefi ts.

Special system for government employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: Children must be younger than age 15 

(age 24 if a student, no limit if disabled). The allowance is 

also paid for the insured’s parents if each parent’s income 

is less than the legal monthly minimum wage. (The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 12,296 escudos.)

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 400 escudos a month is paid for each 

eligible dependent; 1,200 escudos a month for each disabled 

child younger than age 8; 1,600 escudos a month for each 

disabled child aged 8 to 13; and 2,050 escudos a month for 

each disabled child older than age 13. The allowance is paid 

for a maximum of four children; the limit on the number of 

children is waived if the parent is a pensioner or the insured 

is deceased and the mother is an unemployed widow.

Nursing allowance: 1,200 escudos a month is paid for 

6 months.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral, up to a maximum of 

20,000 escudos for the insured or his or her spouse or children older than age 14; 15,000 escudos for children aged 6 

to 14; and 7,500 escudos for children younger than age 6.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically. (Benefi ts were last adjusted in 2005.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Solidarity provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Institute administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 57

Central African Republic

Central African Republic

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1963.

Current law: 1981.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and local government workers, students in professional schools, trainees, 

and apprentices.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Agricultural workers and temporary or occasional workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2% of gross earnings.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions only.

Employer: 3% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees and quarterly by employers with less than 

20 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (men) or age 50 (women), 

registered with the fund for at least 20 years, and with at 

least 60 months of contributions in the last 10 years. The 

pension is payable 5 years before the normal retirement age 

if the insured is prematurely aged. Retirement from gainful 

employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age allowance: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged) 

with at least 12 months of coverage but does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity, be registered with 

the fund for at least 5 years, and have at least 6 months of 

contributions in the year before the disability began (conditions are waived for currently employed persons if the 

disability is a result of a nonoccupational accident). The 

pension is paid after 6 consecutive months of disability 

provided that the disability is expected to last for at least 

another 6 months.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the requirements for a 

pension or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to the survivor if the deceased 

was insured but did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for 

a pension.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 50 or older (aged 45 if 

prematurely aged) or aged 30 or older if disabled or caring 

for a child, a dependent widower aged 55 (aged 50 if prematurely aged), and dependent children.

The spouse must have been married to the insured for at 

least 2 years before the insured’s death.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus 1% of average monthly earnings for each 12-month period of contributions exceeding 

240 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Old-age allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month’s 

average earnings for each 12-month period of coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is 

higher), plus 1% of average monthly earnings for each 12-

month period of contributions exceeding 240 months. The 

insured is credited with 6 months of coverage for each year 

that a claim is made before age 55.

At the normal retirement age, the disability pension ceases 

and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same amount.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The spouse receives 50% of the 

deceased’s pension. If there is more than one widow, the 

amount is split equally.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: All orphans’ pensions combined are 

equal to 50% of the deceased’s pension; 100% for full 

orphans.
58 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Central African Republic

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month’s 

old-age pension for each 6-month period of coverage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, 

and Professional Training provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Offi ce administers the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1965.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

6 months of insured employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s daily earnings and is paid for up to 8 weeks before 

and 6 weeks after (9 weeks in the event of complications 

arising from pregnancy or childbirth) the expected date of 

childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The labor code requires 

employers to provide certain medical services.)

Some free health services are provided to women during the 

maternity leave period.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (Some health and welfare services are provided to mothers and children under 

Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, 

and Professional Training provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Offi ce administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1935 and 1959.

Current law: 1965.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons and members of producers’ cooperatives.

Exclusions: Agricultural workers, temporary or occasional 

workers, and self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 200,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The monthly benefi t is equal to 50% of the insured’s average daily earnings in the 30 days before the disability began 

for the fi rst 28 days of disability; thereafter, 66.6% of average daily earnings. The benefi t is paid from the day after 

the disability began until full recovery or certifi cation of 

permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

as totally disabled, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings, up to a ceiling.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to the insured’s 

average monthly earnings, up to a ceiling, multiplied by 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 59

Central African Republic

0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for the portion 

of disability between 10% and 50% and by 1.5 times the 

assessed degree of disability for the portion greater than 

50%.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

pension.

Benefi ts are paid monthly or quarterly.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, rehabilitation, and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings, up to a ceiling.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s average monthly 

earnings, up to a ceiling, is paid for each of the fi rst two 

orphans and 10% for each additional orphan; 20% for each 

full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

receives a pension equal to 10% of the insured’s average 

monthly earnings.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings.

Funeral grant: The grant is equal to 1/50 of the deceased’s 

annual income. The maximum monthly earnings for calculating the grant are 200,000 CFA francs.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, 

and Professional Training provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Offi ce administers the 

program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1965.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons and social insurance benefi ciaries.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 12% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 200,000 CFA francs.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance maternity 

benefi ts.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 15 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 20 if a student or disabled). 

School attendance is required for children of school age. 

The parent must have 6 months of employment and be currently working 20 days or 133 hours a month or be a social 

insurance benefi ciary.

Prenatal allowance: The insured must undergo regular 

prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid for each of the fi rst three births.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 1,200 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Prenatal allowance: 1,200 CFA francs a month is paid for 

9 months.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 10,000 CFA francs is paid for 

each of the fi rst three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, 

and Professional Training provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Offi ce administers the 

program.
60 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Chad

Chad

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1977 (pensions) and 1978 (old age, 

disability, and survivors).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers regulated by the labor code.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2% of gross earnings.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of gross payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged), registered with the National Social Insurance Fund for at least 

15 years, and with at least 180 months of coverage or with 

60 months of contributions in the last 10 years. Retirement 

from gainful employment is necessary.

Old-age settlement: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged) 

but did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for the old-age 

pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity and have at least 

5 years of coverage, including 6 months of contributions in 

the year before the disability began. There is no qualifying 

period if the disability is the result of a nonoccupational 

accident.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying 

conditions for a pension, was a pensioner, or had at least 

180 months of coverage at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to a survivor if the deceased did 

not satisfy the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 40 or older or pregnant, 

disabled, or caring for a child, and who was married to the 

deceased for at least 1 year; a dependent disabled widower 

who was married to the deceased for at least 1 year; and 

children younger than age 15 (age 18 if an apprentice, 

age 21 if a student or disabled).

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus 1.2% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

180 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the average 

monthly earnings used for calculating the pension.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by ministerial 

decree in consultation with the National Social Insurance 

Fund.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month’s 

wages for each year of coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus 1.2% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

180 months. For each year that a claim is made before the 

insured reaches age 55, the insured is credited with a 1-year 

coverage period.

At the normal retirement age, the disability pension ceases 

and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same amount.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the average 

monthly earnings used for calculating the pension.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by ministerial 

decree in consultation with the National Social Insurance 

Fund.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

deceased’s pension.

If there is more than one eligible widow, the pension is split 

equally among them.

The pension ceases on remarriage, and a lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

6 months’ survivor pension.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan receives 25% of the 

deceased’s pension; 40% for each full orphan.

The orphan’s pension must be at least equal to the family 

allowance.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 61

Chad

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s old-age pension.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by ministerial 

decree in consultation with the National Social Insurance 

Fund.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Affairs provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1966.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: See source of funds under Family Allowances, below.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured woman must have 

at least 6 consecutive months of employment immediately 

before work ceases.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s last daily wage and is paid for 6 weeks before 

and 8 weeks after (11 weeks in the event of complications 

arising from pregnancy or childbirth) the expected date of 

childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The labor code requires 

employers to provide certain medical services.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (Some health and welfare services are provided to mothers and children under 

Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Affairs provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1935.

Current law: 1966, implemented in 1970.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.5% of gross payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. The work accident must be reported within 48 hours.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the insured’s average daily 

wage in the 30 days before the disability began. The benefi t 

is paid from the day after the disability began until full 

recovery or until certifi cation of permanent disability (after 

2 years).

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

as totally disabled, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the 12 months before 

the disability began.
62 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Chad

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability of 

at least 10%, the pension is equal to the insured’s average 

monthly earnings in the 12 months before the disability 

began multiplied by 0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability up to 50% and by 1.5 times 

the assessed degree of disability for the portion greater than 

50%.

The earnings used for benefi t calculation purposes are equal 

to 6 times the highest legal minimum wage, plus 1/3 of earnings between 6 times the highest legal minimum wage and 

25 times the highest legal minimum wage. Earnings above 

25 times the highest legal minimum wage are not taken into 

account for benefi t calculation purposes.

With an assessed degree of disability of at least 10%, the 

minimum pension is calculated on the basis of 1.35 times 

the highest legal minimum wage.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 40% of the 

pension.

Pensions are normally paid quarterly. If the insured is 

assessed as 100% disabled, the pension is paid monthly; if 

assessed as at least 75% disabled, the insured can request to 

be paid monthly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

changes in the legal minimum wage.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the last 12 months.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s average earnings in the last 12 months is paid for each orphan younger 

than age 15 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or 

disabled); 20% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

receives 10% of the deceased’s average earnings in the last 

12 months, up to a maximum of 30%.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of 

the deceased’s average earnings used for calculating the 

pension.

The earnings used for benefi t calculation purposes are equal 

to 6 times the highest legal minimum wage, plus 1/3 of earnings between 6 times the highest legal minimum wage and 

25 times the highest legal minimum wage. Earnings above 

25 times the highest legal minimum wage are not taken into 

account for benefi t calculation purposes.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

changes in the legal minimum wage.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral is reimbursed, up to a 

maximum of 1/24 of covered earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Affairs provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1966.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 130,000 CFA francs.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance maternity benefi ts 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: A subsidy from earmarked taxes.

Government contributions also fi nance maternity benefi ts 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 15 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled) and 

reside in Chad. The parent must have at least 6 months of 

employment and be currently working 20 days a month; the 

widow of a benefi ciary.

Prenatal allowance: The woman must undergo regular 

prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid for the fi rst three births of the fi rst 

marriage.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 600 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Prenatal allowance: 5,400 CFA francs is paid for each 

month of pregnancy. The allowance is paid in two 

installments.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 63

Chad

Birth grant: A lump sum of 6,000 CFA francs is paid for 

each of the fi rst three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Affairs provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.
64 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Congo (Brazzaville)

Congo (Brazzaville)

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1962.

Current law: 1986 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of covered earnings.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 43,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 1,200,000 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 43,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 1,200,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged), 

registered with the National Social Security Fund during 

the last 20 years, and has at least 240 months of coverage, 

including 60 months of contributions in the last 10 years. 

Retirement from paid employment is necessary.

Partial pension: The insured is of pensionable age, retired 

from paid employment, and has at least 60 months of contributions but does not satisfy the other qualifying conditions 

for the old-age pension.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for a full or partial pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of at least 2/3 of capacity for any work, registered with 

the National Social Security Fund for at least 5 years, and 

have at least 6 months of contributions in the year before the 

disability began. There is no minimum qualifying period if 

the disability is the result of a nonoccupational accident.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying conditions for a pension or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid if the deceased was insured but 

did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) who was married to the 

deceased for at least 1 year, children younger than age 16 

(age 17 if an apprentice, age 20 if a student or disabled), and 

dependent parents.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 3 or 5 years 

in the last 10 years, plus 2% of average monthly earnings for 

each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 240 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional legal minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Partial pension: The pension is equal to 2% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the best 3 or 5 years in the last 

10 years for each 12-month period of coverage.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 3 or 

5 years in the last 10 years for each 12-month period of 

coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 3 or 5 years 

in the last 10 years, plus 2% of average monthly earnings for 

each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 240 months. 

For each year that a claim is made before the insured 

reaches age 55, the insured is credited with a 6-month coverage period.

When the insured reaches age 55, the disability pension 

ceases and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same 

amount.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional legal minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 65

Congo (Brazzaville)

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Child’s supplement: 1,200 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s pension.

The pension ceases on remarriage, and a lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

6 months’ pension.

Orphan’s pension: 50% of the deceased’s pension is split 

equally among eligible orphans. The orphan’s pension must 

be at least equal to family allowances.

Other eligible survivors: 20% of the deceased’s pension is 

split equally among other eligible survivors.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 80% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month’s 

old-age pension for each 6-month period of contributions.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security provides supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1986 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 0.2% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 43,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 600,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

6 consecutive months of employment and be currently 

working at least 20 days or 133 hours a month.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

1975 labor code requires employers to provide paid sick 

leave.)

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 50% of daily 

covered earnings in the month before the maternity leave 

begins (the employer also pays 50% of earnings). The 

benefi t is paid for 15 weeks, including at least 9 weeks after 

the expected date of childbirth; may be extended by 3 weeks 

in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or 

childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

The insured is reimbursed for any medical expenses related 

to maternity care. (Some maternity and child health and 

welfare services are provided under Family Allowances, 

below.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (Some maternity and 

child health and welfare services are provided under Family 

Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security provides supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1935.

Current law: 1986 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, members of workers’ cooperatives, 

apprentices, and students of technical colleges.
66 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Congo (Brazzaville)

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.25% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 43,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 600,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

100% of the insured’s average daily earnings in the 30 days 

before the disability began is paid for up to 3 months; thereafter, 2/3 of average earnings. The benefi t is paid from the 

day after the disability began until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

The maximum daily earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are equal to 1% of the maximum monthly earnings for 

contribution purposes.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 600,000 CFA francs.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

as totally disabled, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average earnings.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to the insured’s average earnings multiplied by 0.5 times the assessed degree 

of disability for the portion of disability between 10% and 

50%, and by 1.5 times the assessed degree of disability for 

the portion greater than 50%. For an assessed degree of disability less than 10%, a lump sum is paid.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Pensions are normally paid quarterly. If the insured is 

assessed as 100% disabled, the pension is paid monthly; if 

assessed as at least 75% disabled, the insured can request to 

be paid monthly; if assessed as less than 25% disabled, the 

insured is paid annually.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s earnings.

Eligible widow(er)s must not have been separated or 

divorced from the deceased and must have been married to 

the deceased before the date of the accident that resulted in 

the insured’s death.

The pension ceases on remarriage, and a lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid up to a maximum equal to 3 years’ pension.

Foreign survivors who leave the country receive a lump sum 

equal to 3 years’ pension.

Orphan’s pension: 50% of the deceased’s earnings is split 

equally among orphans younger than age 16 (age 17 if an 

apprentice, age 20 if a student or disabled).

Dependent parent’s pension: 20% of the deceased’s earnings is split equally among eligible parents.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s earnings.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral is paid, up to a 

maximum.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security provides supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 1986 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 10.03% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage. The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 43,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 600,000 CFA francs.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 67

Congo (Brazzaville)

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

(age 17 if an apprentice, age 20 if a student or disabled). The 

parent must have at least 6 consecutive months of employment and be currently working at least 20 days or 133 hours 

a month; the widow of an insured person.

Prenatal allowance: The mother must undergo regular 

prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid for the fi rst three births of the fi rst 

marriage.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 1,200 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Prenatal allowance: 1,200 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each month of pregnancy. The allowance is paid in two 

installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 1,100 CFA francs is paid for 

each of the fi rst three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security provides supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
68 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Congo (Kinshasa)

Congo (Kinshasa)

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

512.50 Congolese francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1961 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including domestic workers, casual 

workers, some categories of boat workers, and public-

 sector employees not otherwise covered by a social security 

program.

Voluntary coverage for nonemployed persons who were 

previously insured for at least 5 years, including at least 6 

consecutive months, and who request to be covered in the 

6-month period after insured employment ceases.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.5% of gross earnings. The voluntarily 

insured contribute 7% of the most recent 6 months’ covered 

earnings.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3.5% of gross payroll.

Government: An annual subsidy, up to a maximum.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 65 (men) or age 60 (women); 

age 55 (men and women) if prematurely aged, with at least 

60 months of insurance coverage in the last 10 years. Retirement from paid employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Paid from age 58 if the insured does 

not meet the qualifying conditions for an old-age pension. 

Retirement from paid employment is necessary.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of 2/3 of earning capacity and have at least 36 months 

of insurance coverage in the last 5 years. There is no minimum qualifying period if the disability is the result of a 

nonoccupational accident.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the National Social Security Institute.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying conditions for a pension or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor benefi t: The deceased met the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Eligible survivors are a nonworking widow aged 50 or 

older or disabled, a dependent disabled widower, and 

orphans younger than age 18 (age 25 if a student, no limit if 

disabled).

The widow(er) must have been married to the deceased for 

more than 6 months; if the death was the result of an accident, the widow(er) must have been married to the deceased 

before the date of the accident. The benefi t is suspended if 

the widow resumes paid employment.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The annual benefi t is equal to 1/60 of 

the insured’s average monthly covered earnings times the 

number of months of contributions.

The minimum pension is equal to 50% of the legal minimum wage.

Benefi ts are paid monthly or quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by presidential 

decree.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 10 times 

the annual pension, based on the number of complete years 

of insurance coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The annual benefi t is equal to 1/60 

of the insured’s average monthly covered earnings in 

the 3 years before the disability began times the number 

of months of contributions. The insured is credited with 

contributions for each month after the disability began until 

the normal retirement age. At the normal retirement age, the 

disability pension is replaced by an old-age pension of the 

same amount.

The minimum pension is equal to 50% of the legal minimum wage.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Benefi ts are paid monthly or quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by presidential 

decree.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 40% of the insured’s pension is paid to 

an eligible widow(er).

The pension ceases on remarriage, and a lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

12 months’ pension.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 69

Congo (Kinshasa)

Benefi ts are paid monthly or quarterly.

Orphan’s benefi t: Each orphan receives a lump sum equal 

to 25% of the pension paid to the widow(er).

All orphans’ pensions combined must not exceed 100% of 

the pension paid to a widow(er).

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by presidential 

decree.

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum equal to 12 months’ pension 

is paid to survivors.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Social Security provides administrative and technical oversight.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions 

and benefi ts through 10 central directorates, 5 urban directorates in Kinshasa, 10 provincial directorates, 15 district 

bureaus, and 3 local offi ces.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

Sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to pay 2/3 of wages, plus 

family allowances.)

Maternity benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide 14 weeks of paid 

maternity leave.)

Medical benefi ts: Medical care is available for old-age 

pensioners and disability pensioners and their dependents in 

government hospitals and dispensaries and in the medical 

facilities of the National Social Security Institute.

The labor code requires employers to provide medical care 

for workers and their dependents.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 1961 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including domestic and casual workers, 

sailors, apprentices, students in vocational and craft schools, 

and public-sector employees not otherwise covered by a 

social security program.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1.5% of gross payroll. (The contribution may be 

higher, depending on the reported accident rate.)

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is assessed as at least 60% disabled, the benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the insured’s average daily earnings in 

the 3 months before the disability began (plus family allowances where applicable). The benefi t is paid from the day 

after the work injury or occupational illness began until full 

recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

The benefi t is reduced by 50% during periods of hospitalization if the insured has no dependents.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the National Social Security Institute.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the pension is equal to 85% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the 3 months before the disability began.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is at 

least 15%, a percentage of the full pension is paid according 

to the assessed degree of disability. If the assessed degree 

of disability is less than 15%, a lump sum is paid equal 

to 3 years’ pension, according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

Benefi ts are paid monthly or quarterly.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the National Social Security Institute.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical, dental, surgical, and hospital care; 

X-rays; laboratory services; pharmaceuticals; appliances; 

and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 20% of the insured’s permanent disability pension is paid to a widow of any age or to a dependent 

disabled widower.

The pension ceases on remarriage, and a lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

12 months’ pension.
70 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Congo (Kinshasa)

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 18 

(age 25 if a student, no limit if disabled) receives 15% of the 

deceased’s permanent disability pension.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s permanent disability pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 90 days’ legal 

minimum wage.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Social Security provides administrative and technical oversight.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions 

and benefi ts through 10 central directorates, 5 urban directorates in Kinshasa, 10 provincial directorates, 15 district 

bureaus, and 3 local offi ces.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1951.

Current law: 1961 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons and social insurance benefi ciaries in 

Katanga Province.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of gross payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be unmarried and 

younger than age 18 (age 25 if a student, no limit if 

disabled).

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 10% of the legal minimum wage is 

paid for each child.

Benefi ts are paid retroactively at regular intervals between 

3 months and 15 days.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Social Security provides administrative and technical oversight.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions 

and benefi ts through 10 central directorates, 5 urban directorates in Kinshasa, 10 provincial directorates, 15 district 

bureaus, and 3 local offi ces.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 71

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current law: 1999 (social insurance), with 2000 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private sector.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.2% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to 45 times the legal monthly minimum wage. The 

legal monthly minimum wage is 36,607 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4.8% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to 45 times the legal monthly minimum wage. The 

legal monthly minimum wage is 36,607 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with at least 15 years of contributions. Retirement from covered employment is necessary.

Early pension: A reduced pension is paid from age 50.

If the insured has insuffi cient years of contributions to 

qualify for the pension at retirement age, he or she can buy 

up to 24 months’ contributions in order to meet the contribution conditions and can also continue working until age 60.

The pension is payable abroad.

Old-age allowance: Paid if the insured does not qualify 

for the old-age pension at age 55 but has at least 2 years of 

contributions.

Foreign worker settlement: In the absence of a reciprocal agreement, paid to an insured foreign worker with less 

than 2 years of contributions who leaves Côte d’Ivoire 

permanently.

Disability pension: Paid if the insured is assessed as permanently incapable of any work and has at least 15 years of 

contributions.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner or met the 

qualifying conditions for a pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) who was married to the 

deceased for at least 2 years and full orphans younger than 

age 16.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 1.33% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the 10 best years times the 

number of years of paid and credited coverage before January 1, 2000, plus 1.70% of average earnings for each year of 

coverage after this date.

The minimum pension is equal to 50% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum wage is 

36,607 CFA francs.

The maximum pension is equal to 50% of the insured’s 

average earnings in the 10 best years.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 5% for each year 

that the pension is taken before age 55. The minimum early 

pension is equal to 50% of the legal monthly minimum 

wage.

Child’s supplement: 10% of the insured’s pension is paid for 

each child younger than age 16, up to a maximum of 30%.

The pension is paid monthly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

changes in the average wage, depending on the fi nancial 

resources of the system.

Old-age allowance: A lump sum is paid based on average 

earnings and the number of years of coverage.

Foreign worker settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

3.2% of the covered earnings during the entire coverage 

period.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 1.33% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the 10 best years times the 

number of years of paid and credited coverage before January 1, 2000, plus 1.70% of average earnings for each year of 

coverage after this date.

Child’s supplement: 10% of the insured’s pension is paid for 

each child younger than age 16, up to a maximum of 30%.

The pension is paid monthly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the fi nancial 

resources of the system.
72 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Côte d’Ivoire

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 50% of the deceased’s pension is paid to 

a widow(er). If there is more than one widow, the pension is 

split equally among them.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

The pension is paid monthly.

Full orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% 

of the deceased’s pension.

All full orphans’ benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% 

of the deceased’s pension; otherwise, the pensions are 

reduced proportionately. Full orphans are eligible for the 

pension entitlements of both parents.

The pension is paid monthly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the fi nancial 

resources of the system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Solidarity, Social Security, and the Disabled 

 provides administrative and technical supervision.

Ministry of Economy and Finance provides fi nancial 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the combined Social Insurance Institute and National Social Insurance Fund (http://

www.cnps.ci) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965.

Current law: 1999 (social insurance), with 2000 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity 

and medical benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women, including temporary, fi xed-term, or daily 

public-sector workers.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions only.

Employer: 0.75% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 70,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employed women who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

3 months of insured employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Maternity benefi t: The monthly benefi t is equal to 100% 

of the insured’s last earnings and is paid for 6 weeks before 

and 8 weeks after (11 weeks in the event of complications 

arising from pregnancy or childbirth) the expected date of 

childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical care is provided by community health centers of the 

National Social Insurance Fund.

Employers must provide medical services for their workers.

Salaried pregnant women have access to free medical care 

provided through public hospitals or can receive 5,000 CFA 

francs toward the cost of childbirth in a private clinic or 

other establishment. From the third month of pregnancy, the 

cost of medical care and medicines are reimbursed.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Health care is provided to the insured’s dependents at 

community health centers managed by the National Social 

Insurance Fund.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Solidarity, Social Security, and the Disabled 

(http://www.msssh.ci) provides administrative and technical 

supervision.

Ministry of Economy and Finance provides fi nancial 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the combined Social Insurance Institute and National Social Insurance Fund (http://

www.cnps.ci) administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 73

Côte d’Ivoire

Current law: 1999 (social insurance), with 2000 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, seamen, members of cooperatives, 

nonsalaried managers of cooperatives and their assistants, 

chairmen and managing directors of certain companies, 

apprentices, technical college students, and convicted persons working in prison workshops.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons for all work 

injury benefi ts except for the temporary disability benefi t.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions, according 

to the assessed degree of risk.

Employer: 2% to 5% of covered payroll, according to the 

assessed degree of risk.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 70,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 50% of the insured’s earnings when 

the disability began for the fi rst 28 days; thereafter, 2/3 of 

earnings. The benefi t is paid from the day after the accident 

or diagnosis of an occupational disease until full recovery or 

certifi cation of permanent disability.

The benefi t is paid weekly or monthly.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

as totally disabled, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s annual earnings.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full disability pension 

is paid according to the assessed degree of disability.

If the assessed degree of disability is at least 10%, the minimum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

950,553 CFA francs.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 40% of the 

insured’s annual earnings used for benefi t calculation 

purposes.

Pensions are paid monthly if the assessed degree of disability is 75% or more; quarterly or annually if the assessed 

degree of disability is less than 10%.

The pension may be partially paid as a lump sum after 

receiving the pension for 5 years if the assessed degree of 

disability is more than 10%; the total remaining pension 

may be paid as a lump sum after receiving the pension for 

5 years if the assessed degree of disability is 10% or less.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually according 

to changes in the average covered wage.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care; the cost of hospitalization, medicines, appliances, funeral transportation, 

and rehabilitation; and all other necessary costs.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The annual pension is equal to 30% of 

the deceased’s annual earnings. The widow(er) must have 

been married to the deceased before the deceased’s disability began. If there is more than one widow, the pension is 

split equally among them.

If the widow(er) does not have an eligible dependent child, 

the survivor pension ceases on remarriage and a lump sum 

is paid.

Remarriage allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to 3 years’ 

pension.

Orphan’s pension: The annual pension is equal to 15% 

of the deceased’s annual earnings for each of the fi rst two 

orphans younger than age 16; 10% for each other eligible 

orphan; 20% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Parents and grandparents each receive 10% of the deceased’s 

earnings.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s earnings; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 25% of the legal 

annual minimum wage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually according 

to changes in the average covered wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Solidarity, Social Security, and the Disabled 

 provides administrative and technical supervision.

Ministry of Economy and Finance provides fi nancial 

supervision.
74 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Côte d’Ivoire

Managed by a tripartite board, the combined Social Insurance Institute and National Social Insurance Fund (http://

www.cnps.ci) administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 1999 (social insurance), with 2000 

amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private sector with one or more 

children.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 5% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 70,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: Paid for a child older than 12 months 

and younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if 

a student or disabled). The parent must have 3 consecutive 

months of employment and be currently working 18 days or 

120 hours a month; the widow of an insured person.

Prenatal allowance: The insured must undergo three prescribed medical examinations during the pregnancy.

Birth grant: Paid for children born in the insured’s fi rst marriage. If the insured’s fi rst spouse dies, a child born in the 

insured’s second marriage may be eligible. The grant is paid 

for three births only. The mother and child must undergo 

prescribed medical examinations.

Maternity allowance: The child must undergo six prescribed medical examinations before age 1.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 1,500 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child. The allowance is paid quarterly.

Prenatal allowance: 13,500 CFA francs is paid in three 

installments: 3,000 CFA francs, 6,000 CFA francs, and 

4,500 CFA francs.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 18,000 CFA francs is paid on 

the birth of each of the fi rst three children.

Maternity allowance: 18,000 CFA francs is paid in three 

installments: 9,000 CFA francs at birth, 4,500 CFA francs 

when the child is 6 months old, and 4,500 CFA francs when 

the child is 12 months old.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Solidarity, Social Security, and the Disabled 

 provides administrative and technical supervision.

Ministry of Economy and Finance provides fi nancial 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the combined Social Insurance Institute and National Social Insurance Fund (http://

www.cnps.ci) administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 75

Egypt

Egypt

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 5.70 pounds.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1950 (social assistance) and 1955 (provident and 

insurance fund).

Current laws: 1975 (civil servants and public- and privatesector employees), 1976 (employers), 1978 (migrant workers), and 1980 (coverage extension).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons aged 18 or older (aged 16 or older if a 

government employee).

Special systems for self-employed persons and employers, 

migrant workers, temporary and casual workers in agriculture, artisans, small land and property owners, and domestic 

servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 10% of covered monthly earnings, plus 

3% of base monthly earnings for lump-sum benefi ts.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil servant salary scale (84 pounds in July 2001).

The maximum monthly earnings (base plus variable 

earnings) for contribution and benefi t purposes are 

1,200 pounds.

Base earnings are earnings up to 700 pounds a month. 

Variable earnings are earnings exceeding 700 pounds a 

month, plus certain other forms of compensation, including 

bonuses, incentives, commissions, and profi t shares.

Self-employed person: 15% of declared monthly income, 

according to fi xed earnings classes ranging from 100 pounds 

to 1,000 pounds.

Employer: 15% of covered monthly payroll, plus 2% of 

base monthly payroll for lump-sum benefi ts.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the lower limit of the civil servant salary scale 

(84 pounds in July 2001).

The maximum monthly earnings (base and variable earnings) for contribution purposes are 1,200 pounds.

Base earnings are earnings up to 700 pounds a month. 

Variable earnings are earnings exceeding 700 pounds a 

month, plus certain other forms of compensation, including 

bonuses, incentives, commissions, and profi t shares.

Government: 1% of covered monthly payroll; the cost of 

defi cits.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension (base and variable): Age 60 with at least 

120 months of contributions.

Early pension (base and variable): Paid at any age with at 

least 240 months of contributions.

Flat-rate allowance: Paid if the insured is eligible for a 

pension.

Old-age benefi t (base and variable): If eligible for a pension, 

a lump sum is paid at retirement.

Old-age settlement: Age 60 but does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for a (base and variable) pension, at 

any age if emigrating, if sentenced to 10 or more years of 

imprisonment, or to insured women aged 51 or older (married, divorced, or widowed) who do not qualify for a (base 

and variable) pension.

Lump-sum benefi t: If eligible for an old-age settlement, a 

lump sum is paid at retirement.

Disability pension (base and variable): The insured must 

be assessed as totally or partially disabled and permanently incapable of any gainful employment, younger than 

age 60, and have at least 3 consecutive months or a total of 

6 months of contributions. The disability must begin while 

in insured employment or within a year after employment 

ceased; 10 years of contributions are required if the disability began more than a year after employment ceased.

Flat-rate allowance: Paid if the insured is eligible for a 

pension.

Disability benefi t (base and variable): If eligible for a disability pension, a lump sum is paid.

Supplementary benefi t: A lump sum is paid to persons eligible for the disability pension.

Disability settlement: The insured must be assessed as 

totally disabled but does not satisfy the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Lump-sum benefi t: If eligible for a disability settlement, a 

lump sum is paid.

Supplementary benefi t: A lump sum is paid to persons eligible for the disability settlement.

Survivor pension (base and variable): The deceased was a 

pensioner or had at least 3 consecutive months or a total of 

6 months of contributions; at least 10 years of contributions 

are required if the death occurred more than a year after 

employment ceased and before the insured reached retirement age.

Flat-rate allowance: Paid if the deceased was eligible for a 

pension.
76 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Egypt

Survivor benefi t (base and variable): If eligible for a survivor pension, a lump sum is paid.

Supplementary benefi t: A lump sum is paid to eligible 

survivors.

Survivor settlement: If the deceased did not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for a (base and variable) pension, a 

lump sum is paid to eligible survivors or the legal heir.

Lump-sum benefi t: Paid to survivors eligible for the survivor settlement.

Supplementary benefi t: A lump sum is paid to survivors 

eligible for the survivor settlement.

Death grant: Paid for the death of the insured. The grant is 

paid to the surviving spouse or eligible surviving children.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral is paid to the surviving spouse or to the eldest child.

Eligible survivors are a dependent widow or a disabled 

widower; dependent sons and brothers younger than age 21 

(age 26 if a student, no limit if disabled); unmarried daughters and sisters; dependent parents; and a divorced spouse 

without any other source of income and previously married 

to the deceased for at least 20 years.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension

Base pension: Up to 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work or 1/36 for 

dangerous work) of the reference base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions, up to a maximum of 36 years.

The reference base earnings are equal to average monthly 

base earnings in the last 2 years or average monthly base 

earnings, increased by 40%, in the 5 years before the last 2 

years, whichever is lower. Base earnings are earnings up to 

700 pounds a month.

Base pension special increment: 25% of the base pension is 

paid, up to a maximum of 35 pounds. The minimum increment is 20 pounds.

Flat-rate allowance: 10 pounds is paid.

Supplement for additional contribution periods: A lump sum 

equal to 15% (9% for contribution periods paid retroactively) of the reference base earnings is paid for each year of 

contributions exceeding 36 years.

Early base pension: The base pension is reduced according to insured’s age at the date of claim for the pension: the 

reduction is 15% if younger than age 45; 10% if younger 

than age 50; 5% if younger than age 55. There is no reduction if aged 55 or older.

The base pension special increment is not paid if the applicant for the early pension is younger than age 50.

Variable pension: 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work or 1/36 for 

dangerous work) of the reference variable earnings is paid 

for each year of contributions.

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings for the total contribution period 

increased by 2% for each complete year of contributions, up 

to a maximum of 500 pounds. Variable earnings are earnings 

greater than 700 pounds a month, plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profi t shares.

Early variable pension: The variable pension is reduced by 

5% for each year that the insured is younger than age 60 at 

the time of the claim.

The minimum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

50% of average monthly (base plus variable) earnings in the 

last 2 years (with at least 20 years of coverage).

The maximum total pension (basic plus variable) is equal 

to 70% of average monthly (base plus variable) earnings or 

840 pounds a month, whichever is lower.

Old-age benefi t (base and variable): One month’s base earnings is paid for each year of contributions. Base earnings are 

earnings up to 700 pounds a month.

Old-age settlement: Up to 15% (9% for contribution 

periods paid retroactively) of the total reference (base plus 

variable) earnings multiplied by 12 is paid for each year of 

contributions.

The reference base earnings are equal to average monthly 

base earnings in the last 2 years or average monthly base 

earnings, increased by 40%, in the 5 years before the last 

2 years, whichever is lower. Base earnings are earnings up 

to 700 pounds a month.

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings in the total contribution period 

increased by 2% for each complete year of contributions, up 

to a maximum of 500 pounds. Variable earnings are earnings 

greater than 700 pounds a month, plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profi t shares.

Lump-sum benefi t: One month’s base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension

Base pension: Up to 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work or 1/36 for 

dangerous work) of the reference base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions, up to a maximum of 36 years.

The reference base earnings are equal to the average 

monthly base earnings in the last year. Base earnings are 

earnings up to 700 pounds a month.

Base pension special increment: 25% of the base pension is 

paid, up to a maximum of 35 pounds. The minimum increment is 20 pounds.

Flat-rate allowance: 10 pounds is paid.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 77

Egypt

Variable pension: 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work or 1/36 for 

dangerous work) of the reference variable earnings is paid 

for each year of contributions.

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings in the total contribution period 

increased by 2% for each complete year of contributions, up 

to a maximum of 500 pounds. Variable earnings are earnings 

greater than 700 pounds a month, plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profi t shares.

The minimum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

65% of the average monthly (base plus variable) earnings 

in the last 2 years (with at least 20 years of coverage) or 

100 pounds a month, whichever is higher.

The maximum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

80% of the average monthly (base plus variable) earnings or 

920 pounds a month, whichever is lower.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 20% of the 

pension.

Disability benefi t (base and variable): One month’s base 

earnings is paid for each year of contributions. Base earnings are earnings up to 700 pounds a month.

The minimum benefi t is 10 months’ base earnings.

Supplementary benefi t: Equal to 12 times the total reference 

monthly (base plus variable) earnings used to calculate the 

disability pension times an age coeffi cient. The benefi t is 

reduced by 50% for a partial disability.

Disability settlement: Up to 15% (9% for contribution 

periods paid retroactively) of the total reference (base plus 

variable) earnings multiplied by 12 is paid for each year of 

contributions.

The reference base earnings are equal to the average 

monthly base earnings in the last 2 years or the average 

monthly base earnings, increased by 40%, during the 5 years 

before the last 2 years, whichever is lower. Base earnings 

are earnings up to 700 pounds a month.

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings over the entire contributory 

period increased by 2% for each complete year of contributions, up to a maximum of 500 pounds. Variable earnings 

are earnings greater than 700 pounds a month, plus certain 

other forms of compensation, including bonuses, incentives, 

commissions, and profi t shares.

Lump-sum benefi t: One month’s base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

The minimum benefi t is equal to 10 months’ base earnings.

Supplementary benefi t: Equal to 12 times the total reference 

monthly (base plus variable) earnings used to calculate the 

disability pension times an age coeffi cient. The benefi t is 

reduced by 50% for a partial disability.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension

Base pension: Up to 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work or 1/36 for 

dangerous work) of the reference base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions, up to a maximum of 36 years.

The reference base earnings are equal to the average 

monthly base earnings in the last year. Base earnings are 

earnings up to 700 pounds a month.

Base pension special increment: 25% of the base pension is 

paid, up to a maximum of 35 pounds. The minimum increment is 20 pounds.

Flat-rate allowance: 10 pounds is paid.

Variable pension: 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work or 1/36 for 

dangerous work) of the reference variable earnings is paid 

for each year of contributions.

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings in the total contribution period 

increased by 2% for each complete year of contributions, up 

to a maximum. Variable earnings are earnings greater than 

700 pounds a month, plus certain other forms of compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, and profi t 

shares.

The minimum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

65% of the average monthly (base plus variable) earnings 

in the last 2 years (with at least 20 years of coverage) or 

100 pounds a month, whichever is higher.

The maximum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

80% of the average monthly (base plus variable) earnings or 

920 pounds a month, whichever is lower.

Survivor benefi t (base and variable): One month’s base 

earnings is paid for each year of contributions.

The minimum benefi t is equal to 10 months’ base earnings.

Supplementary benefi t: Equal to 12 times the total reference 

monthly (base plus variable) earnings used to calculate the 

survivor pension times an age coeffi cient.

Survivor settlement: Up to 15% (9% for contribution 

periods paid retroactively) of the total reference (base plus 

variable) earnings multiplied by 12 is paid for each year of 

contributions.

The reference base earnings are equal to the average 

monthly base earnings in the last 2 years or the average 

monthly base earnings, increased by 40%, during the 5 years 

before the last 2 years, whichever is lower. Base earnings 

are earnings up to 700 pounds a month.

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings over the entire contributory 

period increased by 2% for each complete year of contributions, up to a maximum of 500 pounds. Variable earnings 

are earnings greater than 700 pounds a month, plus certain 

other forms of compensation, including bonuses, incentives, 

commissions, and profi t shares.
78 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Egypt

Lump-sum benefi t: One month’s base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

The minimum benefi t is equal to 10 months’ base earnings.

Supplementary benefi t: Equal to 12 times the total reference 

monthly (base plus variable) earnings used to calculate the 

survivor pension times an age coeffi cient.

Death grant: Equal to 3 months of the deceased’s (base plus 

variable) pension.

Funeral grant: Equal to 2 months of the deceased’s (base 

plus variable) pension. The minimum grant is 200 pounds.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.mof.gov.eg) provides general supervision.

National Organization for Social Insurance for the Private 

and Public Sector Fund administers the program.

Social Insurance Government Sector Fund administers the 

program for government employees.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1959 and 1964.

Current law: 1975 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons aged 18 or older (aged 16 or older if a 

government employee). Coverage is being extended gradually to students.

Exclusions: Temporary and casual agricultural workers, 

domestic servants, small-scale artisans, and self-employed 

persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of covered monthly earnings; old-age 

pensioners contribute 1% of the pension; survivors voluntarily contribute 2% of the survivor pension.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil servant salary scale (84 pounds in July 2001).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 1,200 pounds.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of covered monthly payroll; 3% for employers providing cash sickness benefi ts to employees.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil servant salary scale (84 pounds in July 2001).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 1,200 pounds.

Government: None; the cost of cash benefi ts paid directly 

to insured government employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefi ts: The insured must 

have paid contributions for the last 3 months or for a total of 

6 months, including the last 2 months.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have paid contributions for the last 10 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 75% of the last 

covered daily wage before the incapacity began and is paid 

for the fi rst 90 days; thereafter, 85% (100% of earnings is 

paid for a specifi ed chronic disease). The benefi t is paid for 

a maximum of 180 days in a calendar year; no limit on duration for specifi ed chronic diseases.

The minimum benefi t is equal to the minimum contributory 

wage.

Benefi ts are paid daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on 

the frequency of the insured’s wage payments.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 75% of the last 

covered daily wage before the maternity leave period and is 

paid for up to 90 days. The benefi t is paid for a maximum of 

three pregnancies.

The minimum benefi t is equal to the minimum contributory 

wage.

Benefi ts are paid daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on 

the frequency of the insured’s wage payments.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, maternity care, dental care, laboratory services, 

medicines, rehabilitation services, and appliances.

Service benefi ts are provided by employer, public, or other 

medical facilities under contract with the Health Insurance 

Organization, which pays benefi ts directly.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, maternity care, dental care, laboratory services, 

medicines, rehabilitation services, and appliances.

Service benefi ts are provided by employer, public, or other 

medical facilities under contract with the Health Insurance 

Organization, which pays benefi ts directly.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health and Population (http://www.mohp.gov

.eg) provides general supervision.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 79

Egypt

National Organization for Social Insurance for the Private 

and Public Sector Fund and the Social Insurance Government Sector Fund administer contributions and cash 

benefi ts.

Health Insurance Organization administers medical benefi ts 

through its hospitals.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1936.

Current law: 1975 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons aged 18 or older (aged 16 or older if a 

government employee).

Exclusions: Casual workers, domestic workers, and selfemployed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of covered monthly payroll; a maximum of 

2% of covered monthly payroll if the employer provides 

employees with temporary disability benefi ts.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil servant salary scale (84 pounds in July 2001).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 1,200 pounds.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 100% of the covered daily wage 

and is paid from the day after the disability began until full 

recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

The minimum benefi t is equal to the minimum contributory 

wage.

Benefi ts are paid daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on 

the frequency of the insured’s wage payments.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension

Base pension: The pension is equal to 80% of average 

monthly base earnings in the last year before the disability began. Base earnings are earnings up to 700 pounds a 

month.

The minimum base pension is 20 pounds a month.

The maximum base pension is 500 pounds a month.

Variable pension: The pension is equal to 80% of average monthly variable earnings during the total contribution period. Variable earnings are earnings greater than 

700 pounds a month, plus certain other forms of compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, and profi t 

shares.

If combined with the old-age pension, disability pension, 

or survivor pension, the work injury permanent disability 

pension must not exceed 100% of average monthly covered 

(base plus variable) earnings during the year before the disability began.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 20% of the 

pension.

Partial disability: If the insured is assessed as at least 35% 

but less than 100% disabled, a percentage of the full (base 

plus variable) pension is paid according to the assessed 

degree of disability. If the degree of disability is less than 

35%, a lump sum based on 48 months’ pension is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability.

Lump-sum award: One month’s base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

The minimum benefi t is equal to 10 months’ base earnings.

Supplementary compensation: Equal to 18 times the total 

monthly (base plus variable) earnings used to calculate the 

survivor pension times an age coeffi cient.

Benefi t adjustment: Pensions are increased by 5% after each 

5-year period of continuous disability, up to age 60.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, medicines, X-rays, appliances, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension

Base pension: The pension is equal to 80% of average 

monthly base earnings in the last year before the insured’s 

death. Base earnings are earnings up to 700 pounds a month.

The minimum base pension is 20 pounds a month.

The maximum base pension is 500 pounds a month.
80 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Egypt

Variable pension: The pension is equal to 80% of average 

monthly covered variable earnings during the deceased’s 

total contribution period. Variable earnings are earnings 

greater than 700 pounds a month, plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profi t shares.

If combined with the old-age pension, disability pension, or 

survivor pension, the work injury survivor pension must not 

exceed 100% of average monthly covered (base plus variable) earnings.

Lump-sum award: One month’s base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

The minimum benefi t is equal to 10 months’ base earnings.

Benefi ts are split among eligible survivors according to the 

schedule in law: a widow of any age, a disabled widower, 

dependent sons and brothers younger than age 21 (age 26 

if a student, no limit if disabled), unmarried daughters and 

sisters, and dependent parents.

All survivor pensions may be taken as a lump sum.

Death grant: Paid for the death of the insured. The grant 

is equal to 3 months of the deceased’s (base plus variable) 

pension.

Funeral grant: Paid for the death of the insured. The grant 

is equal to 2 months of the deceased’s (base plus variable) 

pension. The minimum grant is 200 pounds.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.mof.gov.eg) provides general supervision.

National Organization for Social Insurance for the Private 

and Public Sector Fund and the Social Insurance Government Sector Fund administer contributions and cash 

benefi ts.

Health Insurance Organization administers medical benefi ts 

through its hospitals.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current law: 1975 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the public and private sectors.

Exclusions: Temporary, seasonal, and casual workers; 

domestic servants; family labor; civil servants; employees 

older than age 60; self-employed persons; and artisans.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil servant salary scale (84 pounds in July 2001).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 1,200 pounds.

Government: Any defi cit.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefi t: The insured must have at least 

6 months of contributions, including the 3 consecutive 

months before unemployment. The insured must be able 

and willing to work and be registered with, and reporting 

regularly to, the manpower offi ce. Unemployment is not the 

result of voluntary leaving, misconduct, or the refusal of 

training or a suitable job offer.

Unemployment Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 60% of the insured’s last monthly 

wage and is paid after a 7-day waiting period for up to 

16 weeks; may be extended to 28 weeks if contributions 

have been paid for the last 24 months.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.mof.gov.eg) provides general supervision.

National Organization for Social Insurance for the Private 

and Public Sector Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 81

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current law: 1984, implemented in 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4.5% of gross earnings.

The insured person’s contributions also fi nance sickness 

and maternity benefi ts, work injury benefi ts, and family 

allowances.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 21.5% of gross payroll.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance sickness and 

maternity benefi ts, work injury benefi ts, and family 

allowances.

Government: At least 25% of annual social security 

receipts.

Government contributions also fi nance sickness and maternity benefi ts, work injury benefi ts, and family allowances.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 120 months of 

contributions, including 60 months in the 10 years before 

retirement.

The required contribution period is reduced for public offi -

cials and military personnel who were between ages 50 and 

60 when the law was implemented.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

substantial inability to perform all types of work or a total 

inability to perform usual work with at least 60 consecutive 

months of contributions immediately before the disability 

began.

Survivor pension: The deceased had at least 60 months of 

contributions or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 30 or older or disabled 

or rearing children, a dependent widower, and children up 

to age 14 (no limit if a student or disabled). In the absence 

of other survivors, dependent parents including the spouse’s 

parents aged 60 or older or disabled.

Funeral allowance: Paid for the death of the insured.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 2 years, plus 

2% of average monthly earnings for each year of contributions exceeding 10 years.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted every 5 years.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: If the insured is assessed as totally disabled, the pension is equal to 40% of the insured’s average 

monthly earnings in the last 2 years.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 2 years.

Partial disability: If unable to perform usual work, 40% of 

the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 2 years is 

paid for a maximum of 6 months.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted every 5 years.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 40% of 

the deceased’s average earnings; if the deceased was a 

pensioner, the survivor pension is equal to 80% of the 

deceased’s pension.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

A childless widow younger than age 30 receives a pension 

for 24 months only.

Orphan’s pension: All orphans’ pensions combined are 

equal to 20% of the deceased’s earnings; 40% for full 

orphans and for half orphans if the widow’s pension ceases.

Dependent parent’s pension (in the absence of other 

survivors): The pension is equal to 40% of the deceased’s 

earnings; if the deceased was a pensioner, the benefi t is 

equal to 80% of the deceased’s pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted every 5 years.

Funeral grant: Equal to 2 months of the deceased’s 

earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare 

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute administers the program.
82 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Equatorial Guinea

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current law: 1984, implemented in 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel; the insured’s family members; pensioners; and 

disabled persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts: The insured must 

have contributed during the last 12 months.

Medical benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s daily wage. The benefi t is paid after a 3-day waiting period for a maximum of 26 weeks; may be extended 

under certain conditions.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 75% of the 

insured’s daily wage and is paid for 6 weeks before and 

6 weeks after the expected date of childbirth.

A lump sum equal to 2 months’ wages is paid if the insured 

does not satisfy the contributions qualifying condition for 

the maternity benefi t.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical care for up to 26 weeks, according 

to the schedule in law.

Cost sharing: The insured pays 50% of the cost of medicine; 

medicines during hospitalization, pregnancy, and the postnatal period are free.

Hospitalization is free.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical care for up to 26 weeks, according 

to the schedule in law.

Cost sharing: Dependents pay 50% of the cost of medicine; 

medicines during hospitalization, pregnancy, and the postnatal period are free.

Hospitalization is free.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare 

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute administers the system.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current law: 1984, implemented in 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 50% of the insured’s daily wage 

and is paid after a 3-day waiting period for a maximum of 

26 weeks; may be extended under certain conditions.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

as totally disabled and incapable of any work, the pension 

is equal to 50% of the insured’s earnings; the pension is 

limited to 48 months if the insured is capable of alternative 

work.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s earnings; the pension is limited to 24 months if the 

insured is capable of alternative work.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 50% of earnings.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 83

Equatorial Guinea

The work injury permanent disability pension cannot be 

paid with the old-age pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted every 5 years.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include free medical care, hospitalization, and 

medicines.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: A widow(er) receives 50% of the 

deceased’s earnings; if the deceased was a pensioner, the 

pension is equal to 80% of the deceased’s pension. The pension ceases on remarriage.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 30 or older or disabled 

or rearing children and a dependent widower.

A childless widow younger than age 30 receives a pension 

for 24 months only.

Orphan’s pension: All orphans’ pensions combined are 

equal to 20% of the deceased’s earnings; 40% for full 

orphans and for half orphans if the widow’s pension ceases.

Eligible orphans are children up to age 14 (no limit if a 

student or disabled).

Dependent parent’s pension (in the absence of other 

survivors): The pension is equal to 40% of the deceased’s 

earnings; if the deceased was a pensioner, the pension is 

equal to 80% of the deceased’s pension.

Eligible parents include the spouse’s parents aged 60 or 

older or disabled.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted every 5 years.

Funeral grant: Equal to 2 months of the deceased’s 

earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare 

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1950.

Current law: 1984, implemented in 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The insured must be married, a widow 

with children, or single with natural children. Dependent 

relatives who are younger than age 14, a student, or disabled 

may also qualify.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: Benefi ts are determined according to a 

family point system set by law.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare 

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute administers the program through 

the Family Fund.
84 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 8.78 birr.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1963 (public employees), with 1974, 

1975, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2004, and 2006 amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Public-sector employees only, including military and police 

personnel and employees of government-owned enterprises.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of basic salary.

The insured’s contributions also fi nance work injury 

benefi ts.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6% (civilian) or 16% (military) of payroll.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance work injury 

benefi ts.

Government: None, except as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 10 years of service 

and contributions.

Early pension: Age 55 with at least 25 years of contributions 

(civilian personnel); aged 45 to 55 (depending on rank) with 

at least 10 years of contributions (military personnel).

Old-age settlement: Age 60 and does not meet the qualifying conditions for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed as 

incapable of normal gainful employment and have at least 

10 years of service and contributions.

Disability settlement: The insured must be assessed as 

incapable of normal gainful employment and have less than 

10 years of service and contributions.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the contribution 

conditions for the old-age pension or was a pensioner at the 

time of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18, and dependent parents.

Survivor settlement: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased had less than 10 years of service and contributions 

and was not eligible for a pension.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er) and children younger 

than age 18.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly basic salary in the last 3 years 

before retirement, plus 1.125% (civilian) or 1.5% (military) 

of the insured’s average monthly basic salary for each year 

of service exceeding 10 years.

The minimum monthly pension is 100 birr.

The maximum monthly pension is equal to 70% of the 

insured’s average monthly basic salary.

Early pension: The pension is calculated in the same way as 

the old-age pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts may be adjusted by the Council 

of Ministers every 5 years.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the 

insured’s basic salary in the month before retirement times 

the number of years of service.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly basic salary in the last 3 years 

before the disability began, plus 1.125% (civilian) or 1.5% 

(military) of the insured’s average monthly basic salary for 

each year of service exceeding 10 years.

The maximum monthly pension is equal to 70% of the 

insured’s average monthly basic salary.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts may be adjusted by the Council 

of Ministers every 5 years.

Disability settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the 

insured’s basic salary in the month before the disability 

began times the number of years of service.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 50% of the deceased’s monthly pension 

is paid to the widow(er).

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% of 

the deceased’s pension; 30% for full orphans.

Dependent parent’s pension: Each eligible parent receives 

15% of the deceased’s pension; 20% in the absence of other 

eligible survivors.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid to each eligible 

survivor. The lump sum is calculated using the percentage rates used to calculate the survivor pension or orphan’s 

pension.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 85

Ethiopia

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts may be adjusted by the Council 

of Ministers every 5 years.

Administrative Organization

Accountable to the prime minister and managed by a board 

and a director general, the Social Security Agency administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

The public service amendment proclamation (2002) and the 

labor proclamation (2003) require employers to provide paid 

sick leave for up to 3 months: 100% of earnings is paid for 

the fi rst month; thereafter, 50% of earnings.

The public service amendment proclamation (2002) and the 

labor proclamation (2003) require employers to provide paid 

maternity leave for up to 45 days after childbirth; thereafter, 

paid sick leave may be paid in the event of complications 

arising from childbirth.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1963 (public employees), with 2003 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

The labor proclamation (2003) allows for the provision of 

private insurance for public-sector employees.

Coverage

Public-sector employees only, including military and police 

personnel and employees of government-owned enterprises.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

A lump sum is paid equal to 45% of the insured’s monthly 

basic salary multiplied by 5 years times the assessed degree 

of disability.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts may be adjusted by the Council 

of Ministers every 5 years.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: The pension varies from 

45% to 70% of the insured’s monthly basic salary, according 

to the assessed degree of disability.

If the value of the disability pension is less than or equal to 

the insured’s entitlement under the old-age pension, then 

the old-age pension is paid up to a maximum of 70% of the 

insured’s monthly basic salary.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts may be adjusted by the Council 

of Ministers every 5 years.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 50% of the deceased’s pension is paid to 

the widow(er).

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% of 

the deceased’s pension; 30% for full orphans.

Dependent parent’s pension: Each eligible parent receives 

15% of the deceased’s pension; 20% in the absence of other 

eligible survivors.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts may be adjusted by the Council 

of Ministers every 5 years.

Administrative Organization

Accountable to the prime minister and managed by a board 

and a director general, the Social Security Agency administers the program.
86 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Gabon

Gabon

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1963, 1978, and 1983.

Current laws: 1975 (social security), 1976 (coverage), and 

1996 (state pension).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, home workers, and state contract workers not covered under a special system.

Excluded: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants, members of parliament, 

hospital personnel, military personnel, judiciary members, 

and certain categories of state contract workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.5% of covered earnings; 2% for state 

contract workers.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

calculation purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

calculation purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 5% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

calculation purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

calculation purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55; age 50 if prematurely aged, 

with at least 20 years of coverage including 120 months of 

contributions during the last 20 years. Retirement from paid 

employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Foreign workers who permanently leave the country may 

have their contributions reimbursed.

Old-age settlement: Paid at the normal retirement age if the 

insured is ineligible for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity and have at least 

5 years of coverage including 30 months of contributions 

in the 5 years before the disability began. The qualifying 

conditions are waived for currently employed workers who 

are disabled as the result of a nonoccupational accident.

Survivor pension: Paid if the deceased had at least 

120 months of contributions, met the contribution conditions for a pension, or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid if the deceased was ineligible for 

an old-age or disability pension.

Eligible survivors are a nonworking or disabled widow 

or a dependent disabled widower and children younger 

than age 16 (age 17 if an apprentice, age 20 if a student or 

disabled).

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 35% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings, plus 1% of earnings for each 12-month period of contributions exceeding 

240 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 85% of the legal minimum wage.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by ministerial 

decree according to changes in the cost of living and the 

legal minimum wage, depending on the fi nancial resources 

of the system.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 50% of 

the insured’s average monthly earnings for each 6-month 

period of contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 60% of the 

old-age pension that the insured would have been entitled to 

if he or she had worked until age 55. The disability pension 

is replaced by an old-age pension of the same amount at 

retirement age.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest minimum wage.

If the insured is assessed as 100% disabled, the pension is 

paid monthly; otherwise, pensions are paid quarterly. If the 

insured is assessed as at least 75% disabled, the insured can 

request to be paid monthly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by ministerial 

decree according to changes in the cost of living and the 

legal minimum wage, depending on the fi nancial resources 

of the system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 87

Gabon

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

deceased’s old-age pension. If there is more than one 

widow, the pension is split equally among them.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% of 

the deceased’s pension; 35% if the orphan’s mother is ineligible for the widow’s pension.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by ministerial 

decree according to changes in the cost of living and the 

legal minimum wage, depending on the fi nancial resources 

of the system.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid to the widow 

equal to a month’s pension for each 3-month period of contributions, up to a maximum of 20 month’s pension. If there 

is more than one widow, the pension is split equally among 

them.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and National Solidarity provides 

general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers contributions and 

benefi ts.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952 (labor code).

Current laws: 1975 (social security), 1976 (coverage), 1995 

(health), 2007 (health care), and 2007 (sickness insurance).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity and 

medical benefi ts only.

Coverage

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (Legislation passed in 2007 to create a mandatory 

sickness insurance program has not been implemented.)

Cash maternity benefi ts: Employed women.

Medical benefi ts: Employed persons and their dependents.

Special systems for civil servants, military personnel, selfemployed persons, and state contract workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2% of covered payroll for medicines, 1.5% for 

hospitalization, and 0.6% for medical examinations. Cash 

maternity benefi ts are fi nanced by employer contributions 

made under Family Allowances, below.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

calculation purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The labor code requires employers to provide paid 

sick leave.)

Cash maternity benefi ts: Women must be in insured 

employment for at least 4 months.

Medical benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s last monthly earnings and is paid for up to 6 weeks 

before and 8 weeks after (11 weeks in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth) the expected 

date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient 

treatment, medicines, and transportation. Medical services 

are provided by hospitals and dispensaries operated by the 

National Social Security Fund and by other participating 

establishments.

Cost sharing: Maternity medical care and medicines are 

free. The insured contributes to the cost of other medical 

services (insured persons with low income are exempt).

The labor code requires employers to provide certain medical services.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient 

treatment, medicines, and transportation. Medical services 

are provided by hospitals and dispensaries operated by the 

National Social Security Fund and by other participating 

establishments.

Cost sharing: Maternity medical care and medicines are 

free. The insured contributes to the cost of other medical 

services (insured persons with low income are exempt).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and National Solidarity provides 

general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
88 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Gabon

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1935.

Current laws: 1975 (social security) and 1996 (state 

pension).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including members of cooperatives, 

apprentices, and students; certain categories of selfemployed persons; and convicted persons working in prison 

workshops.

Special systems for civil servants, military personnel, certain categories of self-employed persons, and state contract 

workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of gross payroll.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 100% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the 30 days before the disability began. The benefi t is paid from the day after the disability began until full 

recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability. The benefi t 

for the day of the accident is paid by the employer.

The daily benefi t may be paid in part or in full if the insured 

resumes a gainful activity intended to help rehabilitation 

for full-time work. The combined income from benefi ts 

and earnings must not exceed the earnings used for benefi t 

calculation purposes.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

as totally disabled, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average earnings.

The minimum permanent disability pension is equal to the 

legal minimum wage.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to average earnings 

multiplied by 0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for 

the portion of disability between 10% and 50% and by 1.5 

times the assessed degree of disability for the portion greater 

than 50%. A lump sum is paid for an assessed degree of disability of 10% or less.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 40% of the 

pension.

If the insured is assessed as 100% disabled, the pension 

is paid monthly; otherwise, pensions are paid quarterly. If 

assessed as at least 75% disabled, the insured can request to 

be paid monthly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by ministerial 

decree according to changes in the cost of living and the 

legal minimum wage, depending on the fi nancial resources 

of the system.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical, dental, and surgical care; hospitalization; medicines; appliances; laboratory services; X-rays; 

rehabilitation; and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 30% 

of the deceased’s average monthly earnings. If there is more 

than one widow, the pension is split equally among them. 

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s average monthly 

earnings is paid for each of the fi rst two orphans, plus 10% 

for each subsequent orphan.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s settlement: A 

lump sum is paid equal to 6 months of the deceased’s average earnings.

Survivor settlement: In the absence of eligible survivors, a 

lump sum equal to 6 months of the deceased’s average earnings is paid to the closest relative.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid to cover the cost of the 

burial (including transportation if the death was the result 

of an accident), up to a maximum equal to 8 times the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and National Solidarity provides 

general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current laws: 1975 (social security), 2000, and 2002.

Type of program: Employment-related system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 89

Gabon

Coverage

Employed persons and pensioners.

Special systems for civil servants, military personnel, selfemployed persons, and state contract workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

calculation purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

calculation purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

The fi rst 20,000 CFA francs of declared earnings are exempt 

from contributions.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance cash maternity 

benefi ts under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

(age 17 if an apprentice, age 20 if a student or disabled). 

The parent must have had at least 4 consecutive months of 

employment and be currently working 20 days a month or 

be an old-age pensioner or an unmarried widow of a former 

benefi ciary.

Prenatal allowance: The mother must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

Birth grant: The mother and child must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

School allowances: Paid to dependent primary, secondary, 

or technical school students.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 7,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Prenatal allowance: 13,500 CFA francs is paid in two 

installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 8,000 CFA francs is paid for 

each birth and 45,000 CFA francs is paid for the purchase of 

clothing and other necessities (layette) for a newborn child.

School allowances: 20,000 CFA francs a year is paid to 

dependent primary, secondary, or technical school students.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and National Solidarity provides 

general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
90 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Gambia

Gambia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 28 dalasi.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1981 (provident fund), implemented in 1982.

Current law: 1987 (pension scheme).

Type of program: Social insurance and provident fund 

system.

Coverage

Pension scheme: Employees aged 18 to 60 in quasi-

 government institutions and in participating private 

companies.

Provident fund: Employees aged 18 to 60 in the private 

sector.

Exclusions: Casual workers.

Special system for civil servants covered by the 1950 Pensions Act and armed forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Pension scheme: None.

Provident fund: 5% of basic salary.

Self-employed person

Pension scheme: Not applicable.

Provident fund: Not applicable.

Employer

Pension scheme: 19% of payroll.

Provident fund: 10% of basic salary.

Government

Pension scheme: None.

Provident fund: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Old-age pension (pension scheme): Age 60 with at least 

10 years of contributions.

Early pension (pension scheme): Paid from age 45 with at 

least 10 years of contributions; if the insured retires before 

age 45 with at least 5 years of contributions, the pension is 

withheld until age 45 (except when the insured is laid-off).

Old-age settlement (pension scheme): Paid with a minimum 

of 5 years but less than 10 years of contributions.

Old-age benefi t (provident fund): Age 60; voluntarily 

retired with at least 5 years of contributions (from age 45 

after 2 years of unemployment, between ages 46 and 54 

after 6 months of unemployment, or aged 55 or older after 

3 months of unemployment). Benefi ts are paid to women 

who leave employment to marry.

Disability pension

Disability pension (pension scheme): The insured must be 

assessed as incapable of work as the result of a disability 

and have at least 10 years of contributions.

The medical board assesses the disability.

Disability settlement (pension scheme): The insured must 

be assessed as incapable of work as the result of a disability and have at least 5 years but less than 10 years of 

contributions.

Disability benefi t (provident fund): The insured must be 

assessed as incapable of work as the result of a disability.

The medical board assesses the disability.

Survivor benefi t

Survivor benefi t (pension scheme): Paid to named survivors 

and eligible orphans.

Survivor benefi t (provident fund): Paid to named survivors 

and eligible orphans for the death of the fund member 

before retirement.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension

Old-age pension (pension scheme): An annuity is purchased 

with 75% of the total employer contributions, and the 

remaining 25% is paid as a lump sum.

Early pension (pension scheme): The early pension is calculated in the same way as the old-age pension but with a 

reduction based on age at the date of retirement.

Old-age settlement (pension scheme): A lump sum is paid.

Deferred old-age settlement (pension fund): The lump sum 

is calculated in the same way as the old-age settlement.

Old-age benefi t (provident fund): A lump sum is paid equal 

to total employer and employee contributions, plus accrued 

interest.

The full benefi t is paid if voluntarily retired from age 45 

with at least 5 years of contributions and after 2 years 

of unemployment; 70% of the benefi t is paid if between 

ages 46 and 54 after 6 months of unemployment; 85% of 

the benefi t is paid if aged 55 or older after 3 months of 

unemployment.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 91

Gambia

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension

Disability pension (pension scheme): An annuity is purchased with 75% of the total employer contributions, and 

the remaining 25% is paid as a lump sum. The total amount 

may be paid as a lump sum if the insured is seriously ill.

Disability settlement (pension scheme): A lump sum is paid.

Disability benefi t (provident fund): A lump sum is paid equal 

to total employer and employee contributions, plus accrued 

interest.

Partial disability (provident fund): A lump sum is paid up 

to a maximum of 50% of the full disability benefi t, according to the assessed degree of disability. Further payments 

are based on an assessment of the disability by the medical 

board.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t (pension scheme): A lump sum equal to 

twice the deceased’s annual salary is paid if the deceased 

was still contributing, irrespective of the number of contributions; a lump sum is paid based on the value of the 

accrued pension if the deceased had opted to take an early 

pension; or the remaining balance of the pension is paid if 

the deceased was a pensioner.

Survivor benefi t (provident fund): A lump sum is paid 

equal to total employer and employee contributions, plus 

accrued interest.

Administrative Organization

Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (http://

www.sshfc.gm) administers the pension scheme and provident fund.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1940 (workmen’s compensation).

Current law: 1990 (injuries compensation), implemented in 

1996.

Type of program: Employer-liability system.

Coverage

Employed persons in government and public enterprises, 

local government authorities, and the private sector.

Exclusions: Armed forces personnel, casual workers, 

domestic workers, and family members living in the 

employer’s home.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 1,500 dalasi.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for civil 

servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period, but the incapacity must last for at least 5 consecutive 

days.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The monthly benefi t is equal to 60% of the insured’s earnings and is paid for a maximum of 6 months.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 1,500 dalasi.

Partial disability: A reduced pension is paid (normally 60% 

of the difference between earnings before and after the disability began) until recovery or certifi cation of permanent 

disability after 12 months.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, a monthly pension is paid equal to 60% of 

the insured’s earnings.

The minimum monthly benefi t is 100 dalasi.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 1,500 dalasi.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 25% of the permanent disability pension.

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability of 

20% or more, a reduced pension is paid according to the 

assessed degree of disability; for an assessed disability of 

less than 20%, a lump sum is paid.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum equal to 120 months of the 

deceased’s earnings is paid to survivors who were fully 

dependent on the insured; a reduced benefi t is paid to survivors who were only partially dependent.

The minimum survivor benefi t is 100,000 dalasi.

The maximum survivor benefi t is 180,000 dalasi.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 1,500 dalasi.

Funeral grant: In the absence of surviving dependents, 

burial expenses are paid up to a maximum of 1,000 dalasi.
92 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Gambia

Administrative Organization

Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (http://

www.sshfc.gm) and the Department of Labor enforce the 

law.

Injuries Compensation Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 93

Ghana

Ghana

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 9,210 cedi.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965.

Current law: 1991 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and nonemployed formerly insured persons.

Special system for armed forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of earnings; voluntary contributors, 

17.5% of declared income.

Of the total 17.5% of earnings contributed by the insured 

person and employer, 2.5% fi nances medical benefi ts under 

Sickness and Maternity, below.

Self-employed person: 17.5% of declared income.

Of the total 17.5% of income contributed, 2.5% fi nances 

medical benefi ts under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Employer: 12.5% of payroll.

Of the total 17.5% of earnings contributed by the insured 

person and employer, 2.5% fi nances medical benefi ts under 

Sickness and Maternity, below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (ages 55 to 59 for underground 

mine workers, steel mill workers, and employees working in other types of hazardous employment) with at least 

240 months of contributions.

Early pension: A reduced pension is paid from age 55.

Old-age pensions are not payable abroad.

Old-age grant: Paid to insured persons at the normal retirement age with less than 240 months of contributions.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed as 

permanently disabled and incapable of any gainful employment with at least 12 months of contributions in the last 

36 months. The disability must be certifi ed by a qualifi ed 

and recognized medical offi cer and the regional medical 

board.

Disability pensions are not payable abroad.

Disability grant: A lump sum is paid if the insured does not 

satisfy the qualifying conditions for the disability pension.

Survivor pension: Paid for the death of the insured before 

retirement or a pensioner younger than age 72.

Eligible survivors are dependents named by the deceased.

Survivor pensions are not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The minimum pension is equal to 50% of 

the insured’s average annual earnings in the 3 best years of 

earnings. The pension is increased by 1.5% of average earnings for each 12-month period or 0.125% of average earnings for each month of contributions exceeding 240 months.

The minimum monthly pension is 150,000 cedi.

The maximum pension must not exceed 80% of average 

earnings of the top 5% of contributing members.

The insured may opt to take 25% of the present value of the 

pension as a lump sum.

Early pension: A percentage of the full pension is paid, from 

60% at age 55 to 90% at age 59.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are reviewed annually, on the 

basis of the average increase in the wages of contributors to 

the scheme.

Old-age grant: A lump sum is paid equal to the value of 

total contributions, plus interest set at 50% of the prevailing 

government treasury rate.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The minimum pension is equal to 50% 

of the insured’s average annual earnings in the 3 best years 

of earnings. The pension is increased by 1.5% of average 

earnings for each 12-month period or by 0.125% of average earnings for each month of contributions exceeding 

240 months.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are reviewed annually, on the 

basis of the average increase in the wages of contributors to 

the scheme.

Disability grant: A lump sum is paid equal to total contributions plus interest.

Survivor Benefi ts

If the insured was a pensioner at the time of death, a lump 

sum is paid calculated on the present value of the pension that would have been received after the date of death 

until age 72. If the insured was not a pensioner but had 

at least 240 months of contributions, a lump sum is paid 

equal to the present value of 12 years’ pension; with less 
94 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Ghana

than 240 months of contributions, the lump sum is reduced 

according to the number of months of contributions.

The present value of the pension is calculated using the 

prevailing treasury bill rate of interest.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are reviewed annually, on the 

basis of the average increase in the wages of contributors to 

the scheme.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (http://www

.ghana.gov.gh) provides general supervision.

Social Security and National Insurance Trust (http://www

.ssnit.com) administers the program through a tripartite 

management board.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 2003 (health insurance), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Medical benefi ts only.

Coverage

All citizens of Ghana.

Exclusions: Armed forces and police personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above (formal-sector employees); a 

fl at-rate contribution of 6,000 cedi a month (informal-sector 

employees).

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: The cost of benefi ts for the aged, the needy, 

and children up to age 18 provided that both parents have 

paid the annual contribution.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Medical benefi ts: Must reside in Ghana.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Maternity benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical benefi ts are provided under the National Health 

Insurance program.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical benefi ts are provided under the National Health 

Insurance program.

Administrative Organization

Social Security and National Insurance Trust (http://www

.ssnit.com) collects the contributions and transfers them to 

the National Health Insurance program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1940.

Current law: 1987 (workmen’s compensation), with 1988 

and 1994 amendments.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Armed forces personnel, casual workers, 

employers’ family members, and agricultural employees 

working in enterprises with less than fi ve workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision 

of benefi ts or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

6 months of coverage.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to the difference between the insured’s 

earnings before the disability began and the actual or potential earnings after the disability began. The benefi t is paid 

after a 5-day waiting period for up to 24 months; may be 

extended by up to 6 months by the Chief Labor Offi cer.

The benefi t may be paid periodically or as a lump sum or by 

a combination of these methods, depending on the estimated 

duration of the disability.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 95

Ghana

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is assessed as totally disabled, a lump sum is 

paid equal to 96 months of the insured’s earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 25% of the total 

disability benefi t.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full lump sum is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical, surgical, hospital, and nursing care 

and the cost of medicines and appliances up to specifi ed 

amounts.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum is paid equal to 60 months 

of the insured’s earnings at the time of the work injury. The 

benefi t is paid to the insured’s dependents at the court’s 

discretion; a reduced benefi t is paid if the survivor was only 

partially dependent.

Funeral grant: If there are no dependents, the employer 

pays for the funeral; if there are dependents, the employer 

pays for the funeral up to a maximum.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Mobilization and Social Welfare (Labor Department) enforces the law.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.
96 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Guinea

Guinea

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 5,640 francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1958.

Current law: 1994 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers 

and domestic workers, apprentices, interns, and students at 

technical schools.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.5% of covered earnings.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 75,000 francs. (The legal minimum wage was last adjusted in 1994.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 75,000 francs. (The legal minimum wage was last adjusted in 1994.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if unable to work) with 

at least 15 years of contributions. Retirement from gainful 

employment is necessary.

Early pension: Paid from age 50.

Old-age allowance: Age 50 with at least 12 months’ coverage but does not satisfy the qualifying conditions for the 

old-age pension.

Old-age benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of at least 2/3 of working or earning capacity, be 

ineligible for the early pension, and have at least 5 years 

of contributions (the contribution qualifying condition is 

waived for currently employed workers if the disability is 

the result of an accident).

The disability pension is not payable abroad.

Survivor pension: Paid if the deceased was a pensioner or 

in insured employment with at least 15 years of coverage at 

the time of death.

Eligible survivors are widow(er)s who were married to the 

deceased for at least a year and orphans younger than age 17 

(age 21 if a student or an apprentice).

Funeral grant: Paid to an eligible survivor. In the absence 

of an eligible survivor, the grant is paid to the person who is 

responsible for the deceased’s dependent children.

Survivor benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 2% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher) times the number of years of coverage (some 

periods of incapacity are credited).

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

The maximum number of years of coverage for benefi t 

calculation purposes is 30.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by between 5% 

and 10% for each year that the pension is received before 

age 55.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

The combined receipt of the old-age pension with the work 

injury permanent disability pension is allowed.

Old-age allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher) times the number of years of 

coverage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

national average wage, depending on the fi nancial resources 

of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 1994.)
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 97

Guinea

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: If the insured is assessed as totally disabled, the pension is equal to 100% of the insured’s annual 

average earnings.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s annual average earnings if the insured is able to 

partially perform any suitable work.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 20% of the 

insured’s pension.

The disability pension ceases at age 55 and is replaced by an 

old-age pension of the same value.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

national average wage, depending on the fi nancial resources 

of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 1994.)

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: A widow(er) receives 50% of the pension paid or payable to the deceased. If there is more than 

one widow, the pension is split equally among them.

The pension ceases on remarriage or if cohabiting.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 10% of 

the pension paid or payable to the deceased; 20% for each 

full orphan. Full orphans also receive the survivor pension.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of 

the pension paid or payable to the deceased; otherwise, the 

pensions are reduced proportionately.

Survivor pensions are paid quarterly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

national average wage, depending on the fi nancial resources 

of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 1994.)

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 90 days of the 

deceased’s daily wage but no greater than three times the 

deceased’s monthly earnings for contribution purposes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, the Promotion of Women’s Interests, and Childhood provides general supervision.

Managed by an administrative council, the National Social 

Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current law: 1994 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers 

and domestic workers.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.5% of covered earnings for sickness benefi ts only (maternity cash benefi ts are fi nanced under Family 

Allowances, below).

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of covered payroll for sickness benefi ts only 

(maternity cash benefi ts are fi nanced under Family Allowances, below).

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefi ts: The insured must 

have at least 3 months of insured employment with at least 

18 days or 120 hours of work a month.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The woman must be in insured 

employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 months before the 

leave period starts (the labor code requires the employer to 

pay 50% of the cost). The benefi t is paid after an 8-day waiting period for up to 13 weeks; may be extended to 26 weeks 

if the insured has at least 1 year of coverage with 250 days 

of employment in the last 12 months. (The labor code 

requires the employer to pay full wages during the waiting 

period.)
98 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Guinea

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

The maximum duration of benefi ts is 1 year for a permanent 

incapacity.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the 3 months before the leave 

period starts (the labor code requires the employer to pay 

50% of the cost). The benefi t is paid for up to 6 weeks 

before and 8 weeks after the expected date of childbirth; 

10 weeks after childbirth for multiple births and up to 

12 weeks after childbirth in case of complications.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical service benefi ts are provided by doctors, hospitals, 

and pharmacists paid directly by the National Social Security Fund. Benefi ts include general, maternity, and specialist 

care; surgery; hospitalization for up to 2 years; medicines; 

appliances; laboratory services; and transportation.

Benefi ts are provided after an 8-day waiting period during 

which the employer and the insured must share the medical 

care costs equally.

Cost sharing: The National Social Security Fund reimburses 

70% of the cost of medicine; 100% for treatments for cancer, cholera, smallpox, tetanus, and tuberculosis.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical service benefi ts are provided by doctors, hospitals, 

and pharmacists paid directly by the National Social Security Fund. Benefi ts include general, maternity, and specialist 

care; surgery; hospitalization for up to 2 years; medicines; 

appliances; laboratory services; and transportation.

Eligible dependents are the spouse and children younger 

than age 17 (age 21 if a student or disabled).

Benefi ts are provided after an 8-day waiting period during 

which the employer and the insured must share the medical 

care costs equally.

Cost sharing: The National Social Security Fund reimburses 

70% of the cost of medicine; 100% for treatments for cancer, cholera, smallpox, tetanus, and tuberculosis.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, the Promotion of Women’s Interests, and Childhood provides general supervision.

Managed by an administrative council, the National Social 

Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current law: 1994 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers, domestic workers, apprentices, interns, and students at 

technical schools.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The daily benefi t is equal to 50% of the insured’s average 

daily wage in the month before the disability began for the 

fi rst 28 days; thereafter, 2/3 of the average daily wage. The 

benefi t is paid from the day after the disability began until 

full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Benefi ts are paid monthly.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts may be adjusted if the incapacity lasts more than 1 month.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 99

Guinea

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the pension is equal to 70% of the insured’s 

average earnings in the 12 months before the disability 

began.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability; the pension is 

paid as a lump sum if the assessed degree of disability is 1% 

to 14%.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

The combined receipt of the permanent disability pension 

with the old-age pension is allowed.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in 1992.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, rehabilitation, and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the last 12 months before the 

disability began. The surviving spouse must have been married to the deceased before the deceased became disabled. 

If there is more than one eligible widow, the pension is split 

equally among them.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

The pension ceases on remarriage or if cohabiting, and a 

lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 3 years’ 

pension.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 17 

(age 21 if a student) receives 15% of the deceased’s earnings; 20% for each full orphan.

Dependent relative’s pension: Each receives 10% of the 

deceased’s earnings, up to a maximum of 20%.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s earnings; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Funeral grant: Funeral costs are reimbursed up to a maximum of 1/4 of the legal monthly minimum wage. The legal 

monthly minimum wage is 75,000 francs.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in 1992.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, the Promotion of Women’s Interests, and Childhood provides general supervision.

Managed by an administrative council, the National Social 

Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1994 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers 

and domestic workers.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

The employer contributions also fi nance cash maternity 

benefi ts under Sickness and Maternity.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 17. 

The parent must have at least 3 months of insured employment with at least 18 days or 120 hours of employment a 

month; a social insurance benefi ciary.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 1,500 francs a month is paid for each 

child, up to a maximum of 10 children.

Benefi ts are paid quarterly.
100 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Guinea

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in 1992.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, the Promotion of Women’s Interests, and Childhood provides general supervision.

Managed by an administrative council, the National Social 

Security Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 101

Kenya

Kenya

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 69.10 shillings.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1965 (social security fund), with 

1966, 1971, 1975, 1978, 1987, and 1997 amendments.

Type of program: Provident fund system.

Coverage

Employed persons, traders, self-employed persons, and 

some workers in the informal sector, including farmers.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Exclusions: Some types of casual worker.

Special pension system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of monthly earnings; a maximum 

fl at rate of 200 shillings a month for insured persons with 

monthly earnings greater than 4,000 shillings. Voluntary 

contributors pay between 100 shillings and 1,000 shillings.

Self-employed person: 5% of monthly earnings.

There are no minimum monthly earnings for contribution 

purposes.

There are no maximum monthly earnings for contribution 

purposes.

Employer: 5% of monthly payroll.

There are no minimum monthly earnings for contribution 

purposes.

There are no maximum monthly earnings for contribution 

purposes.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefi t: Age 55 and retired from insured 

employment.

Drawdown payment: The benefi t is payable at age 50 if 

not in insured employment or at any age if emigrating 

permanently.

Disability benefi t: The fund member must be assessed as 

totally incapable of performing any work.

The disability is assessed by the fund member’s doctor, a 

National Social Security Fund doctor, and the Director of 

Medical Services in the Ministry of Health.

Survivor benefi t: Paid for the death of the fund member 

before retirement.

Eligible survivors are the spouse and orphans or, if none, 

other dependent relatives.

Funeral grant: The deceased fund member must have 

made at least 3 months’ contributions. The grant is paid to a 

dependent named by the deceased.

Old-Age Benefi ts

A lump sum is paid equal to total employee and employer 

contributions, plus interest.

Drawdown payment: The maximum lump sum is equal to 

total employee and employer contributions, plus interest.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

A lump sum is paid equal to total employee and employer 

contributions, plus interest.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum is paid equal to total 

employee and employer contributions, plus interest.

Funeral grant: 2,500 shillings is paid.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development 

(http://www.labour.go.ke) provides general supervision 

through a board of trustees.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.nssfkenya.com) 

administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1966 (hospital insurance), with 

amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Medical benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed persons and their dependents, including publicsector employees and self-employed persons, earning at 

least 1,000 shillings a month.

Voluntary coverage for persons earning less than 1,000 shillings a month.

Source of Funds

Insured person: A variable monthly contribution of 30 shillings up to a maximum of 320 shillings; voluntary contributors pay a fl at rate of 160 shillings a month.
102 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Kenya

Self-employed person: A variable monthly contribution of 

30 shillings up to a maximum of 320 shillings; voluntary 

contributors pay a fl at rate of 160 shillings a month.

Employer: None.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Medical benefi ts: There is no qualifying period; voluntary 

contributors must have at least 60 days of coverage for 

medical benefi ts or at least 6 months of coverage for maternity medical care.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

The 1976 Employment Act requires employers to pay 100% 

of earnings for up to 2 months of sick leave; some employers negotiate with trade unions to pay 100% of earnings for 

1, 3, or 6 months, then 50% of earnings for a period of equal 

duration.

The 1976 Employment Act requires employers to pay 100% 

of earnings for up to 2 months of maternity leave. Some 

maternity medical benefi ts are also provided by employers.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Free care is provided in government hospitals for certain illnesses, including tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, 

and AIDS.

The maximum duration of benefi ts is 180 days in 1 year; 

may be extended in the case of exceptional hardship.

Free inpatient treatment in government hospitals is provided 

to employed persons who are not covered by health insurance but who contribute to the National Social Security 

Fund. There are 367 approved hospitals in Kenya.

Cost sharing: A refund of expenses for hospital and medical treatment for insured persons, according to the schedule 

in law. The maximum reimbursement ranges between 200 

shillings and 650 shillings a day, depending on the medical 

facility attended.

Medical services provided outside the country are reimbursed at 750 shillings a day.

Government employees receive subsidized care at government facilities.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Dependent children are entitled to a maximum of 10 days of 

benefi ts up to age 18 (age 22 if still dependent).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health (http://www.health.go.ke) provides general supervision through a board of directors.

National Hospital Insurance Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1946.

Current laws: 1974 (workmen’s compensation), with 1976 

and 1987 amendments; and 1976 (employment), with 1977 

amendment.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons in the public and private sectors.

Exclusions: Nonmanual employees earning more than 

4,000 shillings a month, casual workers, and family labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision 

of benefi ts or insurance premiums.

Government: None; the cost of benefi ts for government 

employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 50% of the insured’s earnings, up 

to a maximum of 540 shillings. The benefi t is paid after a 

3-day waiting period; the benefi t is paid retroactively if the 

incapacity lasts for more than 3 days.

The maximum total benefi t payable for a temporary disability is 240,000 shillings.

The disability is assessed by the insured’s doctor, a National 

Social Security Fund doctor, and the Director of Medical 

Services in the Ministry of Health.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

A lump sum equal to 60 months of the insured’s earnings is 

paid for a permanent partial disability.

The maximum total benefi t payable for a permanent partial 

disability is 240,000 shillings.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 103

Kenya

The disability is assessed by the insured’s doctor, a National 

Social Security Fund doctor, and the Director of Medical 

Services in the Ministry of Health.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum equal to 60 months of the 

deceased’s earnings is paid to survivors who were fully 

dependent on the deceased; in the absence of fully dependent survivors, a reduced benefi t is paid to survivors who 

were only partially dependent.

The minimum benefi t is 35,000 shillings.

The maximum benefi t is 240,000 shillings.

Funeral grant: A lump sum equal to the cost of the funeral 

is paid to dependents; the employer pays 2,000 shillings if 

there are no dependents.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development 

(http://www.labour.go.ke) enforces the law, approves settlements, and pays benefi ts from money deposited with it by 

employers.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.
104 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Liberia

Liberia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

49 Liberian dollars ($).

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1972.

Current law: 1988.

Type of program: Social insurance and social assistance 

system.

Coverage

Social insurance: Public-sector employees and employees 

of fi rms with fi ve or more workers.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and others 

not compulsorily covered.

Exclusions: Casual workers, family labor, domestic employees, and armed forces personnel.

Social assistance: Needy elderly, disabled, or unemployed 

persons.

Source of Funds

Social insurance

Insured person: 3% of earnings.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions only.

Employer: 3% of payroll.

Government: None.

Social assistance

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 100 months of 

contributions.

Retirement from employment is necessary until age 65.

Old-age settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension at the pensionable age but has at least 12 months of contributions.

Old-age assistance: Paid to needy elderly persons who 

do not satisfy the qualifying conditions for social insurance 

old-age benefi ts; may also be paid to certain unemployed 

workers.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed as permanently incapable of working and have contributions in at 

least 2/3 of the months since fi rst becoming covered, with at 

least 50 contributions in the 60 months before the disability 

began.

Disability settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy 

the qualifying conditions for the disability pension but has at 

least 12 months of contributions.

Disability assistance: Paid to needy disabled workers who 

do not satisfy the qualifying conditions for social insurance 

disability benefi ts.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the contributions 

qualifying condition for the disability pension or was a 

pensioner.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 25% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings, plus 1% of average 

monthly earnings for each 10-month period of contributions 

exceeding 100 months.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to employee 

contributions, plus accrued interest.

Old-age assistance: The maximum benefi t is $350 a year.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 25% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 12 months, 

plus 1% of average monthly earnings for each 10-month 

period of contributions exceeding 50 months.

Disability settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

employee contributions, plus accrued interest.

Disability assistance: The maximum benefi t is $350 a year.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: A dependent widow(er) receives 50% of 

the deceased’s pension.

The maximum survivor pension is equal to 100% of the oldage pension or disability pension, whichever is higher.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 18 

(age 21 if a student, no limit if disabled) receives 10% of the 

insured’s pension; 20% for a full orphan.

All orphans’ pensions combined must not exceed 50% of the 

deceased’s pension (100% for full orphans).
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 105

Liberia

Administrative Organization

Managed by a tripartite board of directors, the National 

Social Security and Welfare Corporation administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1943 (workmen’s compensation), implemented in 

1949.

Current law: 1980 (employment injury).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Casual workers, family labor, and domestic 

servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: The average contribution is 1.75% 

of declared earnings.

Employer: The average contribution is 1.75% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 65% of the insured’s average earnings. The benefi t is paid after a 14-day waiting period (if the 

disability lasts longer than 14 days, the fi rst 14 days are paid 

retroactively) until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability. The maximum duration of benefi t is 1 year.

The minimum benefi t is $50 or 100% of the insured’s average monthly earnings, whichever is lower.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the pension is equal to 65% of the insured’s 

average earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 25% of the disability pension.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension is paid 

depending on the assessed degree of disability, according to 

the schedule in law.

The degree of disability is assessed by a medical board.

The minimum benefi t is $50 or 100% of the insured’s average monthly earnings, whichever is lower.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include reasonable expenses for medical and surgical care, hospitalization, drugs, and appliances.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: A dependent widow or a dependent 

disabled widower receives 20% of the insured’s average 

earnings.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each child younger than age 18 

(age 21 if a student, no limit if disabled) receives 6% of the 

insured’s average earnings; 12% for a full orphan.

All orphans’ pensions combined must not exceed 30% of the 

deceased’s earnings; 60% for full orphans.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension (in the 

absence of other eligible survivors): The pension is equal 

to 20% of the insured’s average earnings. The pension is 

split equally if there is more than one eligible survivor.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial is paid, up to a maximum of $500.

Administrative Organization

Managed by a tripartite board of directors, the National 

Social Security and Welfare Corporation administers the 

program.
106 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Libya

Libya

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1.29 dinars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 1980 (social security), implemented in 1981; 

1987 (disability); and 1998 (social security fund).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All persons residing in Libya.

Special system for armed forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.75% of covered earnings.

The insured person’s contributions also help fi nance sickness benefi ts, pregnancy benefi ts, birth grants, and work 

injury benefi ts.

Self-employed person: 15.175% of declared income.

The self-employed person’s contributions also help fi nance 

sickness benefi ts, pregnancy benefi ts, birth grants, and work 

injury benefi ts.

Employer: 10.5% of covered payroll; employers of foreign 

companies contribute 11.25%.

The employer’s contributions also help fi nance sickness 

benefi ts, pregnancy benefi ts, birth grants, and work injury 

benefi ts.

Government: 0.75% of covered earnings; annual subsidies 

and the cost of income-tested benefi ts.

Government contributions also help fi nance sickness 

benefi ts, pregnancy benefi ts, birth grants, and work injury 

benefi ts.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 65 (men) or age 60 (women); age 62 

for civil service employees and age 60 for workers in hazardous or unhealthy occupations, with at least 20 years of 

contributions for a full pension.

Retirement from covered employment is necessary.

Dependent’s supplement: Paid for a wife and each child 

younger than age 18 (no limit for an unmarried daughter).

Benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with at 

least an 80% loss of earning capacity.

Dependent’s supplement: Paid for a wife and each child 

younger than age 18 (no limit for an unmarried daughter).

Benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or was 

eligible for a pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(s) or widower; sons (up 

to age 20, 22, 24, or 28 depending on the type of continuing education); unmarried, divorced, or widowed daughters 

(for whom the benefi t ceases on marriage or remarriage); 

parents; and dependent brothers and sisters if the deceased 

had no children.

Benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The full pension is equal to 2.5% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 years for each of the 

fi rst 20 years of contributions, plus 2% of average earnings 

for each year exceeding 20 years.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the national minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average earnings.

Dependent’s supplement: Four dinars a month is paid for 

a wife and 2 dinars a month is paid for each child younger 

than age 18 (no limit for an unmarried daughter).

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: For an assessed degree of disability 

of at least 60%, 50% of the full old-age pension is paid, 

plus 0.5% of the full old-age pension for each of the fi rst 

20 years of contributions and 2% of the full old-age pension 

for each year exceeding 20 years.

The minimum pension is 60 dinars a month plus 50% of the 

insured’s earnings.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

earnings.

Dependent’s supplement: Four dinars a month is paid for a 

wife, and 2 dinars a month is paid for each child younger 

than age 18 (no limit for an unmarried daughter).

Constant-attendance allowance: If receiving the full total 

disability pension, up to 25% of the pension is paid.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The benefi t is calculated according to 

the number of family members and their relationship to the 

deceased.

Widows receive between 30% and 75% of the insured’s pension, regardless of age. If there is only one son, he receives 

between 40% and 75%; up to 100% for two sons or more. 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 107

Libya

Parents and brothers and sisters receive between 15% and 

60% of the insured’s pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 50 dinars is paid.

Administrative Organization

Social Security Fund administers the program through district and local offi ces.

General supervision is provided by a national social security 

committee.

Local supervision is provided by municipal committees.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 1980 (social security), implemented in 1981; 

and 1998 (social care fund).

Type of program: Employer-liability and social insurance 

system.

Coverage

Employer-liability program: All employed persons are 

covered for cash benefi ts.

Social insurance program: Self-employed persons are 

covered for cash benefi ts, and employed and self-employed 

persons are covered for specifi ed medical benefi ts.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Cash benefi ts: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.

Medical benefi ts: 1.5% of covered earnings.

Self-employed person

Cash benefi ts: 1.5% of declared income.

Medical benefi ts: 3.5% of declared income.

Employer

Cash benefi ts: The total cost of maternity benefi ts.

Medical benefi ts: 2.45% of covered payroll.

Government

Cash benefi ts: 0.75% of covered earnings for self-employed 

persons.

Medical benefi ts: 5% of covered earnings.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

6 weeks of contributions in the last 3 months.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

6 months of coverage before the expected date of childbirth 

or 4 months of contributions in the last 6 months.

Medical benefi ts: The insured must be receiving sickness 

benefi ts, maternity benefi ts, or a pension. Dependents are 

entitled to the same benefi ts as the insured.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 60% of the 

insured’s earnings and is paid for up to a year.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s earnings and is paid for a maximum of 3 months.

Pregnancy benefi t: Three dinars a month is paid from the 

4th month of pregnancy until childbirth. The benefi t is paid 

for a maximum of 6 months.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 25 dinars is paid for each birth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include general and specialist care, hospitalization, 

maternity and nursing care, essential medical supplies, and 

rehabilitation.

Cost sharing: Patients may be required to pay part of the 

cost of benefi ts.

Medical benefi ts are provided for up to 6 months after 

entitlement to cash benefi ts ceases.

Medical services are provided directly to patients by the 

facilities of the Ministry for Social Security.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include general and specialist care, hospitalization, 

maternity and nursing care, essential medical supplies, and 

rehabilitation. The wife of an insured man receives the same 

medical maternity benefi ts as an insured woman.

Cost sharing: Patients may be required to pay part of the 

cost of benefi ts.

Medical benefi ts are provided for up to 6 months after 

entitlement to cash benefi ts ceases.

Medical services are provided directly to patients by the 

facilities of the Ministry for Social Security.

Administrative Organization

Social Security Fund administers the program through district and local offi ces.

General supervision is provided by a national social security 

committee.

Local supervision is provided by municipal committees.
108 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Libya

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 1980 (social security), implemented in 1981; 

and 1998 (social care fund).

Type of program: Employer-liability and social insurance 

system.

Coverage

Employer-liability program: All employed persons are 

covered for cash benefi ts.

Social insurance program: Self-employed persons are 

covered for cash benefi ts, and employed and self-employed 

persons are covered for specifi ed medical benefi ts.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors (cash benefi ts) and Sickness and 

Maternity (medical benefi ts), above.

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors (cash benefi ts) and Sickness and 

Maternity (medical benefi ts), above.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors (cash benefi ts) and Sickness and Maternity 

(medical benefi ts), above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors (cash benefi ts) and Sickness and Maternity (medical benefi ts), above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 70% of the insured’s earnings and is 

paid for a maximum of a year.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: For an assessed degree of 

disability of at least 60%, the full pension is equal to 2.5% 

of the insured’s average earnings in the last 3 years for each 

of the fi rst 20 years of contributions, plus 2% of average 

earnings for each year of contributions exceeding 20 years.

The minimum pension is 60 dinars a month plus 50% of the 

insured’s earnings.

The maximum pension is equal to 100% of the insured’s 

earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, up to 25% of the pension is paid.

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability of 

between 30% and 59%, a percentage of the full pension is 

paid according to the assessed degree of disability; for an 

assessed degree of disability of between 5% and 29%, a 

lump sum is paid.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical treatment and surgery, hospitalization, medicine and appliances, dental care, eyeglasses, and 

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The benefi t is calculated according to 

the number of family members and their relationship to the 

deceased.

Eligible survivors are the widow(s) or widower; sons (up 

to age 20, 22, 24, or 28 depending on the type of continuing education); unmarried, divorced, or widowed daughters 

(for whom the benefi t ceases on marriage or remarriage); 

parents; and dependent brothers and sisters if the deceased 

had no children.

Widows receive between 30% and 75% of the insured’s pension, regardless of age. If there is only one son, he receives 

between 40% and 75%; up to 100% for two sons or more. 

Parents and brothers and sisters receive between 15% and 

60% of the insured’s pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 50 dinars is paid.

Administrative Organization

Social Security Fund administers the program through district and local offi ces.

General supervision is provided by a national social security 

committee.

Local supervision is provided by municipal committees.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

The 1980 Social Security Law requires employers to pay 

a severance benefi t equal to 100% of earnings to laid-off 

employees for up to 6 months.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

Some family benefi ts are provided under the 1998 Social 

Care Fund legislation.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 109

Madagascar

Madagascar

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

2,001.70 ariary (new currency).

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1969 (social insurance) and 1994 

(social protection).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers, 

domestic workers, merchant seamen, the clergy, presidents 

and directors of private companies, managers of limited 

companies, and employed taxi drivers.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, farmers, and casual 

agricultural workers working less than 3 months a year.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of covered earnings. Full-time domestic workers contribute a fl at-rate amount each month.

The minimum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(63,542.80 ariary, nonagricultural sector; 64,440.00 ariary, 

agricultural sector).

The maximum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to eight times the legal minimum 

wage.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 9.5% of covered payroll; a fl at rate of 

584.60 ariary a month on behalf of full-time domestic 

workers.

The minimum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(63,542.80 ariary, nonagricultural sector; 64,440.00 ariary, 

agricultural sector)

The maximum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to eight times the legal minimum 

wage.

Contributions are paid quarterly.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men) or age 55 (women) with 

at least 15 years of coverage (some periods of work before 

1969 are credited) including 28 quarters of contributions in 

the last 10 calendar years. The pensionable age is reduced 

by 5 years for merchant seamen.

Retirement from employment is necessary.

Partial pension: A proportionally reduced pension is paid if 

the insured has less than 28 quarters of contributions in the 

last 10 calendar years but has at least 100 quarters (men) or 

80 quarters (women) of coverage during the full working 

career.

If the insured has insuffi cient quarters of contributions, he or 

she can continue working up to 5 years after the legal retirement age in order to meet the contribution conditions.

The pension is payable abroad.

Solidarity allowance: Paid to insured persons who do not 

meet the qualifying conditions for the full or partial old-age 

pension at age 60 (men) or age 55 (women). The insured 

must have had at least 15 quarters of employment between 

January 1, 1964, and December 31, 1968, and have been in 

salaried employment on January 1, 1969. Retirement from 

employment is necessary.

The allowance is payable abroad.

Disability pension: Age 55 (men) or age 50 (women and 

merchant seamen) with at least a 60% loss of working 

capacity and with at least 10 years of coverage (some periods of work before 1969 are credited) including 28 quarters 

of contributions in the last 10 calendar years.

The pension is payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or was at 

least age 55 (men) or age 50 (women) and met the contribution qualifying conditions for the old-age pension at the time 

of death.

Eligible survivors are the spouse and children younger than 

age 15 (age 22 if a student or disabled).

The pension is payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage, plus 20% of the insured’s monthly 

average adjusted earnings in the last 10 calendar years, plus 

an increment of 1% of the insured’s earnings for each year 

of contributions exceeding 10 years.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to the legal monthly minimum wage (63,542.80 ariary, 

nonagricultural sector; 64,440.00 ariary, agricultural sector).

The maximum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to eight times the legal minimum wage.
110 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Madagascar

Partial pension: A reduced pension is paid.

Dependent’s supplement: 10% of the insured’s pension 

is paid for a spouse older than age 59 (men) or age 54 

(women).

Special supplement: A supplement equal to 5% of the pension is paid for workers awarded the bronze medal; 10% for 

silver medal holders.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal minimum wage including supplements.

The maximum pension is equal to 40% of the maximum 

earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes (if 

supplements are not paid) or 75% of the insured’s monthly 

average adjusted earnings in the last 10 calendar years (if 

supplements are paid).

The combined receipt of the old-age pension with the work 

injury permanent disability pension is allowed. The total 

pension amount is calculated on the basis of 100% of the 

higher pension plus 25% of the other pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

to the legal minimum wage was made in 2007.)

Refund of contributions: Total contributions, plus 2% annual 

interest, are paid to an insured person with at least 4 contribution quarters who does not meet the requirements for 

the pension. The amount of the refund must not be less than 

20,000 ariary.

Solidarity allowance: The annual allowance is equal to 

30% of the legal annual minimum wage, plus 10% of the 

insured’s average annual earnings in the last 5 calendar 

years, plus 1% of the insured’s earnings for each 4-quarter 

period of contributions.

The allowance is paid quarterly.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 63,542.80 ariary (nonagricultural sector); 64,440.00 ariary (agricultural sector).

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

to the legal minimum wage was made in 2007.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 80% of the oldage pension that would have been paid if the insured had 

worked until the pensionable age.

Dependent’s supplement: 10% of the insured’s pension 

is paid for a spouse older than age 59 (men) or age 54 

(women).

Special supplement: A supplement equal to 5% of the pension is paid for workers awarded the bronze medal; 10% for 

silver medal holders.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage (63,542.80 ariary, nonagricultural sector; 

64,440.00 ariary, agricultural sector) including supplements.

If the insured is no longer capable of work and is eligible to 

receive both the disability pension and the work injury permanent disability pension, only the higher pension is paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

of the legal minimum wage was made in 2007.)

Refund of contributions: Total contributions, plus 2% annual 

interest, are paid to an insured person with at least 4 contribution quarters who does not meet the requirements for 

the pension. The amount of the refund must not be less than 

20,000 ariary.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 30% of the pension the insured received 

or would have been entitled to receive is paid to an unemployed widow(er); 15% if employed or receiving a pension. 

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the pension the insured received 

or would have been entitled to receive is paid for each of the 

fi rst two orphans and 10% for each other orphan; 20% for 

each full orphan.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of 

the pension the deceased received or would have been 

entitled to receive; otherwise, the benefi ts are reduced 

proportionately.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

of the legal minimum wage was made in 2007.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, and Social Legislation 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnaps.mg) 

administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1963 (family benefi ts) and 1994 (social 

protection).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women, including agricultural salaried workers 

and domestic workers.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons and casual agricultural 

workers working less than 3 months a year.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 111

Madagascar

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The labor code requires employers to provide paid 

sick leave to employees.)

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

6 consecutive months of insured employment with 20 days 

or 134 hours of work a month.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave to 

employees.)

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s last wage. The benefi t is paid for 6 weeks before 

and 8 weeks after (up to 11 weeks in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth) the expected date 

of childbirth. The benefi t is paid in two installments (three 

in the event of complications).

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(63,542.80 ariary, nonagricultural sector; 64,440.00 ariary, 

agricultural sector).

The maximum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to eight times the legal minimum wage.

If the insured is ineligible for maternity benefi ts, the 

employer pays 50% of earnings for up to 14 weeks of maternity leave.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Insured women are reimbursed for the cost of medical 

care during pregnancy and childbirth, up to a maximum of 

5,000 ariary. (The labor code requires employers to provide 

certain medical services to employees.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are 

provided under Family Allowances, below. (The labor code 

requires employers to provide certain medical services to 

employees’ dependents.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, and Social Legislation 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnaps.mg) 

administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1925.

Current laws: 1963 (work injury) and 1994 (social 

protection).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers, 

domestic workers, merchant seamen, the clergy, students, 

apprentices, presidents and directors of private companies, 

managers of limited companies, employed taxi drivers, 

tobacco growers, members of cooperatives, and convicted 

persons working in prison workshops.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1.25% of covered payroll; 1% of covered payroll for salaried casual agricultural workers; a lump-sum 

monthly contribution of 77 ariary for full-time domestic 

workers; cooperative members contribute 1% of annual covered earnings; a fl at-rate annual contribution of 40 ariary per 

year on behalf of each apprentice and each private technical 

school student; tobacco growers contribute 1.5% of annual 

base earnings of 4,000 ariary per cultivated hectare.

The minimum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(63,542.80 ariary, nonagricultural sector; 64,440.00 ariary, 

agricultural sector).

The maximum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to eight times the legal minimum 

wage.

Contributions are paid quarterly, except for the annual payments made by students, cooperative members, and tobacco 

growers.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.
112 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Madagascar

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The daily benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the insured’s daily average earnings in the last 30 days before the disability began. 

The benefi t is paid monthly from the day after the disability began until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent 

disability.

The maximum daily benefi t is 1,200 ariary.

Benefi t adjustment: If the disability lasts more than 

3 months, benefi ts may be adjusted according to the growth 

in wages.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the monthly pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s monthly average earnings in the 12 months before 

the disability began.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are equal to 1.4 times the legal monthly minimum wage 

(63,542.80 ariary, nonagricultural sector; 64,440.00 ariary, 

agricultural sector).

Only 1/3 of earnings over four times the legal minimum 

wage is taken into account for benefi t calculation purposes. 

The maximum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to 16 times the legal minimum wage.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

insured’s pension. The supplement must not be less than the 

legal minimum wage.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to the insured’s 

average earnings in the 12 months before the disability 

began multiplied by 0.5 times the percentage of the assessed 

degree of disability for the portion of disability up to 50% 

and by 1.5 times the percentage of the assessed degree of 

disability for the portion of disability greater than 50%.

The partial disability pension is paid quarterly. If the 

assessed degree of disability is 75% or more, the pension 

can be paid monthly; if the assessed degree of disability is 

less than 10%, the pension is paid as a lump sum.

The partial and total disability pensions may be partially 

converted to a lump sum after receiving the pension for 

3 years.

The combined receipt of the work injury permanent disability pension and the old-age pension paid under Old 

Age, Disability, and Survivors is allowed. The total pension 

amount is calculated on the basis of 100% of the higher 

pension plus 25% of the other pension. If the insured is no 

longer capable of work and is eligible to receive the work 

injury permanent disability pension and the disability pension paid under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, only the 

higher pension is paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

of the legal minimum wage was made in 2007.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 30% of the deceased’s monthly average 

earnings in the 12 months before the disability began is paid 

to a widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: The monthly pension is equal to 15% of 

the deceased’s monthly average earnings in the 12 months 

before the disability began for each of the fi rst two orphans 

younger than age 15 (age 19 if an apprentice, age 22 if a 

student or disabled) and 10% for each other orphan; 20% for 

each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: The 

monthly pension is equal to 10% of the deceased’s average 

earnings each, up to a maximum of 30%.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are equal to 1.4 times the legal monthly minimum wage 

(63,542.80 ariary, nonagricultural sector; 64,440.00 ariary, 

agricultural sector).

Only 1/3 of earnings over 4 times the legal minimum wage 

is taken into account for benefi t calculation purposes. The 

maximum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to 16 times the legal minimum wage.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s earnings for benefi t calculation purposes; otherwise, the benefi ts are reduced proportionately.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 20,000 ariary is paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Pensions are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

of the legal minimum wage was made in 2007.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, and Social Legislation 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnaps.mg) 

administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1963 (family benefi ts) and 1994 (social 

protection).

Type of program: Employment-related system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 113

Madagascar

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers, 

domestic workers, merchant seamen, the clergy, students, 

apprentices, presidents and directors of private companies, 

managers of limited companies, and employed taxi drivers.

The insured must reside in Madagascar or France.

Unemployed workers are covered for a maximum of 

6 months under certain conditions.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, farmers, and casual 

agricultural workers working less than 3 months a year.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.25% of covered payroll. For full-time domestic 

workers, a fl at-rate monthly contribution of 138.40 ariary.

The minimum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(63,542.80 ariary, nonagricultural sector; 64,440.00 ariary, 

agricultural sector).

The maximum earnings for contribution and benefi t calculation purposes are equal to eight times the legal minimum 

wage.

The above contributions also fi nance maternity benefi ts 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 15 

(age 19 if an apprentice; age 22 if a student, disabled, or an 

unmarried daughter caring for children). The parent must 

have at least 6 consecutive months of insured employment with 20 days or 134 hours of work a month or be a 

widow(er) of a benefi ciary.

Prenatal allowance: The insured woman must undergo 

prescribed medical examinations before childbirth.

Birth grant: The insured woman must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations after childbirth.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 2,000 ariary a month is paid for each 

child.

Prenatal allowance: A lump sum of 18,000 ariary is paid.

Birth grant: 24,000 ariary is paid for each live birth. The 

grant is paid in two installments. The allowance is reduced 

by 50% if the childbirth was not medically assisted or 

if the mother did not undergo the prescribed medical 

examinations.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are 

also provided.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in 2003.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, and Social Legislation 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnaps.mg) 

administers the program.
114 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Malawi

Malawi

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 137.19 kwacha.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Special system for public-sector employees only.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory cash benefi ts are provided.

Some medical services are provided free to the population at 

government health centers and hospitals.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1946.

Current laws: 1990 and 2000.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Casual workers, family workers, and armed 

forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision 

of benefi ts or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

A percentage of the insured’s earnings is paid, according to 

the schedule in law. The benefi t is paid after a 3-day waiting period until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent 

disability.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is assessed as totally disabled, a lump sum is 

paid equal to 54 months of the insured’s earnings.

The minimum benefi t is equal to 54 times the insured’s 

monthly earnings.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefi t is paid 

depending on the assessed degree of disability, according to 

the schedule in law.

Constant-attendance allowance: A variable lump sum is 

paid, depending on individual circumstances.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

The employer pays the cost of reasonable medical expenses 

for medical, surgical, dental, and hospital treatment; skilled 

nursing services; medicines; prostheses; mechanical aids; 

and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum is paid equal to 42 months 

of the deceased’s monthly earnings, minus any disability 

benefi t paid before the date of death.

Eligible dependents are members of the insured’s family; 

a reduced benefi t is paid if the survivor was only partially 

dependent.

Funeral grant: In the absence of a surviving dependent, the 

cost of the burial is paid by the employer.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor enforces the law.

Employers may insure work injury liability with private 

insurance companies.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 115

Mali

Mali

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1961.

Current laws: 1999 (social insurance), with 2003 and 2006 

amendments; and 1999 (voluntary coverage), implemented 

in 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants, magistrates, and armed 

forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.6% of gross earnings.

The minimum earnings for contribution purposes are equal 

to the legal minimum wage. The monthly legal minimum 

wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: A fl at-rate voluntary contribution of 

9% of earnings, according to fi ve earnings classes.

The minimum earnings for contribution purposes are 

125,000 CFA francs a quarter.

The maximum earnings for contribution purposes are 

1,000,000 CFA francs a quarter.

Employer: 5.4% of gross payroll.

The minimum earnings for contribution purposes are equal 

to the legal minimum wage.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 58 (age 53 if prematurely aged) 

with at least 13 years of contributions; age 60 with at least 

15 years of contributions if voluntarily insured. Retirement 

from all gainful activity is necessary.

Early pension: Age 53 with at least 13 years of contributions; age 55 with at least 15 years of contributions if 

voluntarily insured. Retirement from all gainful activity is 

necessary.

Old-age allowance: Age 53 with at least 6 years of coverage (age 60 with at least 10 years of coverage if voluntarily 

insured) and does not meet the qualifying conditions for the 

old-age pension or early pension.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement; in the absence of a reciprocal agreement, the 

insured’s contributions are refunded at retirement age or if 

permanently leaving the country.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

permanent loss of 2/3 of earning capacity for any work and 

have at least 8 years of coverage; at least 10 years of coverage if voluntarily insured.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or met the 

contribution qualifying condition for a pension at the time 

of death.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) who was married to the 

deceased for at least 2 years and dependent orphans younger 

than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or 

disabled).

Survivor allowance: Paid to the widow(er) if the insured 

had less than 13 years of coverage; less than 15 years of 

coverage if voluntarily insured.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 26% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 8 years, 

plus 2% for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

120 months up to a maximum of 80% (30% of the insured’s 

average quarterly earnings, plus 2% for each year of coverage exceeding 60 quarters, for voluntarily insured persons).

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to twice the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 5% for each year 

that the pension is taken before age 58; age 60 if voluntarily 

insured.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Old-age allowance: 52% of the legal minimum wage is 

paid each month (30% of the earnings used for contribution 

purposes, for voluntarily insured persons).

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the average salary and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last 

adjustment was made in 2001.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 26% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 8 years, 

plus 2% for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 
116 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Mali

120 months up to a maximum of 80% (30% of the insured’s 

average quarterly earnings, plus 2% for each year of coverage beyond 60 quarters, for voluntarily insured persons). 

For each year that a claim is made before age 50, the insured 

is credited with a 6-month coverage period.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to twice the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

The disability pension is reassessed if the insured recovers 

partially or totally.

The disability pension ceases at age 53 (age 55 if voluntarily 

insured) and is replaced by the old-age pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the average salary and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last 

adjustment was made in 2001).

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 50% of the pension paid or payable to the deceased. If there is more than 

one widow, the pension is split equally among them.

Orphan’s pension: Each dependent orphan receives 10% of 

the pension paid or payable to the deceased.

The value of the orphan’s pension must not be less than the 

value of family allowances.

The total orphan’s pension must not exceed 50% of the 

pension paid or payable to the deceased; otherwise, the pensions are reduced proportionately.

Survivor allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the deceased’s old-age pension (calculated on the basis of 

156 months of coverage; or 80 quarters of coverage for the 

survivor of a voluntarily insured person) for each 6-month 

period of coverage. If there is more than one widow, the 

allowance is split equally among them.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the average salary and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last 

adjustment was made in 2001.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, and Aged Persons provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, the 

National Social Insurance Institute administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1999 (social insurance); and 1999 (voluntary 

coverage), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity and 

medical benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants, magistrates, and armed 

forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: A fl at-rate voluntary contribution of 

2% of earnings, according to fi ve earnings classes.

The above contributions fi nance medical benefi ts only. 

Maternity cash benefi ts are fi nanced under Family Allowances, below.

The minimum earnings for contribution purposes are 

125,000 CFA francs a quarter.

The maximum earnings for contribution purposes are 

1,000,000 CFA francs a quarter.

Employer: 2% of gross payroll.

The above contributions fi nance medical benefi ts only. 

Maternity cash benefi ts are fi nanced under Family Allowances, below.

The minimum earnings for contribution purposes are equal 

to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum 

wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The mother must reside in Mali 

and have at least 9 consecutive months of insured employment based on at least 18 days or 120 hours a month of 

work; for voluntarily insured self-employed women, two 

6-month periods of coverage.

Birth leave: Paid to a father in insured employment for the 

birth of a child. The benefi t is not payable for a stillborn 

child.

Medical benefi ts: Must be in insured employment or voluntarily insured.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 117

Mali

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. 

(Employers are required to provide paid sick leave for 

employees.)

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

employed mother’s last earnings. The benefi t is paid for 

6 weeks before and 8 weeks after (11 weeks in the event 

of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth) the 

expected date of childbirth.

Birth leave: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the father’s 

last earnings. The benefi t is paid for any 3 days in the fi rst 

15 days after childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical care and some health and welfare services are 

provided through the joint interemployer medical services 

program operated by the National Social Insurance Institute.

Insured and voluntarily insured women receive necessary 

medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical care and some health and welfare services are provided to the dependents of insured and voluntarily insured 

persons through the joint interemployer medical services 

program operated by the National Social Insurance Institute.

Eligible dependents are the spouse and dependent children.

The wife of an insured or voluntarily insured person 

receives medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health, Solidarity, and Aged Persons provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, the 

National Social Insurance Institute administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current laws: 1999 (social insurance); and 1999 (voluntary 

coverage), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including temporary and seasonal 

workers, members of production cooperatives, nonsalaried 

managers of cooperatives and their assistants, apprentices, 

students at technical schools, managers of companies under 

certain conditions, and convicted persons working in prison 

workshops.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and seamen.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions of between 

1% and 4% of gross earnings.

The minimum earnings for voluntary contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The monthly legal 

minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

The maximum earnings for voluntary contribution purposes 

are equal to 10 times the legal minimum wage.

Employer: 1% to 4% of gross payroll, according to the 

assessed degree of risk.

The minimum earnings for contribution purposes are equal 

to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum 

wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The monthly benefi t is equal to 100% of the insured’s last 

earnings. The benefi t is paid from the day after the disability began until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent 

disability.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts may be adjusted for changes 

in the average salary and the legal minimum wage after 

2 months of payment.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the monthly pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the year before the disability 

began.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

pension.

The maximum pension is equal to 20 times the legal 

minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum wage is 

28,460 CFA francs.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to the insured’s 

average earnings in the year before the disability began 

multiplied by 0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for 
118 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Mali

the portion of disability between 10% and 50% and by 1.5 

times the assessed degree of disability for the portion greater 

than 50%. The pension is paid as a lump sum if the assessed 

disability is less than 10%.

For an assessed degree of disability of at least 10%, the 

minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are equal 

to 1.3 times the legal minimum wage.

Only 1/3 of earnings over 10 times the legal minimum wage 

is taken into account for benefi t calculation purposes. The 

maximum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

28 times the legal minimum wage.

If the assessed degree of disability is 100%, pensions are 

paid monthly; if the assessed degree of disability is 75% to 

99%, monthly or quarterly; otherwise, quarterly or annually.

If the assessed degree of disability is greater than 20%, the 

pension may be partially paid as a lump sum after receiving 

the pension for 5 years; if the assessed degree of disability 

is 20% or less, the total remaining pension may be paid as a 

lump sum after receiving the pension for 5 years.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examinations by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund every 6 months during the fi rst 2 years; 

thereafter, once a year.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the average salary and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last 

adjustment was made in 2001.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 

30% of the deceased’s average earnings in the year before 

the disability began, if the marriage took place before the 

deceased’s accident. If there is more than one widow, the 

pension is split equally among them.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage and a lump 

sum is paid; except if the widow(er) has a child receiving an 

orphan’s pension.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 3 years’ 

pension.

Orphan’s pension: The fi rst two eligible orphans each 

receive 15% of the deceased’s average earnings in the year 

before the disability began; 10% for each additional orphan. 

Full orphans receive 20% each. Eligible orphans must be 

younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or disabled).

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

receives 10% of the deceased’s average earnings in the year 

before the disability began, up to a maximum of 30%.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are equal to 1.3 times the legal minimum wage. The legal 

monthly minimum wage is equal to 28,460 CFA francs.

Only 1/3 of earnings over 10 times the legal minimum wage 

is taken into account for benefi t calculation purposes. The 

maximum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

28 times the legal minimum wage.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the year before the disability 

began; otherwise, all pensions are reduced proportionately.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial is paid, up to 1/4 of 

the legal annual minimum wage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in the 

average salary and the legal minimum wage, depending on 

the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last adjustment 

was made in 2001.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, and Aged Persons provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, the 

National Social Insurance Institute administers contributions 

and benefi ts.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current laws: 1999 (social insurance); and 1999 (voluntary 

coverage), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees with one or more children.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: A voluntary fl at-rate contribution of 

8% of earnings, according to fi ve earnings classes.

The above contributions also fi nance maternity cash benefi ts 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

The minimum earnings for contribution purposes are 

125,000 CFA francs a quarter.

The maximum earnings for contribution purposes are 

1,000,000 CFA francs a quarter.

Employer: 8% of gross payroll.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 119

Mali

The above contributions also fi nance maternity cash benefi ts 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

The minimum earnings for contribution purposes are equal 

to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum 

wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

Government: Provides subsidies to cover any defi cits; 

contributes as an employer for public-sector employees who 

are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be older than 12 months 

and younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 

if a student or disabled). Preschool children must undergo 

prescribed medical examinations. The parent must have at 

least 9 consecutive months of insured employment and be 

currently working 18 days or 120 hours a month; 6 months 

of coverage for a voluntarily insured parent.

The benefi t is also paid to social insurance pensioners and to 

the widow(er) of a benefi ciary.

The benefi t is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Prenatal allowance: Paid to an insured woman or the wife 

of an insured man. The woman must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid to an insured woman or the wife of an 

insured man. The woman must undergo prescribed medical 

examinations.

Marriage allowance: Paid to an insured person when marrying for the fi rst time. (Voluntarily insured persons are not 

eligible.)

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 1,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Prenatal allowance: 8,235 CFA francs is paid. The allowance is paid in three installments: 1,830 CFA francs, 

3,660 CFA francs, and 2,745 CFA francs.

Birth grant: 10,980 CFA francs is paid for each birth. The 

grant is paid in three installments: half the total grant at 

birth, 1/4 of the grant when the child is aged 6 months, and 

1/4 when the child is aged 12 months.

Marriage allowance: A lump sum of 9,155 CFA francs is 

paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts were last adjusted in 2003.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, and Aged Persons provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, the 

National Social Insurance Institute administers the program.
120 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Mauritania

Mauritania

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 271 ouguiyas.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965.

Current law: 1967 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Wage earners, including temporary and occasional workers; seamen; domestic workers; trainees; apprentices; and 

technical college students.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2% of covered monthly payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men) or age 55 (women) with at 

least 20 years of coverage, including 60 months of contributions in the last 10 years (including those made under 

the previous program). The pensionable age is reduced by 

5 years if the insured is prematurely aged. Employment 

must cease.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Paid at age 60 (men) or age 55 

(women) if the insured does not meet the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Disability pension: Paid if the insured is assessed with a 

permanent loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity and has at 

least 5 years of coverage, including 6 months of contributions in the last 12 months. There is no qualifying period if 

the disability is the result of a nonoccupational accident.

Survivor pension: Paid to eligible survivors if the deceased 

was a pensioner, met the qualifying conditions for an oldage pension or a disability pension, or had 180 months of 

coverage at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased did not meet the qualifying conditions for a 

pension.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 50 or older or disabled 

or a dependent disabled widower and children younger than 

age 14 (age 21 if a student, no limit if disabled).

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 20% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus 1.33% for each 12-month period 

of coverage exceeding 180 months up to a maximum of 

80%.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 

fi nancial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in January 1998.)

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month’s 

wages for each year of coverage.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 20% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus 1.33% for each 12-month period 

of coverage beyond 180 months up to a maximum of 80%. 

For each year that a claim is made before age 60 (men) or 

age 55 (women), the insured is credited with a 6-month 

coverage period.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 121

Mauritania

fi nancial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in January 1998.)

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 50% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 25% of 

the deceased’s pension; 40% for each full orphan.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the deceased’s pension for each 6-month period of 

coverage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 

fi nancial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in January 1998.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service and Employment provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Security 

Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1952 (cash maternity benefi ts) and 1963 (medical benefi ts).

Current laws: 1967 (cash maternity benefi ts) and 1976 

(medical benefi ts).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity 

and medical benefi ts only.

Coverage

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: Employed women.

Medical benefi ts: Employed persons covered under the 

labor code and their dependents.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2% of covered monthly payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

The employer contributions fi nance medical benefi ts only. 

Cash maternity benefi ts are fi nanced under Family Allowances, below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

12 months of coverage and 54 days or 360 hours of employment in the last 3 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average daily earnings in the 3 calendar months 

before work ceased. The benefi t is paid for up to 14 weeks, 

including 8 weeks after the date of childbirth.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Employers provide medical services for employees through 

the employer medical service program or through the joint 

interemployer medical service program for fi rms with fewer 

than 750 workers.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Employers provide medical services for employees’ dependents through the employer medical service program or 

through the joint interemployer medical service program for 

fi rms with fewer than 750 workers.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to mothers and children under Family Allowances, below.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service and Employment provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Security 

Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current law: 1967 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.
122 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Mauritania

Coverage

Wage earners, including temporary and occasional workers; seamen; domestic workers; trainees; apprentices; and 

technical college students.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of covered monthly payroll; 2.5% of gross 

monthly payroll if the employer provides medical care and 

temporary disability benefi ts.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the insured’s average daily 

earnings. The benefi t is paid from the day after the disability began until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent 

disability.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the pension is equal to 85% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability; if the assessed 

degree of disability is less than 15%, a lump sum is paid 

equal to 3 years’ pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 

fi nancial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in October 1975.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, house calls, medicines, appliances, transportation, and 

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: A widow or a disabled widower receives 

20% of the deceased’s average monthly earnings.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 14 

(age 21 if an apprentice, a student, or disabled) receives 

10% of the deceased’s average monthly earnings; 15% for 

each full orphan. (Orphans are also entitled to benefi ts under 

Family Allowances, below.)

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

receives 10% of the deceased’s average monthly earnings.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 30 days’ of the 

deceased’s earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service and Employment provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Security 

Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965.

Current law: 1967 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8% of covered monthly payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 

or more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

The employer contributions also fi nance cash maternity 

benefi ts under Sickness and Maternity, above.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 123

Mauritania

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than 

age 14 (age 21 if an apprentice, a student, or disabled). The 

parent must work 18 days a month or be the widow of a 

benefi ciary.

Prenatal allowance grant: The mother must undergo prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: The mother and child must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 300 ouguiyas a month is paid for each 

child.

Prenatal allowance: 240 ouguiyas is paid for each month of 

pregnancy. The allowance is paid in three installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 2,880 ouguiyas is paid for each 

of the fi rst three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to mothers and children.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 

fi nancial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in 1992.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service and Employment provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Security 

Fund administers the program.
124 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Mauritius

Mauritius

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

33.10 rupees (Rs).

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1950.

Current law: 1976 (national pensions), with amendments.

Type of program: Universal and social insurance system.

Coverage

Basic pension (universal): All persons residing in 

Mauritius.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): All privateand public-sector employees older than age 18 and citizens 

of Mauritius; noncitizens with valid work permits who have 

resided in Mauritius for at least 2 years.

Voluntary coverage under the earnings-related program for 

those not covered compulsorily, including self-employed 

and nonemployed persons.

Special systems for public-sector employees and certain 

occupations with equivalent private programs.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Basic pension (universal): None.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): 3% or 5% 

of earnings (the higher rate of contributions is dependent 

on employer agreement, wages being paid monthly, and 

employment in a specifi ed sector). Nonemployed persons 

may contribute voluntarily with minimum monthly contributions of Rs70, up to a maximum of Rs470.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are Rs1,315; Rs790 for domestic employees.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are Rs8,640.

Self-employed person

Basic pension (universal): None.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): The minimum 

monthly contribution is Rs70; the maximum monthly contribution is Rs470.

Employer

Basic pension (universal): None.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): 6% of payroll; 

10.5% of payroll for millers and large employers in the 

sugar industry; 8.5% of payroll on behalf of employees 

contributing at the higher rate (excludes millers and large 

employers in the sugar industry).

The employer’s contributions also fi nance work injury 

benefi ts.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are Rs1,315; Rs790 for domestic employees.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are Rs8,640.

Government

Basic pension (universal): The total cost.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): Any defi cit.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Basic old-age pension (universal): Age 60. Mauritian nationals must have resided in Mauritius for at least 12 years after 

age 18. There is no residence requirement if aged 70 or 

older. Noncitizens must have resided in the country for at 

least 15 years since age 40, including the 3 years immediately before the date of claim. Retirement is not necessary.

The basic old-age pension is payable abroad only if there is 

a reciprocal agreement.

Enhanced basic old-age pension (universal): Paid to benefi -

ciaries of the basic old-age pension who are totally blind, 

totally disabled, or need constant care and attention.

Carer’s allowance (universal): Paid to benefi ciaries of the 

basic old-age pension assessed as at least 60% disabled and 

in need of the constant care and attention of another person.

Inmate allowance (universal): Paid to inmates of 

 government-subsidized institutions, provided that they 

would have been entitled to a basic old-age pension before 

their admission to such an institution.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): Age 60 and 

insured. Retirement is not necessary. There is no minimum 

qualifying period, but contributions are required in the year 

before making the claim.

Deferred pension: The pension may be deferred until age 65.

Disability pension

Basic disability pension (universal): Aged 15 to 59, insured, 

and assessed with at least a 60% disability that is expected 

to last at least 12 months. There is no residence requirement 

for Mauritian nationals; noncitizens must satisfy a residence 

requirement.

The disability is assessed by a medical board set up by the 

Ministry.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 125

Mauritius

Carer’s allowance (universal): Paid to benefi ciaries of the 

basic disability pension who need the constant care and 

attention of another person. The allowance is paid for disabled children younger than age 15 if their parents’ annual 

income does not exceed Rs150,000.

Child allowance (universal): Paid for the fi rst three children 

of a basic disability pensioner. Children must be younger 

than age 15; age 20 if a full-time student.

Earnings-related disability pension (social insurance): Paid if 

the insured is assessed with at least a 60% disability that is 

expected to last for at least 12 months.

The disability is assessed by a medical board set up by the 

Ministry.

Additional disability pension (social insurance): Paid to 

elderly disability pensioners who have a permanent disability of 100% and to persons who have a permanent disability 

of at least 60% and require constant care.

Survivor pension

Basic widow pension (universal): Paid to widows younger 

than age 60 (widowers are not eligible). Noncitizen widows must have resided in Mauritius for at least 5 of the last 

10 years before the date of the claim.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Child allowance (universal): Paid for the fi rst three children 

of a basic widow pensioner. Children must be younger than 

age 15; age 20 if a full-time student.

The child allowance does not cease if the widow remarries.

Orphan’s pension (universal): Paid to a full orphan younger 

than age 15; age 20 if a full-time student.

Guardian allowance (universal): Paid to the person rearing 

an orphan. If the guardian is a noncitizen, he or she must 

have resided in Mauritius for at least 5 of the last 10 years 

before the claim, including the year before the claim. The 

allowance is paid for a maximum of one orphan.

Earnings-related widow pension (social insurance): The 

deceased met the requirements for a pension or was a pensioner at the time of death.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Earnings-related orphan’s pension (social insurance): Paid 

to a full orphan younger than age 15 (age 18 if a fulltime student) if either of the deceased parents had paid 

contributions.

Earnings-related survivor pensions are payable abroad, 

subject to conditions.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension

Basic old-age pension (universal): The monthly value of the 

pension increases with age. For ages 60 to 89, Rs2,365 a 

month is paid; for ages 90 to 99, Rs7,035; for ages 100 or 

older, Rs7,985.

Enhanced basic old-age pension: Rs1,490 a month is paid in 

addition to the basic old-age pension.

Carer’s allowance: Rs1,290 a month is paid in addition to 

the basic old-age pension.

Inmate allowance: Rs365 a month is paid.

Earnings-related old-age pension (social insurance): The 

pension is calculated on the basis of pension points that are 

awarded in exchange for contributions. At retirement, the 

pension points are converted to a pension. The value of pension points is set by the government.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension

Basic disability pension (universal): Rs2,130 a month is paid.

Carer’s allowance: Rs1,290 a month is paid in addition to 

the basic disability pension.

Child allowance: Rs690 a month is paid in addition to the 

basic disability pension for a child younger than age 10; 

Rs740 if aged 10 or older.

Earnings-related disability pension (social insurance): The 

maximum monthly pension is 20 times the average annual 

number of pension points times the value of one pension 

point divided by 12. The value of pension points is set by 

the government.

Additional disability pension (social insurance): Rs1,290 a 

month is paid in addition to the earnings-related disability 

pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension

Basic widow pension (universal): Rs2,130 a month is paid.

Child allowance: Rs690 a month is paid in addition to the 

basic widow pension for a child younger than age 10; Rs740 

a month for a child aged 10 or older.

Orphan’s pension (universal): Rs1,180 a month is paid for 

a full orphan younger than age 15; age 20 if a full-time 

student.

Guardian allowance (universal): Rs520 a month is paid to the 

person rearing an orphan.

Earnings-related widow pension (social insurance): For 

a widow younger than age 60, the maximum pension is 

20 times the average annual number of pension points times 

the value of one pension point divided by 12. The value 
126 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Mauritius

of pension points is set by the government. The pension is 

reduced by one-third after 12 months if there are no dependent children. A widow aged 60 or older receives 100% of 

the deceased’s pension.

There is no minimum pension.

Remarriage settlement (social insurance): A lump sum is 

paid equal to 12 months’ widow pension.

Earnings-related orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s 

pension is paid for a full orphan.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Senior 

Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions (http://

www.gov.mu) provides general supervision.

National Pensions Board, composed of government, 

employer, and employee representatives, advises the 

Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Senior 

Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions.

Ministry of Finance (http://www.gov.mu) is responsible for 

the investment of surplus assets of the National Pensions 

Fund.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

The 1975 Labor Act requires employers to provide up to 

21 days of paid sick leave to employees who have been in 

their continuous employment for at least 12 months.

The 1975 Labor Act requires employers to provide 12 weeks 

of paid maternity leave (6 weeks before and 6 weeks after 

the expected date of childbirth) to employees who have been 

in their continuous employment for at least 12 months.

Medical services are available free to the population at government dispensaries and hospitals. (Some mother and child 

health services and fi nancial assistance to needy persons are 

provided under family allowances.)

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1931.

Current law: 1976 (national pensions), with amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employees aged 15 or older in insured employment.

Exclusions: Persons working exclusively on weekends or 

public holidays.

Special systems for public-sector employees and certain 

other occupations.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 80% of the insured’s monthly earnings. The benefi t is paid from the third week of incapacity. (The employer pays 100% of the insured’s earnings 

for the fi rst 2 weeks.) The maximum period of payment is 

36 months from the date of the accident; may be extended if 

surgery is required.

Constant-attendance allowance: Rs400 a month is paid for a 

100% temporary disability requiring the constant attendance 

of another person.

The degree of disability is assessed by a medical board set 

up by the Ministry.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is totally disabled (100%), the pension is equal 

to 80% of monthly insurable earnings.

Optionally, totally disabled workers aged 52 to 60 may 

choose to receive a lump-sum payment. The lump sum is 

calculated on the basis of the assessed degree of disability 

times the insured’s average annual earnings times the number of years (up to a maximum of 8) for which the pension 

is awarded.

Partial disability: The insured must be assessed as at least 

1% disabled. The pension is equal to 65% of the insured’s 

monthly insurable earnings times the assessed degree of 

disability.

If the assessed degree of disability is less than 20%, a lump 

sum is paid. The lump sum is calculated on the basis of the 

assessed degree of disability times the insured’s average 

annual earnings times the number of years (up to a maximum of 8) for which the pension is awarded.

Constant-attendance allowance: Rs400 a month is paid for a 

100% permanent disability requiring the constant attendance 

of another person.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 127

Mauritius

The disability is assessed by a medical board set up by the 

Ministry.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, transportation, and the cost of private 

clinical expenses not exceeding Rs4,000.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 50% of the deceased’s earnings are paid 

to a widow; 60% to a permanently disabled widower.

The widow(er) pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 7.5% of either deceased parent’s average monthly insured earnings (whichever is higher) are 

paid for each full orphan younger than age 15; age 18 if a 

full-time student.

Dependent’s pension: In the absence of a surviving 

spouse, a dependent person living in the insured’s household 

receives Rs400 a month.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid to cover the cost of the 

burial, if there are no dependents.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Senior 

Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions (http://

www.gov.mu) administers the program.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1983 (unemployment).

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Household heads younger than age 60 and their dependents.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefi ts (income-tested): The claimant must be registered as unemployed for 30 days at the 

employment exchange, willing and able to work, and 

actively seeking employment.

Unemployment Benefi ts

Unemployment hardship relief benefi t (income-tested):

Rs260 a month is paid to the claimant.

Spouse allowance (income-tested): Rs260 a month is paid.

Child allowance (income-tested): Rs105 a month is paid 

for each child younger than age 10; Rs125 for each child 

aged 10 to 14; and Rs175 for each child aged 15 to 19 who 

is a full-time student or disabled and dependent.

Rent allowance (income-tested): Equal to 50% of the rent 

paid by the claimant, up to a maximum of Rs205.

The minimum unemployment hardship relief benefi t is 

Rs150.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Senior 

Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions (http://

www.gov.mu) administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1961 (family allowances) and 2003 

(social aid).

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Family allowances: Needy families with three or more 

children.

Social aid benefi ts: Needy individuals and families.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances (income-tested): Children must 

be younger than age 15. Annual family income is 

income-tested.

Social aid benefi ts (income-tested): Individuals and families who satisfy an income test.
128 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Mauritius

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances (income-tested): A monthly benefi t 

of Rs50 is paid for families with three or more children 

younger than age 15 and with annual family income less 

than Rs10,000.

Social aid benefi ts (income-tested)

Claimant allowance: Up to a maximum of Rs810 a month is 

paid.

Spouse allowance: Up to a maximum of Rs810 a month is 

paid.

Child allowance: Up to a maximum of Rs315 a month is 

paid for each child younger than age 10; Rs385 if younger 

than age 15; Rs480 if younger than age 20 and a full-time 

student; Rs810 if younger than age 20, disabled, and not 

receiving a benefi t under the National Pension Act.

Compassionate allowance: Up to a maximum of Rs480 a 

month is paid to persons suffering from a serious illness 

certifi ed by a medical doctor.

Rent allowance: Equal to 50% of the rent paid, up to a maximum of Rs610.

Medical benefi ts: Social aid benefi ciaries are eligible for free 

medical services, a carer’s allowance, and a refund of costs 

for traveling to attend medical treatment.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of Rs3,045 is paid for the cost of 

the funeral for the claimant or his or her dependents.

The minimum social aid benefi t is Rs575 a month.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Senior 

Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions (http://

www.gov.mu) administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 129

Morocco

Morocco

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 8.42 dirhams.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current laws: 1972 (social security scheme), 1981 (agricultural and forestry workers), and 2004 (early retirement).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers and apprentices in industry, commerce, 

forestry, agricultural cooperatives, and associations; persons 

employed by landlords, craftsmen, or certain categories of 

self-employed persons; and certain categories of fi shermen.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and for certain other categories of employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.96% of covered monthly earnings.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal minimum 

monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in the agricultural sector 

and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 6,000 dirhams.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7.93% of covered monthly payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal minimum 

monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in the agricultural sector 

and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 6,000 dirhams.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 55 for miners with 5 or 

more years of underground work) with at least 3,240 days 

of insurance coverage. Retirement from employment is 

necessary.

Insured persons who do not meet the insurance coverage 

condition at the pensionable age can continue working or 

contribute on a voluntary basis.

Early pension: An early pension may be paid at age 55 with 

at least 3,240 days of insurance coverage if the employer 

agrees to pay the National Social Security Fund an amount 

equivalent to the value of the pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

total loss of earning capacity resulting from a nonoccupational injury and have at least 1,080 days of insurance coverage, including at least 108 days in the 12 calendar months 

before the disability began. There is no minimum qualifying 

period for a disability resulting from an accident.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the contribution conditions for the disability pension or was a pensioner at the 

time of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er) and orphans younger 

than age 15 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student, no 

limit if disabled).

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 96 months, 

plus 1% for every 216 days of insurance exceeding 

3,240 days, up to a maximum of 70%.

The maximum average monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

The minimum pension is equal to 50% of average monthly 

earnings.

The maximum pension is equal to 70% of average monthly 

earnings.

Benefi ts are paid monthly or quarterly, depending on the 

insured’s choice.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in March 2002.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 96 months, 

plus 1% for every 216 days of insurance exceeding 

3,240 days, up to a maximum of 70%.

The maximum average monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

The minimum pension is 500 dirhams.

The maximum pension is equal to 70% of average monthly 

earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 10% of average 

monthly earnings.

Benefi ts are paid monthly or quarterly, depending on the 

insured’s choice.
130 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Morocco

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in March 2002.)

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 50% of the deceased’s pension is paid to 

the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

for each eligible orphan; 50% for each full orphan.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Funeral grant: 12,000 dirhams is paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in March 2002.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (http://

www.emploi.gov.ma) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the 

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ma) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current laws: 1972 (social security scheme); 1981 (agricultural and forestry workers); and 2002 (basic health coverage), implemented in 2005.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers and apprentices in industry, commerce, 

forestry, agricultural cooperatives, and associations; persons 

employed by landlords, craftsmen, or certain categories of 

self-employed persons; and certain categories of fi shermen.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and for certain other categories of employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 0.33% of covered monthly earnings for 

sickness insurance, plus 2% for the basic health care system.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal minimum 

monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in the agricultural sector 

and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 6,000 dirhams.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 0.67% of covered monthly payroll subject to a 

ceiling for sickness insurance, plus 3% of gross monthly 

payroll without a ceiling for the basic health care system.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal minimum 

monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in the agricultural sector 

and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 6,000 dirhams.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: For the fi rst claim, the insured 

must have at least 54 days of contributions in the previous 

6 calendar months of insurance coverage; at least 6 days of 

contributions for subsequent claims. There is no minimum 

qualifying period for a nonoccupational accident.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

54 days of contributions in the 10 calendar months before 

the expected date of childbirth.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the average 

daily covered wage received in the last 3, 2, or 1 calendar 

months before the onset of the incapacity, whichever is 

higher; during the 6 calendar months before the onset of the 

incapacity for a fi rst claim to benefi ts. The benefi t is paid 

from the fourth day of incapacity.

The minimum benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the legal minimum 

wage. The legal minimum monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in the agricultural sector and 1,841.84 dirhams in the 

nonagricultural sector.

The maximum average monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the average daily covered wage received in the 6 calendar months 

before the expected date of childbirth. The benefi t is paid for 

14 weeks.

The minimum benefi t is 2/3 of the legal minimum wage. 

The legal minimum monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in 

the agricultural sector and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum average monthly earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Basic health care is provided.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Basic health care is provided.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 131

Morocco

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (http://

www.emploi.gov.ma) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the 

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ma) administers the program.

National Sickness Insurance Agency (ANAM) supervises 

the basic health care system. ANAM is administered by a 

board headed by the prime minister and comprises representatives of government, employers, trade unions, and 

sickness insurance funds. Care providers are not represented 

on the board but may provide advice if consulted.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1927.

Current law: 1963.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Salaried workers.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision 

of benefi ts or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 50% of the insured’s covered earnings during the fi rst 28 days; thereafter, 2/3 of earnings. The 

benefi t is paid from the day after the disability began until 

full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

The minimum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 16,474 dirhams.

The maximum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 65,507 dirhams.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

as totally disabled, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average covered earnings.

Partial disability: The pension is calculated on the basis of 

the insured’s average covered earnings multiplied by 0.5 

times the assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability between 10% and 50% and by 1.5 times the assessed 

degree of disability for the portion greater than 50%.

For an assessed degree of disability of less than 10%, a 

lump sum is paid.

The minimum annual pension is 16,474 dirhams.

The maximum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 65,507 dirhams.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the disability pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical, surgical, and hospital care; medicines; and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 30% of the deceased’s average covered 

earnings is paid to a widow younger than age 60; 50% if 

aged 60 or older.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s average covered 

earnings is paid for each of the fi rst two orphans younger 

than age 16 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or 

disabled) and 10% each for other orphans; 20% for each full 

orphan.

Other eligible survivors (in the absence of the above):

Parents, grandparents, and certain other dependents may 

receive cash benefi ts.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average covered earnings.

The maximum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 65,507 dirhams.

Funeral grant: The employer pays the full cost of the burial.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (http://

www.emploi.gov.ma) provides general supervision and 

enforces the law through its Work Accident Service.

Courts award benefi ts.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1942 and 1959.
132 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Morocco

Current law: 1972 (social security scheme).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Salaried workers and apprentices in industry, commerce, 

and cooperatives; and persons employed by craftsmen or by 

certain categories of self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Agricultural and forestry workers and selfemployed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and for certain categories 

of employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6.5% of gross payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The insured must have at least 

108 days of contributions in the previous 6 months of 

insurance coverage, with earnings of at least 500 dirhams a 

month.

Eligible children must be younger than age 12 (age 18 if an 

apprentice, age 21 if a student or a young female relative 

caring for at least two infants in the insured’s household, no 

limit if disabled). The child must reside in Morocco.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 150 dirhams a month is paid for each 

of the fi rst three children; 36 dirhams a month for each additional child up to the sixth.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in March 2002.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (http://

www.emploi.gov.ma) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the 

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ma) administers the program.

Employers may pay allowances provided by the National 

Social Security Fund directly to employees.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 133

Niger

Niger

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1967 (old age, disability, and survivors), with 1989 and 1998 amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, technical students, and apprentices.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1.6% of covered earnings.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage (28,847 

CFA francs a month).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 250,000 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.4% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage (28,847 

CFA francs a month).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are 250,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 58 for covered public-sector 

workers, age 55 if prematurely aged) and registered with 

the National Social Security Fund for at least 20 years with 

60 months of coverage in the last 10 years. Retirement from 

employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Age 60 (age 58 for covered public-

 sector workers, age 55 if prematurely aged) and registered 

with the National Social Security Fund for at least 20 years 

with 60 months of coverage in the last 10 years. Retirement 

from employment is necessary.

The settlement is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity, have been registered 

with the National Social Security Fund for at least 5 years, 

and have at least 6 months of coverage in the 12 months 

before the disability began. The disability must be the result 

of an accident.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying conditions for the old-age pension or disability pension, was a 

pensioner at the time of death, or had at least 180 months of 

coverage.

Eligible survivors are a widow or a dependent disabled widower who was married to the deceased at least a year before 

the insured’s date of death and orphans younger than age 14 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled).

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor settlement: The deceased did not meet the qualifying conditions for a disability pension and had fewer than 

180 months of coverage.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 20% of the 

insured’s average covered earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus 1.33% of average covered 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

180 months, up to a maximum of 80%.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,847 

CFA francs.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the insured’s average covered earnings in the last 3 or 

5 years (whichever is higher) for each year of coverage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 20% of the 

insured’s average covered earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus 1.33% of average covered 

earnings for every 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

180 months, up to a maximum of 80%. A 6-month coverage 

period is credited for each year that a claim is made before 

age 60 (age 58 for covered public-sector workers).
134 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Niger

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,847 

CFA francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 50% of the disability pension.

The disability pension ceases at age 60 (age 58 for covered 

public-sector workers) and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same value.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examination by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund every 6 months in the fi rst 2 years; 

thereafter, once a year.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: An eligible widow(er) receives 50% of 

the deceased’s pension. If there is more than one widow, the 

pension is split equally among them.

The widow(er) pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 25% of 

the deceased’s pension; 40% for each full orphan.

The value of the orphan’s pension must not be less than the 

value of family allowances. An orphan receiving the pension 

may not receive family allowances.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the pension the deceased would have been entitled to 

with 180 months of coverage for each 6-month period of 

coverage. If there is more than one widow, the allowance is 

split equally among them.

The survivor settlement can be paid with family allowances.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration and Labor provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1965 (family and maternity benefi ts), with 

1969 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The labor code requires employers to provide paid 

sick leave.)

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have worked 

for the current employer for at least 2 years.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s last earnings (with the employer paying half) and 

is paid for 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after the expected 

date of childbirth; may be extended for 3 additional weeks 

in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or 

childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Working women are reimbursed for the cost of medical care 

during pregnancy and childbirth. (The labor code requires 

employers to provide certain medical services.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (Some health and welfare services are provided to mothers and children under 

Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration and Labor provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1961.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 135

Niger

Current law: 1965 (work injury benefi ts), with 1967 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, technical students, apprentices, members of production cooperatives, nonsalaried managers of 

cooperatives and their assistants, managers and directors of 

commercial enterprises, and convicted persons working in 

prison workshops.

Voluntary coverage for all work injury benefi ts is possible, 

except for the temporary disability benefi t.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: 2% of covered annual earnings.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage (28,847 CFA francs a 

month) multiplied by 1.4.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 250,000 CFA francs.

Employer: 2% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage (28,847 CFA francs a 

month).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 250,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The daily benefi t is equal to 50% of the insured’s average 

daily earnings in the month before the disability began for 

the fi rst 28 days; thereafter, 66.6%. The benefi t is paid from 

the day after the disability began until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the monthly pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 12 months.

The minimum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 476,300 CFA francs.

The maximum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 5,874,400 CFA francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

insured’s pension.

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability 

greater than 10%, the pension is equal to the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 12 months multiplied by 0.5 

times the assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability between 10% and 50% and by 1.5 times the assessed 

degree of disability for the portion of disability greater than 

50%.

If the assessed degree of disability is less than 10%, a lump 

sum is paid.

The partial disability pension is paid monthly, quarterly, or 

annually depending on its value.

The pension may be partially converted to a lump sum after 

receiving the pension for between 5 and 7 years, subject to 

conditions.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examination by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund every 6 months in the fi rst 2 years; 

thereafter, once a year.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to 

changes in the legal minimum wage.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 30% 

of the deceased’s earnings used for calculating the disability 

pension. If there is more than one widow, the pension is split 

equally among them.

The pension for a widow(er) without dependent children 

ceases on remarriage and a settlement is paid.

Remarriage allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to 3 years’ 

pension.

Orphan’s pension: The pension is equal to 15% of the 

deceased’s earnings used for calculating the disability pension for each of the fi rst two orphans younger than age 14 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled) and 

10% for each other orphan; 20% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

receives 10% of the deceased’s earnings used for calculating 

the disability pension, up to a maximum of 30%.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s earnings used for calculating the disability pension; otherwise, the pensions are reduced proportionately.

All pensions are paid quarterly.
136 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Niger

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 15 days of the 

deceased’s earnings used to calculate the disability pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted according to the 

changes in the legal minimum wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration and Labor provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 1965 (family and maternity benefi ts), with 

1969 amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees and social insurance benefi ciaries with one or 

more children.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 11% of covered payroll.

The employer contributions also fi nance maternity benefi ts 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage (28,847 CFA francs a 

month).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 250,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be at least age 1 or 

younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or disabled). The parent must have 6 consecutive 

months of covered employment and be currently working 

18 days or 120 hours a month or be the widow(er) of a benefi ciary; an unemployed parent may receive allowances for 

up to 6 months after employment ceases.

The child must not receive an orphan’s pension.

If a parent is also eligible to receive family allowances from 

the special system for civil servants, only the higher benefi t 

award is paid.

Prenatal allowance: The mother and child must undergo 

three prescribed medical examinations. The allowance is 

paid to an insured woman or to the wife of an insured man.

Maternity allowance: The mother and child must undergo 

prescribed medical examinations.

Birth allowance: Paid for the birth of the insured’s fi rst 

three children.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowance: 1,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child. The allowance is paid quarterly.

Prenatal allowance: 1,000 CFA francs a month is paid 

for 9 months. The allowance is paid in three 3-month 

installments.

Maternity allowance: A lump sum of 10,000 CFA francs 

is paid. The grant is paid in three installments: 5,000 CFA 

francs at childbirth; 2,500 CFA francs when the child is 

aged 6 months; and 2,500 CFA francs when the child is aged 

12 months.

Birth allowance: A lump sum of 10,000 CFA francs is paid 

to the insured for each of the fi rst three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration and Labor provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 137

Nigeria

Nigeria

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 128 naira.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1961 (provident fund).

Current law: 2004 (pensions).

Type of program: Mandatory individual account system.

Note: A unifi ed system of mandatory individual accounts 

has been fully implemented for public- and private-sector 

employees and has replaced the former separate systems 

for public- and private-sector workers. New entrants to 

the workforce beginning January 2005 for private-sector 

workers (July 2004 for public-sector workers) must open an 

individual account with a publicly or privately run pension 

fund administrator. When the reform was implemented, 

workers who were covered by the old social insurance 

system were required to switch to the new system unless 

they were within 3 years of retirement. The contributions of 

workers excluded from individual accounts are paid to the 

single publicly operated pension fund administrator. Such 

excluded workers receive a lump sum benefi t or periodic 

benefi ts calculated on the basis of the value of contributions 

paid and life expectancy.

Coverage

All federal public-sector employees (including the military), 

public-sector employees in the federal capital territory, and 

private-sector employees working in fi rms with fi ve or more 

workers.

Voluntary coverage for some excluded categories of worker 

under specifi ed conditions.

Exclusions: Public-sector employees in state and local 

governments, judges, diplomats, noncitizens covered by an 

equivalent program in another country, self-employed persons, the clergy, private-sector employees working in fi rms 

with fewer than fi ve workers, and employees within 3 years 

of retirement.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 7.5% of gross salary; 2.5% of gross salary 

for military personnel.

Gross salary includes basic salary, housing allowances, and 

transportation allowances.

Additional voluntary contributions are possible.

There are no maximum earnings for contribution purposes.

In addition, pension fund administrators may charge up to a 

maximum of 100 naira a month and up to 2% of assets per 

year for administration fees.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7.5% of gross salary; 12.5% of gross salary for 

military personnel.

Gross salary includes basic salary, housing allowances, and 

transportation allowances.

There are no maximum earnings for contribution purposes.

Employers must also fi nance life insurance policies for their 

employees, guaranteeing a lump sum equal to a minimum of 

three times the employee’s annual earnings.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 50 or older; employees in certain categories of employment may retire before age 50. 

Employment must cease.

Guaranteed minimum pension: Paid at retirement to members who have contributed for at least 20 years.

The old-age pension is not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed as disabled and incapable of work.

The disability may be reassessed every 2 years by the medical board or a qualifi ed doctor at the insured’s request.

The disability pension is not payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased was eligible for the disability pension or the old-age pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are the deceased’s spouse and children or 

persons named by the deceased; in the absence of a spouse 

and children, the pension is paid to the next-of-kin or the 

administrator of the deceased’s estate.

The survivor pension is not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is based on the insured’s 

contributions plus accrued interest. At retirement, the 

insured may purchase an annuity or receive periodic payments on a monthly or quarterly basis calculated on the 

basis of life expectancy.

The insured can opt to receive a partial lump sum from the 

balance in the individual account, provided that the remaining value of the individual balance is suffi cient to purchase 

an annuity or fund periodic payments equal to at least 50% 

of annual earnings at the date of retirement.

After a 6-month waiting period, insured persons who retire 

before age 50 and who have not started new employment 

may request to receive a maximum of 25% of the balance in 

their individual account as a lump sum.
138 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Nigeria

Guaranteed minimum pension: The value of the guaranteed 

minimum pension is set by the government on the recommendation of the National Pension Commission.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is based on the insured’s 

contributions plus accrued interest. The insured may purchase an annuity or receive periodic payments on a monthly 

or quarterly basis calculated on the basis of life expectancy.

The insured can opt to receive a partial lump sum from the 

balance in the individual account, provided that the remaining value of the individual balance is suffi cient to purchase 

an annuity or fund periodic payments equal to at least 50% 

of the annual earnings received at the time the disability 

began.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The benefi t is calculated on the basis of 

100% of the balance of the deceased’s individual account, 

plus the lump sum from the employer-sponsored life insurance policy.

The survivor may purchase an annuity or receive periodic 

payments on a monthly or quarterly basis calculated on the 

basis of his or her life expectancy.

The survivor can opt to receive a partial lump sum from the 

balance in the deceased’s individual account, provided that 

the remaining value of the individual balance is suffi cient to 

purchase an annuity or to fund periodic payments equal to 

at least 50% of the deceased’s annual earnings at the time of 

death.

Administrative Organization

Federal Ministry of Labour provides general supervision.

National Pension Commission (http://www.pencom.gov.ng) 

regulates, supervises, and provides licenses to pension fund 

administrators (PFAs).

Pension fund administrators administer individual accounts.

Overseen by a tripartite board, the Trustfund Pensions Plc 

(http://www.trustfundpensions.com) administers all contributions paid previously to the Nigeria Social Insurance 

Trust Fund (NSITF).

Trustfund Pensions Plc also administers contributions of 

workers excluded from individual accounts and administers 

benefi ts for those who became eligible before the implementation of, or who are excluded under, the 2004 law.

Trustfund Pensions Plc also competes with other PFAs 

to administer individual accounts for new entrants to the 

workforce.

Beginning June 2009, all former contributors to the NSITF 

who are covered by the new individual account system will 

be permitted to transfer their accumulated contributions 

from the Trustfund Pensions Plc to other licensed PFAs.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory cash benefi ts for sickness and maternity are 

provided. (The 2004 Pension Reform Act provides enabling 

legislation for the National Social Insurance Trust Fund 

to introduce a social insurance program for sickness and 

maternity benefi ts.)

The 1999 National Health Insurance Decree provides medical benefi ts to insured employees of fi rms with 10 or more 

workers. The benefi ts are fi nanced by contributions of 5% of 

basic monthly salary from insured persons and 10% of basic 

monthly salary from employers.

Limited free medical care is available to the population 

through public dispensaries and hospitals.

The labor code requires employers to provide employees 

with up to 12 days of paid sick leave a year and to provide 

paid maternity leave at 50% of wages for 6 weeks before 

and 6 weeks after the expected date of childbirth.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1942 (workmen’s compensation), 

with 1957 and 1987 amendments.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Manual workers and nonmanual employees (including government employees) with earnings below a ceiling.

Exclusions: Agricultural employees or handicraft employees 

of commercial enterprises normally employing fewer than 

10 workers, casual workers, and family workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision 

of benefi ts or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 139

Nigeria

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The monthly benefi t is paid for a maximum of 24 months: 

100% of basic pay for 6 months, 50% for the next 3 months, 

and 25% for the next 15 months.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is assessed as totally disabled, a lump sum is 

paid equal to 54 months’ earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to 

25% of the permanent disability benefi t.

Partial disability: A percentage of the total disability lump 

sum is paid according to the assessed degree of disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical benefi ts include medical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

A lump sum is paid equal to 42 months’ earnings minus any 

temporary disability benefi t already paid to the deceased.

Courts determine how the lump sum is split among the 

survivors.

Administrative Organization

Federal Ministry of Labour enforces the law.

Courts participate in the adjudication of benefi ts and settle 

disputed benefi t claims.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 2004 Pension 

Reform Act provides enabling legislation for the National 

Social Insurance Trust Fund to introduce a social insurance 

program for unemployment benefi ts. However, the contingencies to be covered and sources of funds have yet to be 

specifi ed.)

For insured persons who contributed under the previous 

provident fund system, the 1961 Provident Fund Act No. 

20 permits limited cash drawdown payments after 1 year of 

unemployment.
140 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Rwanda

Rwanda

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 549.28 francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current laws: 1974 and 2003.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers including permanent, temporary, and 

occasional workers; professional and in-service trainees; 

apprentices; civil servants; political appointees; and government offi cials.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and for persons who were previously insured for at least 6 consecutive 

months and had mandatory coverage in the last 12 months.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3% of covered earnings; voluntary contributors pay 6% of covered earnings.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefi t 

purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are subject to a ceiling.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions of 6% of 

declared income.

The maximum monthly income for contribution purposes is 

104,000 francs.

Employer: 3% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are subject to a ceiling.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: From age 55 to age 65 (younger than 

age 55 if prematurely aged) with 15 years of coverage. 

Employment must cease.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Age 55 (younger than age 55 if prematurely aged) and ineligible for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of at least 50% of earning capacity and have 5 years 

of coverage, including 6 months of contributions in the 

12 months before the disability began. There is no minimum 

qualifying period for a nonoccupational accident.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the Social Fund.

Survivor pension: Paid to eligible survivors if the deceased 

was a pensioner, met the qualifying conditions for an oldage pension or a disability pension, or had 180 months of 

coverage at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased did not meet the qualifying conditions for a 

pension.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18 (age 25 if a student, no limit if disabled), and parents 

(including adopting parents) in the absence of a surviving 

spouse and orphans.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 2% for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 180 months.

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 50% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher) times the number of years of 

coverage.

If the insured is entitled to two or more pensions (including 

work injury benefi ts), the highest pension is paid plus half 

the amount of the other benefi ts.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically by 

presidential decree. (The last adjustment was made in April 

2002.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 2% for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 180 months. For each year that a claim is 

made before age 55, the insured is credited with a 6-month 

coverage period.

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 50% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

insured’s pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically by 

presidential decree. (The last adjustment was made in April 

2002.)
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 141

Rwanda

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 50% of the deceased’s pension is paid to 

the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

for each eligible orphan; 40% for a full orphan.

Dependent parent’s pension (in the absence of other 

eligible survivors): Each eligible parent receives 25% of 

the deceased’s pension.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum equal to 1 month’s 

pension for each 6-month period of coverage is paid to the 

widow(er).

Orphan’s settlement: A lump sum equal to 50% of the 

survivor settlement is paid to each eligible orphan. The 

total settlement paid to orphans must not exceed twice the 

survivor settlement.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically by 

presidential decree. (The last adjustment was made in April 

2002.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (http://www

.minecofi n.gov.rw) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, the 

Social Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

The labor code requires employers to pay 100% of wages 

for sickness benefi ts for up to 30 days.

The labor code requires employers to pay 100% of wages 

for maternity benefi ts for up to 2 months.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949 (private sector).

Current laws: 1974 and 2003.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage is not possible.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 75% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the 3 months before the disability began. The 

benefi t is paid until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability, up to a maximum of 180 days.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the Social Fund.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the pension is equal to 85% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the 3 months before the disability began.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

insured’s pension.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is at 

least 15%, a percentage of the full pension is paid according 

to the assessed degree of disability; if the assessed degree 

of disability is less than 15%, a lump sum is paid equal 

to 3 years’ pension, according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the Social Fund.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical care, laboratory 

services, medicines, hospitalization, dental care, eyeglasses, 

appliances, rehabilitation, and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s average daily earnings.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 18 

(age 25 if a student, no limit if disabled) receives 15% of the 

deceased’s average daily earnings; 20% for a full orphan.

Other eligible survivors: Each other eligible survivor 

receives 10% of the insured’s average daily earnings.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s permanent disability pension.
142 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Rwanda

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 100 times the 

legal monthly minimum wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (http://www

.minecofi n.gov.rw) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, the 

Social Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 143

São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé and Principe

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

11,663.14 dobras.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1979.

Current law: 1990 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Domestic workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of gross earnings.

The insured person’s contributions fi nance old-age, disability, and survivor benefi ts; sickness and maternity benefi ts; 

and work injury benefi ts.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions of 7.5% of 

declared earnings, according to six earnings classes.

The self-employed person’s contributions fi nance old-age, 

disability, and survivor benefi ts only.

Employer: 6% of gross payroll.

The employer’s contributions fi nance old-age, disability, and 

survivor benefi ts; sickness and maternity benefi ts; and work 

injury benefi ts.

Government: None.

Government contributions fi nance old-age, disability, and 

survivor benefi ts; sickness and maternity benefi ts; and work 

injury benefi ts.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 62 (men) or age 57 (women) with at 

least 120 months of contributions.

Retirement is not necessary.

Deferred pension: A deferred pension is possible.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

permanent incapacity for all work or at least a 2/3 incapacity 

for usual work and have at least 60 months of contributions.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or was 

eligible for a pension at the time of death with at least 

60 months of contributions.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18 (no limit if disabled), and dependent parents older 

than age 62 (men) or age 57 (women) or disabled.

Funeral grant: The deceased had at least 12 months of 

contributions or was a pensioner.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18 (no limit if disabled), and dependent parents older 

than age 62 (men) or age 57 (women) or disabled.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The monthly pension is equal to 35% of 

the insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 5 years 

out of the last 10 calendar years, plus 1% for each year of 

coverage exceeding 10 years up to 25 years, plus 2% for 

each year of coverage exceeding 25 years.

Deferred pension: The pension is increased by 3% for each 

year of coverage after the normal retirement age.

The minimum pension is equal to 30% of the national minimum wage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are indexed to wage increases.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The monthly pension is equal to 30% 

of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 5 years 

out of the last 10 calendar years, plus 1% for each year of 

coverage exceeding 10 years up to 25 years, plus 2% for 

each year of coverage exceeding 25 years. At the normal 

retirement age, the disability pension is replaced by the oldage pension.

The minimum pension is equal to 30% of the legal minimum wage.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 20% of the 

pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are indexed to wage increases.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 60% of the monthly pension paid or 

payable to the deceased is paid for one dependent survivor; 

80% for two; 100% for three or more.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to the cost of the 

funeral.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Social Security provides 

general supervision.

National Institute of Social Security administers the 

program.
144 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

São Tomé and Principe

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1979.

Current law: 1990 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash benefi ts 

only.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons and domestic workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

3 months of coverage with at least 60 days of paid contributions immediately before the incapacity began or at least 

3 months of paid contributions if the insured had not contributed in the 12 months before the incapacity began.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

360 days of coverage and at least 10 months of paid contributions before the expected date of childbirth.

Special leave: Paid to a parent to provide care for a sick 

child younger than age 3 or a disabled child of any age. The 

insured must have at least 3 months of coverage with at least 

60 days of contributions immediately before the incapacity 

began.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 60% of the 

insured’s average daily earnings in the last 2 months and is 

paid after a 3-day waiting period for up to 360 days.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average daily earnings in the last 12 months and 

is paid for 30 days before and 30 days (45 days for multiple 

births) after the expected date of childbirth.

Special leave: The benefi t is equal to 60% of the insured’s 

average daily earnings in the last 2 months. The benefi t is 

paid without a waiting period for up to 360 days; the benefi t 

is renewable for an additional 180 days for the same child 

12 months after the end of the fi rst benefi t period.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Medical care is provided under the public health program.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Medical care is provided under the public health program.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Social Security provides 

general supervision.

National Institute of Social Security administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1979.

Current law: 1990 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 100% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the 2 months before the disability began for the 

fi rst 30 days and 90% of average earnings from the 31st day 

up to the 360th day; thereafter, 75% of average earnings.

The benefi t is paid for a maximum of 24 months.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 145

São Tomé and Principe

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: The pension is equal to 

50% of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 

5 years out of the last 10 calendar years, plus 2% for each 

year of coverage exceeding 25 years.

The minimum pension is equal to 30% of the legal minimum wage.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Medical care is provided under the public health program.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 60% of the monthly permanent disability pension paid or payable to the deceased is paid for one 

dependent; 80% for two; 100% for three or more.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18 (no limit if disabled), and dependent parents older 

than age 62 (men) or age 57 (women) or disabled.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to the cost of the 

funeral.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Social Security provides 

general supervision.

National Institute of Social Security administers the 

program.
146 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Senegal

Senegal

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1975 (compulsory insurance).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including domestic workers, seasonal 

workers, and day workers.

Voluntary coverage for previously covered employees 

aged 40 or older with at least 5 years of contributions.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5.6% of covered monthly earnings; managers contribute a supplementary 2.4% of covered monthly 

earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 246,000 CFA francs; 738,000 CFA francs for managers.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8.4% of covered monthly payroll (plus a supplementary 3.6% of covered monthly earnings on behalf of 

managers).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 246,000 CFA francs; 738,000 CFA francs for managers.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees and quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: At least age 55; age 60 for managers, 

according to a point system. The minimum number of points 

required for a pension is 400. Retirement from employment 

is necessary. (The pensionable age is to rise gradually to 

age 60 for all workers.)

Child’s supplement: Additional points are credited for each 

dependent child younger than age 21, up to a maximum of 

three children.

Early pension: A reduced pension is paid from age 53.

Disability pension: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner or met the 

contribution requirements for a pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are a widow who is aged 50 or older or 

caring for two dependent children younger than age 21 and 

who was married to the deceased at least 2 years before 

he died; a widower aged 55 or older (aged 53 or older if 

disabled) who was married to the deceased at least 2 years 

before she died; and orphans younger than age 21.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 1.33% of covered 

earnings times the number of years of insurance coverage, 

according to a point system (the pension is equal to the 

insured’s number of points times the contractual price of a 

point).

The number of points awarded each month is based on the 

value of total contributions divided by the reference salary. 

The reference salary is defi ned annually by the Social Insurance Institute for Old-Age Pensions.

The minimum number of points required for a pension is 

400.

Additional points are credited for periods of employment 

before the implementation of the current program if the 

insured worked for at least 10 years before or after the 

program began and has at least 1 year of contributions; 

additional points are also credited for certain periods of 

incapacity for work.

The contractual price of a point is adjusted annually by the 

Social Insurance Institute for Old-Age Pensions.

Child’s supplement: The pension is increased by 5% for 

each eligible child.

Early pension: The old-age pension is reduced by 5% for 

each year the pension is taken before age 55.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) pension is equal to a 

maximum of 50% of the deceased’s old-age pension. The 

value of the pension paid to a widow younger than age 50 

is reduced by 5% for each year she is younger than age 50. 

If there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally 

among them.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% of 

the deceased’s old-age pension.

All orphans’ pensions combined must not exceed 50% of 

the deceased’s old-age pension; otherwise, the pensions are 

reduced proportionately.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 147

Senegal

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, Employment, and Professional Organizations (http://www.fonctionpublique.gouv

.sn) provides general supervision.

Managed by a bipartite employer and employee board, the 

Social Insurance Institute for Old-Age Pensions (http://

www.ipres.sn) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1952 (cash maternity benefi ts) and 1975 (medical benefi ts).

Current laws: 1973 (cash maternity benefi ts) and 1975 

(medical benefi ts).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity 

and medical benefi ts.

Coverage

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: Employed women and nonemployed women married to an insured man.

Special system for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Medical benefi ts: Employed persons, including apprentices, 

seasonal workers, and temporary workers who work at least 

3 months a year for the same enterprise.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Health mutual insurance companies provide medical benefi ts to informal-sector workers in certain areas.

Source of Funds

Insured person: Up to 3% of gross monthly earnings (rates 

vary according to the health institute).

The insured’s contributions fi nance medical benefi ts only. 

Cash maternity benefi ts are fi nanced by the employer’s contributions paid under Family Allowances, below.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: Up to 3% of gross monthly payroll (rates vary 

according to the health institute).

The employer’s contributions fi nance medical benefi ts only. 

Cash maternity benefi ts are fi nanced by the employer’s contributions paid under Family Allowances, below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

3 consecutive months of employment and have worked 

18 days or 120 hours a month.

Benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Medical benefi ts: The insured must have at least 2 months 

of contributions.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s last daily earnings and is paid for 6 weeks before 

and 8 weeks after the expected date of childbirth; may be 

extended by 3 weeks in the event of complications.

The benefi t is paid daily, weekly, monthly, or in three 

installments (when fi rst claiming the benefi t, at the date of 

childbirth, and when the benefi t period ceases).

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include partial cost sharing for health care costs, 

including hospitalization, pharmaceuticals, and doctor’s 

visits. There is no limit to duration.

Cost sharing: The amount varies between 30% and 80% of 

the costs, according to the availability of funds.

Medical benefi ts are also provided directly to old-age 

pensioners and survivor pensioners by the Social Insurance 

Institute for Old-Age Pensions.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include partial cost sharing for health care costs, 

including hospitalization, pharmaceuticals, and doctor’s 

visits. There is no limit to duration.

Cost sharing: The amount varies between 30% and 80% of 

the costs, according to the availability of funds.

Eligible dependents are the spouse and dependent children 

older than age 2 and younger than age 15 (age 18 if an 

apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, Employment, and 

 Professional Organizations (http://www.fonctionpublique

.gouv.sn) provides general supervision.

Social Security Fund (http://www.secusociale.sn) administers the maternity benefi t program.

Health institutes administer the medical benefi ts program. 

The law requires the participation of companies with over 

100 employees; smaller fi rms may group together in order to 

join a health institute.
148 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Senegal

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current laws: 1973 (social security) and 

1991(administration).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons; seamen; apprentices; trainees; technical students (except those attending technical universities); 

members of cooperatives; nonsalaried managers of cooperatives and their assistants; certain company managers; 

temporary, casual, and daily workers; and convicted persons 

working in prison workshops.

Voluntary coverage for certain categories of self-employed 

person without mandatory coverage, including farmers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: 1%, 3%, or 5% of covered payroll, 

according to the assessed degree of risk.

The minimum annual earnings for voluntary contribution 

purposes are 439,916 CFA francs.

The maximum annual earnings for voluntary contribution 

purposes are 756,000 CFA francs.

Employer: 1%, 3%, or 5% of covered payroll, according to 

the assessed degree of risk. The average contribution rate is 

2.5%.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage of 

36,243 CFA francs. (The legal minimum wage was last 

adjusted in February 1996.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to 63,000 CFA francs. (The maximum earnings for 

contribution purposes were last adjusted in January 2004.)

Government: None; contributes as an employer on behalf 

of government employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 50% of the insured’s daily earnings in 

the 30 days before the disability began for the fi rst 28 days; 

thereafter, 66.6% until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent disability.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

of 36,243 CFA francs. (The legal minimum wage was last 

adjusted in February 1996.)

The maximum daily earnings for benefi t calculation purposes must not exceed 1% of the maximum annual earnings 

for voluntary contribution purposes (7,560 CFA francs). 

(The maximum annual earnings for voluntary contribution 

purposes were last adjusted in January 2004.)

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to enterprise-based agreements.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: The pension for a total 

disability is equal to 100% of the insured’s monthly average 

earnings in the 12 months before the disability began.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to the insured’s 

monthly average earnings in the 12 months before the disability began multiplied by 0.5 times the percentage of the 

assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability 

between 1% and 50% and by 1.5 times the percentage of the 

assessed degree of disability for the portion above 50%.

The partial disability pension may be paid partially as a 

lump sum after 5 to 7 years if the assessed degree of disability is greater than 10%. If the assessed degree of disability is 

equal to 10% or less, the pension is paid as a lump sum.

For an assessed degree of disability greater than 10%, the 

minimum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

are 897,570 CFA francs.

The disability is assessed by Social Security Fund doctors, 

on the basis of recommendations of the insured’s doctor. 

The insured may be required to undergo medical examinations every 2 years.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 40% of the 

insured’s pension.

The minimum supplement is equal to 70% of the minimum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes 

(897,570 CFA francs).

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in 

the cost of living and wages, depending on the fi nancial 

resources of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 

January 2005.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical and surgical expenses, hospitalization, medicines, appliances, rehabilitation, and transportation. There is no limit to duration.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 149

Senegal

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) pension is equal to 

30% of the deceased’s monthly average earnings in the 

12 months before the disability began. If there is more than 

one widow, the pension is split equally among them. The 

pension is paid quarterly.

The widow(er) pension ceases on remarriage if there are no 

dependent children.

Remarriage allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to three 

times the annual pension.

Orphan’s pension: The pension is equal to 15% of the 

deceased’s monthly average earnings in the 12 months 

before the disability began for one orphan younger than 

age 15 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled), 30% for two orphans, 40% for three orphans, and 

10% for each additional orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: The 

pension for each is equal to 10% of the deceased’s monthly 

average earnings in the 12 months before the disability 

began, up to a maximum of 30%.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 85% of 

the deceased’s monthly average earnings in the 12 months 

before the disability began.

The minimum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 897,570 CFA francs.

Funeral grant: Equal to 1/24 of the minimum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes.

The minimum annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 897,570 CFA francs.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted for changes in 

the cost of living and wages, depending on the fi nancial 

resources of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 

January 2005.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, Employment, and 

 Professional Organizations (http://www.fonctionpublique

.gouv.sn) provides general supervision.

Social Security Fund (http://www.secusociale.sn) administers contributions and benefi ts.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current laws: 1973 (social security) and 1991 

(administration).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees, including seamen, and social insurance benefi ciaries, including the widow of an insured man and 

pensioners receiving the work injury total disability pension. Unemployed persons are covered for a maximum of 

6 months after leaving insured employment.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7% of covered payroll.

The minimum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

(36,243 CFA francs). (The legal minimum wage was last 

adjusted in February 1996.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 63,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 or 

more employees and quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance cash maternity 

benefi ts under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be older than age 2 and 

younger than age 15 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or disabled). Allowances are paid for a maximum 

of six children. The parent must have at least 3 consecutive 

months of employment and be currently working 18 days or 

120 hours a month.

Prenatal allowance: Paid to an insured woman or to the 

spouse of an insured man during the 9 months of pregnancy, 

without limit on the number of children. The mother must 

undergo prescribed medical examinations.

Maternity allowance: Paid to an insured woman or to 

the spouse of an insured man until the child is age 2. 

The mother and child must undergo prescribed medical 

examinations.

Benefi ts are paid for 6 months to insured unemployed persons and without limit of duration to the widows of family 

allowance benefi ciaries or work injury permanent disability 

pensioners.

Benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.
150 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Senegal

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 2,400 CFA francs a month is paid 

for each of the fi rst six children. The allowance is paid 

quarterly.

Prenatal allowance: 2,400 CFA francs a month is paid 

for the 9 months of pregnancy. The allowance is paid in 

three installments: a 2-month installment in the 3rd month 

of pregnancy, a 4-month installment in the 6th month of 

pregnancy, and a 3-month installment in the 8th month of 

pregnancy.

Maternity allowance: 2,400 CFA francs a month is paid 

from the date of childbirth up to the child’s second birthday. The allowance is paid in fi ve installments: a 6-month 

installment is paid at childbirth, when the child is 6 months 

old, and when the child is aged 1; a 3-month installment is 

paid when the child is aged 18 months and when the child is 

aged 2.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted depending on the 

fi nancial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was 

made in April 2006.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, Employment, and 

 Professional Organizations (http://www.fonctionpublique

.gouv.sn) provides general supervision.

Social Security Fund (http://www.secusociale.sn) administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 151

Seychelles

Seychelles

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

6.01 rupees (Rs).

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1971 (provident fund).

Current laws: 1987 (social security), implemented in 1988, 

with 1990 and 1994 amendments; and 2005 (Seychelles 

pension fund).

Type of program: Universal and social insurance system.

Coverage

Social security fund: All citizens residing in Seychelles territory and resident foreign employees who contribute to the 

Seychelles pension fund.

Special systems for the employees of three companies in the 

banking and industrial sector. (Employees of these companies are covered under the Seychelles pension fund, below.)

Seychelles pension fund: All full-time and part-time 

employees in the public and private sectors.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Casual workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Social security fund: 5% of monthly earnings; domestic 

workers pay Rs50 a month. (2.5% of the combined insured 

person and employer monthly contribution to the social 

security fund is transferred by the fund to the Seychelles 

pension fund.)

The contributions to the social security fund also fi nance 

sickness and maternity benefi ts and work injury benefi ts.

Seychelles pension fund: Rs25 a month. Additional voluntary contributions are possible. (2.5% of the combined 

insured person and employer monthly contribution to the 

social security fund is transferred by the fund to the Seychelles pension fund.)

There are no maximum earnings for contribution purposes.

Self-employed person

Social security fund: Contributions are made through the tax 

system.

Seychelles pension fund: Voluntary contributions of Rs75 a 

month. Additional voluntary contributions are possible.

There are no maximum earnings for contribution purposes.

Employer

Social security fund: 10% on the fi rst Rs1,000 of monthly 

wages, 20% on the second Rs1,000, 30% on the next 

Rs8,000, and 40% on wages in excess of Rs10,000; Rs50 

a month for each domestic worker. (2.5% of the combined 

insured person and employer monthly contribution to the 

social security fund is transferred by the fund to the Seychelles pension fund.)

The contributions to the social security fund also fi nance 

sickness and maternity benefi ts and work injury benefi ts.

Seychelles pension fund: Rs50 a month for each employee. 

(2.5% of the combined insured person and employer 

monthly contribution to the social security fund is transferred by the fund to the Seychelles pension fund.)

Government: Contributes as an employer. Makes contributions out of the general budget and guarantees the pension 

benefi ts under the social security fund. The Seychelles pension fund contribution is taken from business tax receipts.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Old-age pension (social security fund): Age 63 and has 

resided in Seychelles for at least 5 years immediately 

before the date of retirement. (The residency requirement 

may be waived by the Minister of Finance under special 

circumstances.)

The pension is not payable abroad.

Old-age benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): Paid from age 60 

but no later than age 63. The insured must have 10 continuous years of contributions to the social security fund or the 

Seychelles pension fund immediately before retirement or a 

total of 20 years of contributions to the social security fund.

If the pensioner is living abroad, the pension is paid into his 

or her Seychelles bank account.

Old-age settlement (Seychelles pension fund): Paid if the 

insured does not qualify for the old-age benefi t.

Migration allowance (Seychelles pension fund): Paid if the 

insured is emigrating permanently.

Disability pension

Disability pension (social security fund): Must be assessed 

with a loss of 3/4 of earning capacity and have resided in 

Seychelles for at least 5 years. A reduced pension is paid for 

a loss of earning capacity of between 50% and 74%. (The 

residency requirement may be waived by the Minister of 

Finance under special circumstances.)

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Paid for a family 

whose income is less than the offi cial family subsistence 

level. The supplement is paid under certain conditions for 

each dependent child and for one adult who must be the 

spouse, a person caring for the insured person, or a dependent disabled adult not receiving any other benefi ts.
152 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Seychelles

The pension is not payable abroad.

Disability benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): Must be 

younger than age 63 and assessed as incapable of work by 

a medical board appointed by the Seychelles pension fund. 

The benefi t is paid after receiving the social security fund 

disability pension for 6 months.

If the pensioner is living abroad, the pension is paid into his 

or her Seychelles bank account.

Disability settlement (Seychelles pension fund): Paid if the 

insured does not qualify for the disability benefi t.

Survivor pension

Spouse pension (social security fund): The deceased had 

resided in Seychelles for at least 5 years.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 45 or older or with a 

dependent child younger than age 16 (or older if a student), 

a dependent widower, and full orphans.

A widow who does not qualify for a pension receives a 

limited benefi t for 20 working days.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Paid for a family 

whose income is less than the offi cial family subsistence 

level. The supplement is paid under certain conditions for 

each dependent child and for one adult who must be the 

spouse, a person caring for the insured person, or a dependent disabled adult not receiving any other benefi ts.

The pension is not payable abroad.

Survivor benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): The deceased 

was insured.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) or cohabiting partner 

with whom the deceased lived for at least 3 years. The 

surviving spouse must have resided in Seychelles for at least 

5 years (may be waived in special circumstances). Eligible 

surviving children must be younger than age 18 (age 25 if a 

full-time student).

Death benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): Paid to a surviving 

spouse or other dependent if the deceased was older than the 

retirement age.

Preretirement death benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): Paid 

to a named survivor in the absence of an eligible surviving 

spouse and children and if the deceased was younger than 

the retirement age.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension (social security fund): Rs1,700 a month 

is paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are reviewed and adjusted 

annually for changes in the cost of living. (Benefi ts were last 

adjusted in January 2006.)

Old-age benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): The monthly 

pension is based on a percentage of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 5 years before retirement, 

according to four earnings classes.

If the insured has paid voluntary contributions to the fund, 

these may be used in the pension calculation or refunded as 

a lump sum with interest added.

The maximum pension (including the social security fund 

old-age pension of Rs1,700) is Rs8,100 month (December 

2006).

Old-age settlement (Seychelles pension fund): A lump 

sum is paid equal to the total of the insured’s and the 

employer’s contributions plus 5% interest. The average 

lump sum is Rs17,000.

Migration allowance (Seychelles pension fund): A 

lump sum is paid equal to the total of the insured’s and the 

employer’s contributions plus interest.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension (social security fund): Rs1,650 a 

month is paid.

Partial disability (earnings-tested): The full pension 

is reduced according to earnings. The pension is paid 

until retirement age after receiving sickness benefi ts for 

6 months.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Rs650 a month is 

paid for an adult and Rs600 a month for each child.

The combined disability pension and dependent supplements must not exceed 80% of the insured’s previous 

earnings.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are reviewed and adjusted 

annually for changes in the cost of living. (Benefi ts were last 

adjusted in January 2006.)

Disability benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): The monthly 

pension is based on the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 5 years before being assessed by the medical 

board as incapable of work.

Disability settlement (Seychelles pension fund): A 

lump sum is paid equal to the total of the insured’s and the 

employer’s contributions plus 5% interest.

Survivor Benefi ts

Spouse pension (social security fund): The monthly 

pension is Rs1,350 for an eligible widow or a dependent 

widower and is paid for a maximum of 1 year.

A widow(er) who does not qualify for a pension receives a 

limited benefi t for 20 working days.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Rs650 a month is 

paid for an adult and Rs600 a month for each child.

The pension ceases on remarriage or if the widow(er) 

cohabits with a partner.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 153

Seychelles

Orphan’s pension (social security fund): Each full orphan 

receives Rs775 a month.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of Rs1,550 is paid.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are reviewed and adjusted 

annually for changes in the cost of living. (Benefi ts were last 

adjusted in January 2006.)

Survivor benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): If there are 

no eligible surviving children, the spouse’s pension is equal 

to 80% of the deceased’s pension and is paid for life (70% 

if the surviving spouse was at least 10 years younger than 

the deceased). If there are eligible surviving children, the 

spouse’s pension is equal to a maximum of 50% of the 

deceased’s pension; if the deceased had elected to pay a 

higher pension to surviving children, the spouse’s pension 

will be reduced accordingly but must not be less than 25% 

of the deceased’s pension.

Orphan’s pension (Seychelles pension fund): The minimum monthly pension is equal to 40% of the deceased’s 

pension (if the deceased had elected to pay a higher pension to surviving children, up to a maximum of 75% of the 

deceased’s pension); full orphans receive 80%.

The pension is split equally among all eligible orphans and 

paid to the child(ren)’s guardian.

Death benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): One month’s 

pension is paid.

Preretirement death benefi t (Seychelles pension fund): A 

lump sum is paid equal to the total of the deceased’s and the 

employer’s contributions plus 5% interest.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance administers the social security fund 

program.

Directed by a chief executive offi cer and a tripartite board of 

trustees, the Seychelles Pension Fund (http://

www.pensionfund.sc) administers the supplementary pension program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1979.

Current law: 1987 (social security), implemented in 1988, 

with 1990 and 1994 amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash sickness 

and maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Contributions are made through the 

tax system.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Paid for a family whose income is less than the family subsistence level. 

The supplement is paid under certain conditions for each 

dependent child and for one adult who must be the spouse, 

a person caring for the insured person, or a dependent disabled adult not receiving any other benefi ts.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The employer pays the full salary for the 

fi rst 2 months and is reimbursed 80% of the amount paid 

or Rs2,000, whichever is less; thereafter, the social security 

fund pays Rs1,300 a month for up to 130 working days.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Rs650 a month is 

paid for an adult and Rs600 for each child.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefi ts were 

last adjusted in January 2005.)

Maternity benefi t: The employer pays the full salary for 

2 weeks before and 8 weeks after the expected date of 

childbirth and is reimbursed 80% of the amount paid up 

to Rs1,300. For a prolonged incapacity that is the result of 

pregnancy or childbirth, a sickness benefi t is paid.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Rs650 a month is 

paid for an adult and Rs600 for each child.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefi ts were 

last adjusted in January 2005.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Medical services are available in government dispensaries 

and hospitals under the National Health Plan.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Medical services are available in government dispensaries 

and hospitals under the National Health Plan.
154 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Seychelles

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance administers the social security fund 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1970 (employer liability).

Current law: 1987 (social security), implemented in 1988.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Paid for a family 

whose income is less than the offi cial family subsistence 

level. The supplement is paid under certain conditions for 

each dependent child and for one adult who must be the 

spouse, a person caring for the insured person, or a dependent disabled adult not receiving any other benefi ts.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

For an assessed degree of disability of at least 50%, Rs1,300 

a month is paid for up to 130 working days.

The degree of disability is assessed by the medical board 

established by the Ministry of Health.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Rs650 a month is 

paid for an adult and Rs600 for each child.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefi ts were 

last adjusted in January 2005.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is totally 

disabled, Rs1,300 a month is paid until retirement age after 

receiving a temporary disability benefi t for 130 working 

days.

The disability is assessed by a medical board set up by the 

Ministry of Health.

Partial disability: A percentage of the benefi t for a total disability is paid according to the assessed degree of disability.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Rs650 a month is 

paid for an adult and Rs600 for each child.

For a court award, the cost of compensation paid to an 

insured person for an incapacity for work is split equally 

between the employer and the social security fund.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefi ts were 

last adjusted in January 2005.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Free medical care is provided as required. Benefi ts include 

medical and surgical care, hospitalization, medicines, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: Rs1,300 a month is paid to the 

widow(er) if the deceased provided at least 75% of family 

income. The widow(er) must not be gainfully employed or 

self-employed.

The pension ceases on remarriage or if cohabiting with a 

partner.

Benefi t adjustment: Pensions are adjusted annually according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefi ts were last 

adjusted in January 2005.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance administers the social security fund 

program.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

Under the 1980 Unemployment Fund Act, the social 

security fund provides subsistence income for unemployed 

persons.

The social security fund provides wages for registered 

unemployed and young persons who work on approved 

projects, including the unemployment relief scheme 

(Rs1,900 a month if full time; Rs1,475 a month if part time), 

youth training scheme (Rs1,300 a month), apprenticeship 

scheme (Rs1,300 a month), and skill acquisition program 

(Rs1,300 a month).
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 155

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 3,015 leones.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 2001 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employees in the public and private sectors.

Voluntary coverage for the self-employed and for insured 

persons who leave insured employment.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of monthly salary; voluntary contributors pay 15% of monthly income.

Self-employed person: 15% of monthly income.

Employer: 10% of monthly payroll.

Government: 2.5% of monthly income for all employees in 

recognition of periods of previous service before the introduction of the program in 2001; 10% of monthly income 

for all civil servants, teachers, and military and police force 

personnel (plus 2% of monthly income to fi nance retirement 

at age 55 for military and police force personnel).

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men and women) with at least 

180 months of contributions. Employment must cease.

Age 55 with at least 180 months of contributions for military and police force personnel.

Early pension: From age 55 with at least 180 months of 

contributions.

Old-age gratuity: Paid to each person who is entitled to an 

old-age pension on retirement.

Old-age grant: Paid from age 55 if the insured does not 

meet the qualifying conditions for an old-age pension.

Old-age benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured is permanently and totally 

incapable of further employment and younger than age 60 

with at least 5 years of contributions, including 12 months 

of paid contributions in the 3 years before the disability 

began, or has at least 180 months of contributions.

The insured must be assessed as permanently and totally 

incapable of further employment by a medical offi cer certifi ed by the medical board.

Disability grant: The insured is permanently and totally 

incapable of further employment and does not meet the 

qualifying conditions for a disability pension.

Disability benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying conditions, was receiving an old-age or disability pension, or had 

at least 5 years of contributions, including 12 months of paid 

contributions in the 3 years before the date of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), dependent children 

younger than age 18 (age 23 if a full-time student, no limit if 

disabled), and parents.

Survivor grant: The deceased did not meet the qualifying 

conditions for a pension.

Survivor benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings for the fi rst 15 years of 

coverage, plus 2% of the insured’s average monthly earnings for each additional 12-month coverage period.

Average earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are average earnings in the best 5 years of contributions.

Public-sector employees employed as of January 1, 2002, 

are credited for benefi t calculation purposes for all periods 

of public-sector employment before the introduction of the 

program in 2001.

Private-sector employees employed as of January 1, 2002, 

who were older than age 30 on that date, are credited for 

benefi t calculation purposes for a period equal to half the 

difference between their age and age 30 for periods of 

private-sector employment before the introduction of the 

program in 2001.

The minimum pension is at least equal to 50% of the 

national minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 4% for each year 

that the pension is taken before age 60.

Old-age gratuity: A lump sum equal to 12 months’ pension 

is paid to each old-age pensioner on retirement.

Old-age grant: The grant is equal to 1.5 times the insured’s 

average monthly earnings for each 12-month period of 

contributions.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in wages, depending on the fi nancial 

resources of the National Social Security and Insurance 

Trust.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings for the fi rst 15 years of 
156 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Sierra Leone

coverage, plus 2% of the insured’s average monthly earnings for each additional 12-month period of coverage. A 

6-month insurance coverage period is credited for each year 

that a claim is made before age 60.

The disability pension ceases at age 60 and is replaced by 

the old-age pension.

The minimum disability pension is equal to at least 50% of 

the national minimum wage.

Disability grant: The grant is equal to 1.5 times the 

insured’s average monthly earnings for each 12-month 

period of contributions.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on 

the fi nancial resources of the National Social Security and 

Insurance Trust.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 40% of the deceased’s pension is paid to 

a widow(er). If there is more than one widow, the pension is 

split equally among them.

The survivor pension ceases if a widow(er) remarries or 

cohabits.

Orphan’s pension: A maximum of 60% of the deceased’s 

pension is paid for orphans.

Parent’s pension (in the absence of other eligible survivors): A lump sum equal to 12 months’ survivor pension 

is paid to a parent who is employed or receiving a pension; 

24 months’ survivor pension is paid to a parent who is not 

employed or receiving a pension.

All survivor pensions combined must not exceed 50% of 

the deceased’s old-age pension or disability pension paid or 

payable to the deceased at the time of death.

Survivor grant: The grant is equal to 1.5 times the insured’s 

average monthly earnings for each 12-month period of 

contributions.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on 

the fi nancial resources of the National Social Security and 

Insurance Trust.

Administrative Organization

National Social Security and Insurance Trust (http://www.

nassitsl.org) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Employers provide medical care for employees and their 

dependents through collective agreements.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1939.

Current law: 1960 (workmen’s compensation), with 1962, 

1969, and 1971 amendments.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving compulsory insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Agricultural employees working on plantations 

with fewer than 25 workers, domestic servants, casual workers, home workers, and family labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through direct provision of 

benefi ts or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: An approved annual contribution.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the insured’s earnings and is 

paid after a 3-day waiting period for up to 96 months.

The benefi t may be paid as a lump sum, calculated according to the expected duration of entitlement.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is totally disabled, a lump sum is paid equal to 

48 months’ earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: The maximum allowance is 

equal to 25% of the permanent disability benefi t.

Partial disability: A percentage of 56 months’ earnings is 

paid up to a ceiling, according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical benefi ts include medical, dental, and surgical care; 

hospitalization; medicines; appliances; and the cost of transportation, up to a maximum.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum equal to 42 months of the 

deceased’s earnings (minus any disability benefi ts paid) is 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 157

Sierra Leone

paid to the deceased’s dependents; partial dependents may 

receive a reduced benefi t.

Funeral grant (in the absence of eligible survivors): A 

lump sum is paid to cover the cost of the burial, up to a 

maximum.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Industrial Relations, and Social Security 

and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender, and Children’s 

Affairs are responsible for the program.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.
158 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

South Africa

South Africa

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 6.90 rand.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1928 (old age), 1936 (blindness), and 1946 

(disability).

Current law: 2004 (social assistance).

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Citizens of South Africa with limited means.

Exclusions: Persons maintained or cared for in state 

institutions.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.

The government contributions also fi nance medical benefi ts 

under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension (means-tested): Age 65 (men) or age 60 

(women) and a resident citizen of South Africa at the time of 

the application.

Grant-in-aid: Paid to persons receiving the old-age pension 

who require the full-time attendance of another person as 

the result of a mental or physical condition.

Citizens of South Africa are eligible to receive only one 

benefi t at a time.

War veteran grant (means-tested): Age 60 or disabled and 

a resident citizen of South Africa at the time of the application. Eligibility is restricted to war veterans, including 

veterans of the First World War, the Second World War, and 

the Korean War.

Grant-in-aid: Paid to persons receiving a war veteran grant 

who require the full-time attendance of another person as 

the result of a mental or physical condition.

Citizens of South Africa are eligible to receive only one 

benefi t at a time.

Disability grant (means-tested): Paid to citizens assessed 

as incapable of providing adequate self-support for more 

than 6 months. The temporary grant is paid if aged 18 to 64 

(men) or aged 18 to 59 (women); paid from age 35 (men 

and women) for a citizen with a terminal illness who resides 

in South Africa at the time of the application. The disability 

must be confi rmed by a medical assessment report.

A disability grant is considered permanent if the citizen is 

assessed as incapable of providing adequate self-support for 

more than 12 months.

Grant-in-aid: Paid to citizens receiving a disability grant 

who require the full-time attendance of another person as 

the result of a mental or physical condition.

Citizens of South Africa are eligible to receive only one 

benefi t at a time.

Survivor benefi ts: Benefi ts are provided under Unemployment, below.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension (means-tested): Up to 870 rand a month 

is paid for a single pensioner; married couples may receive 

double the amount. The pension is reduced to 25% of the 

full amount for pensioners who are resident for more than 

3 months in a private care institution.

Grant-in-aid: 180 rand a month.

War veteran grant (means-tested): Up to 838 rand a 

month.

Grant-in-aid: 180 rand a month.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability grant (means-tested): Up to 870 rand a month 

is paid for a single pensioner; married couples may receive 

double the amount.

Grant-in-aid: 180 rand a month.

Survivor Benefi ts

Benefi ts are provided under Unemployment, below.

Administrative Organization

National and provincial offi ces of the Department of Social 

Development (http://www.welfare.gov.za) administer the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

Current laws: 2001 (unemployment insurance), implemented in 2002; and 2003 (health), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Social assistance system. Medical benefi ts only.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 159

South Africa

Coverage

Sickness and maternity benefi ts: Cash sickness and 

maternity benefi ts are paid under the 2001 unemployment 

insurance legislation to eligible insured workers working 

more than 24 hours a month, the unemployed, or workers 

with earnings reduced to no more than 1/3 of the regular 

wage.

Exclusions: Government employees and employees who 

work fewer than 24 hours a month; foreigners who enter 

the country to fulfi ll an employment contract and who are 

required by law to leave the country when the contract ends; 

and persons receiving a monthly state pension, any benefi t 

from the work injury and occupational disease compensation fund, or benefi ts from any unemployment fund or 

scheme.

Medical benefi ts: Old-age pensioners and disability 

pensioners.

Source of Funds

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts

Insured person: See source of funds for Unemployment, 

below.

Self-employed person: See source of funds for Unemployment, below.

Employer: See source of funds for Unemployment, below.

Government: See source of funds for Unemployment, below.

Medical benefi ts

Insured person: See source of funds for Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: See source of funds for Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: See source of funds for Old Age, Disability, and 

Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds for Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

13 weeks of contributions in the 52 weeks before the incapacity began.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

13 weeks of contributions in the 52 weeks before the 

expected date of childbirth (if adopting a child, 18 weeks of 

contributions in the 52 weeks before the date of adoption).

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 45% of the 

insured’s weekly earnings and is paid for up to 26 weeks 

after a waiting period of 4 to 6 weeks.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 45% of the 

insured’s weekly earnings and is paid for a total of 17 weeks 

(6 weeks in the event of a miscarriage or a stillborn child). 

The benefi t is payable from 18 weeks before and up to 

8 weeks after the expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

All old-age pensioners and disability pensioners are entitled 

to subsidized medical care at provincial hospitals. Benefi ts 

include hospitalization and medication.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

All old-age pensioners and disability pensioners are entitled 

to subsidized medical care at provincial hospitals. Benefi ts 

include hospitalization and medication.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za) provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a bipartite board, local unemployment benefi t 

committees, and claims offi cers, the Unemployment Insurance Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1914.

Current law: 1993 (occupational injuries and diseases), with 

1997 amendment.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a public carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons, including some contract workers and 

military personnel.

Exclusions: Domestic workers in private households and 

some contract workers and military personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the payment of 

insurance premiums. The cost of premium varies, depending 

on the reported accident rate.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for government employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.
160 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

South Africa

Occupational disease benefi ts: Paid if the insured is 

diagnosed with an occupational disease. There are 28 listed 

diseases (plus some unlisted diseases). The date of diagnosis 

is the date of onset of the disease.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is assessed as totally disabled, 75% of the 

insured’s earnings is paid for up to 12 months; may be 

extended up to 24 months (longer in special cases) after a 

further assessment of the disability. The benefi t is paid after 

a 3-day waiting period.

The maximum benefi t is 2,418.75 rand a week or 

10,481.25 rand a month.

The maximum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

3,255 rand a week or 13,975 rand a month.

Partial disability: A percentage of the insured’s earnings as 

determined by the Compensation Commissioner’s Offi ce is 

paid for up to 12 months; may be extended up to 24 months 

after a further assessment of the disability.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the maximum pension is equal to 75% of 

the insured’s earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 9,321 rand.

The minimum monthly benefi t is 1,146.15 rand.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is 

less than 100% but higher than 30%, a percentage of the 

full pension is paid according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

For an assessed degree of disability of 30% or less, a lump 

sum is paid equal to 15 times the employee’s monthly earnings, up to a maximum of 7,830.00 rand. If the employee’s 

monthly earnings are less than 1,528.20 rand, the minimum 

benefi t is calculated on the basis of monthly earnings of 

1,528.20 rand.

The minimum lump sum is 22,923 rand.

The maximum lump sum is 117,450 rand.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical, surgical, and hospital care and 

appliances. Benefi ts are provided for a maximum of 2 years; 

may be extended in special cases.

The cost of transporting an injured employee to a hospital, 

a doctor’s surgery, or to his or her place of residence is 

refunded from the compensation fund.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

deceased’s permanent total disability pension, plus a lump 

sum of 18,642 rand. The pension is paid to a widow or to 

a disabled widower for life. The pension does not cease on 

remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the deceased’s permanent 

total disability pension is paid for each unmarried orphan 

younger than age 18; no age limit if disabled.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed the 

deceased’s permanent total disability pension.

Funeral grant: 8,316 rand or the actual cost of the funeral 

is paid (whichever is lower), at the Compensation Commissioner’s discretion.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za) provides 

general supervision.

Compensation Commissioner administers the program, 

including claims decisions and the management of funds 

from which benefi ts are paid.

Employers must normally insure against liability with a 

public compensation fund, but in certain instances may 

insure with an employers’ mutual association licensed by the 

Minister of Labour.

Government and some local authorities are individually 

liable.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1937.

Current laws: 1966 (unemployment), implemented in 1967, 

with amendments; 2001 (unemployment insurance); and 

2002 (contributions).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employees working for more than 24 hours a month, 

including domestic and seasonal workers and employees in 

national and provincial governments.

Exclusions: Government employees and employees who 

work fewer than 24 hours a month; foreigners who enter 

the country to fulfi ll an employment contract and who are 

required by law to leave the country when the contract ends; 

and persons receiving a monthly state pension, any benefi ts 

from the work injury and occupational disease compensation fund, or benefi ts from any unemployment fund or 

scheme.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of covered earnings.

The maximum annual earnings for contribution purposes are 

106,032 rand.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 161

South Africa

The insured person’s contributions also fi nance cash sickness and maternity benefi ts under Sickness and Maternity, 

above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1% of the insured’s covered earnings.

The maximum annual earnings for contribution purposes are 

106,032 rand.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance cash sickness and 

maternity benefi ts under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: 25% of total employee and employer contributions, up to an annual maximum of 7 million rand.

The maximum annual earnings for contribution purposes are 

106,032 rand.

Government contributions also fi nance cash sickness and 

maternity benefi ts under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefi t: The insured’s entitlement to benefi t increases at a rate of 1 day’s benefi t for every 6 completed days of employment, up to a maximum of 238 days 

in the 4-year period before the date of application for the 

benefi t. The insured must have 13 weeks of contributions 

during the last 52 weeks and be capable of, and available 

for, work. The insured must register with, and report to, the 

public employment exchange, unless unemployment is the 

result of illness or pregnancy. Unemployment must not be 

the result of refusing suitable work or training. Unemployment benefi t is paid after 14 days of unemployment.

Survivor benefi t: The surviving spouse or a life-partner 

of the deceased must apply for the benefi t within 6 months 

after the insured’s death. In the absence of a surviving 

spouse or life-partner, the benefi t is paid to a dependent 

child. The child must be younger than age 21 (age 25 if a 

student) and have been totally or largely dependent on the 

deceased.

Unemployment Benefi ts

Unemployment benefi t: The benefi t varies between 

30.78% and 58.64% of previous earnings, depending on the 

insured’s period of service and previous earnings.

Survivor benefi t: The benefi t varies between 30.78% and 

58.64% of previous earnings, depending on the deceased’s 

period of service and previous earnings. The benefi t is paid 

for up to 26 weeks.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za) provides 

general supervision.

Managed through its board and regional business unit managers, the Unemployment Insurance Fund administers the 

program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

Current law: 2004 (social assistance).

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Low-income persons caring for children younger than 

age 18.

Exclusions: Persons maintained or cared for in state 

institutions.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances

Foster child grant (means-tested): Paid to a foster parent. 

There must be a court order indicating the foster care status 

of the child, and the child must be a resident citizen of South 

Africa at the time of the application.

Means test: The applicant must have annual income of less 

than 12,720 rand.

Citizens of South Africa are eligible to receive only one 

benefi t at a time.

Child support grant (means-tested): Paid to the primary 

caregiver of a child or children aged 1 to 14. The child must 

be a resident citizen of South Africa at the time of the application, and the applicant and his or her spouse must pass the 

means test. The grant is paid for a maximum of six children.

Means test: The applicant must have annual income of less 

than 9,600 rand (urban areas) or 13,200 rand (rural areas).

Citizens of South Africa are eligible to receive only one 

benefi t at a time.

Care dependency grant (means-tested): Paid to a parent, 

foster parent, guardian, or custodian of a child aged 1 to 18 

who requires permanent care as the result of a severe mental 

or physical disability. The child must be cared for at home 

and the disability confi rmed by a medical assessment report. 

The child must be a resident citizen of South Africa at the 

time of the application. The applicant, spouse, and child 

must pass a means test.

Citizens of South Africa are eligible to receive only one 

benefi t at a time.
162 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

South Africa

Social relief of distress (means-tested): Temporary assistance is paid to persons unable to meet their own or their 

family’s basic living costs.

Citizens of South Africa are eligible to receive only one 

benefi t at a time.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances

Foster child grant (means-tested): Up to 620 rand a month 

is paid.

Child support grant (means-tested): Up to 200 rand a month 

is paid for each eligible child.

Care dependency grant (means-tested): Up to 870 rand a 

month is paid.

Social relief of distress (means-tested): Paid monthly or 

for any other period for a maximum of 3 months; may be 

extended by 3 months in exceptional cases.

Administrative Organization

National and provincial offi ces of the Department of Social 

Development (http://www.welfare.gov.za) administer the 

program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 163

Sudan

Sudan

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 200 dinars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1974.

Current law: 1990 (social insurance), with 2004 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Domestic servants, home workers, family labor, 

farmers and foresters, and unpaid apprentices.

Special systems for civil servants, the police force, and 

armed forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 8% of gross monthly earnings. (Contributions for work periods in uncovered employment may be 

paid retroactively by the insured person.)

Self-employed person: 25% of declared monthly income 

according to earnings classes ranging from 15,000 dinars to 

200,000 dinars.

The self-employed person’s contributions also fi nance work 

injury benefi ts.

Employer: 17% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 20 years of contributions. The normal retirement age is reduced for those in 

arduous work. Retirement from work is necessary.

Early pension: Paid from age 50 with at least 20 years of 

contributions.

Old-age settlement: Paid at the normal retirement age to 

an insured person who is ineligible for the old-age pension; 

at any age to an insured person resigning from work or laid 

off.

Disability pension: Paid for a permanent total disability. 

There is no minimum qualifying period. The disability 

began while in insured employment or within 1 year after 

insured employment ceased and before reaching the normal 

retirement age.

Survivor pension: Paid for the death of an insured person 

or a partially disabled pensioner. There is no minimum 

qualifying period.

Eligible survivors are a widow or a dependent widower and 

children younger than age 18 (age 26 if a student, no limit 

for an unmarried daughter or if disabled). In the absence 

of a surviving widow and children, the pension is paid to 

dependent brothers, sisters, and parents.

Death grant: Paid for the death of the insured or a pensioner. In the absence of a surviving widow(er), children, or 

parents, the benefi t is paid to dependent brothers and sisters.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 1/50 of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 years before 

retirement for each 12-month period of contributions.

The minimum pension is equal to 40% of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 years before retirement.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the last 3 years before 

retirement.

The pension may be partially paid as a lump sum, without 

interest.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 15% if the insured 

is aged 50 to 54 or by 10% if aged 55 to 59.

Old-age settlement: A refund of 100% of employer and 

employee contributions; the adjusted current value of contributions is paid for insured persons resigning from work or 

laid off.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 years before 

the disability began or 1/50 of the same earnings for each 

12-month period of contributions, whichever is higher.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the last 3 years before the disability began.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The maximum pension is equal to 50% 

of the deceased’s average monthly earnings in the last 

3 years before death or 1/50 of the same earnings for each 

12-month period of contributions, whichever is higher. If 

there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally 

among them.

The eligible widow(er) receives 90% of the pension if there 

are no other eligible survivors (50% if there are eligible 

parents or children; 30% if there are eligible children and 

parents). Full orphans receive 100% of the pension.
164 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Sudan

Surviving parents receive 90% of the pension if there are no 

other eligible survivors; 75% if there are surviving brothers 

and sisters.

Death grant: A lump sum equal to 42 months’ earnings is 

paid to eligible survivors for the death of an insured person; 

42 months’ pension if the deceased was a pensioner.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory cash benefi ts are provided.

Under the 2004 Health Insurance Act, the Health Insurance 

Fund manages a special health insurance system for publicsector employees and insured pensioners.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current law: 1990 (social insurance), with 2004 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Domestic servants, home workers, family labor, 

farmers and foresters, unpaid apprentices, and convicted 

persons working in prison workshops.

Special systems for civil servants, the police force, and 

armed forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: 2% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is totally disabled, the pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s monthly 

average earnings in the last 3 years before the disability 

began.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 50% of the 

pension.

Partial disability: With an assessed degree of disability of at 

least 15%, a percentage of the full benefi t is paid according 

to the assessed degree of disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The maximum pension is equal to 80% 

of the deceased’s average monthly earnings in the last 

3 years before death.

The eligible widow(er) receives 90% of the pension if there 

are no other eligible survivors (50% if there are eligible 

parents or children; 30% if there are eligible children and 

parents). Full orphans receive 100% of the pension.

Surviving parents receive 90% of the pension if there are no 

other eligible survivors; 75% if there are surviving brothers 

and sisters.

Eligible survivors are the widow or dependent widower; 

children younger than age 18 or disabled; unmarried daughters; and dependent brothers, sisters, and parents.

Death grant: A lump sum equal to 42 months’ earnings is 

paid to eligible survivors for the death of an insured person; 

42 months’ pension if the deceased was a pensioner.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Employers must insure against liability with private insurance companies.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 165

Swaziland

Swaziland

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 6.90 lilangeni.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1974.

Type of program: Provident fund system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage for employees not compulsorily covered 

and for members of religious organizations.

Exclusions: Casual employees, self-employed persons, 

domestic workers, and foreign workers.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 1,000 lilangeni.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 5% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are 1,000 lilangeni.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefi t: Age 50. Retirement is not necessary. 

(From age 45 if covered employment ceases; any age if 

emigrating permanently.)

Benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Disability benefi t: Paid if the member is assessed with at 

least a permanent partial physical or mental disability.

Benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor benefi t: Paid to one or more dependents for the 

death of the fund member before retirement.

The eligible survivor is the spouse. In the absence of the 

spouse, the eligible survivors are other dependents or other 

persons named by the fund member.

Benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-Age Benefi ts

The benefi t is calculated on the basis of total employer 

and employee contributions, plus interest. The benefi t may 

be paid as a lump sum, in installments, or converted to an 

annuity.

Interest rate: A minimum of 3% a year.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is calculated on the basis of total employer 

and employee contributions, plus interest. The benefi t may 

be paid as a lump sum, in installments, or converted to an 

annuity.

Interest rate: A minimum of 3% a year.

Survivor Benefi ts

The benefi t is calculated on the basis of total employer 

and employee contributions, plus interest. The benefi t may 

be paid as a lump sum, in installments, or converted to an 

annuity.

Interest rate: A minimum of 3% a year.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.gov.sz) provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Provident Fund (http://www.snpf.co.sz) administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1963.

Current law: 1983.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private and public sectors, trainees, 

and apprentices.

Exclusions: Domestic servants, types of contract workers, 

family labor, and casual workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the payment of 

insurance premiums.

Government: None.
166 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Swaziland

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 75% of the insured’s earnings and 

is paid after a 3-day waiting period until full recovery or 

certifi cation of permanent disability. The benefi t is paid for a 

maximum of 24 months.

The benefi t may be paid as a lump sum calculated according 

to the expected duration of the disability.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 75 lilangeni.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 500 lilangeni.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is assessed as totally disabled, a lump sum is 

paid equal to 54 times the insured’s monthly earnings at the 

time of the accident.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured is assessed 

as totally disabled, a lump sum is paid equal to 25% of the 

permanent disability benefi t.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefi t is paid 

according to the loss of working capacity.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 75 lilangeni.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 500 lilangeni.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical care, surgery, hospitalization, 

medicines, dental and eye care, transportation, appliances, 

and medical care abroad if necessary (up to a maximum of 

6,325 lilangeni).

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: The survivors receive a lump sum equal 

to 48 times the deceased’s monthly earning at the time of the 

accident, minus any permanent disability benefi ts paid to the 

deceased.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 75 lilangeni.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are 500 lilangeni.

Eligible survivors are an unemployed widow, a disabled 

widower, and children; a reduced benefi t is paid to survivors 

who were partially dependent on the deceased.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid by the employer to cover 

the cost of the funeral, up to a maximum of 300 lilangeni.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labor of the Ministry of Enterprise and 

Employment (http://www.gov.sz) enforces the law.

Employers must insure the assessed liability with a private 

insurance company.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 167

Tanzania

Tanzania

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1,275 shillings.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1964 (provident fund); and 1997 

(social insurance), implemented in 1998.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Note: Under transitional rules, the provident fund system 

continues to operate for insured persons who opt to receive 

a lump-sum payment.

Coverage

Employees in the private sector (except in private companies covered by the parastatal special system), organized 

groups (such as cooperative members) in the formal sector, 

and public employees and self-employed persons not covered under the parastatal special system.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Exclusions: Domestic workers.

Special contributory systems for employees of parastatal 

organizations, including private companies in which the 

government owns shares and parastatal organizations that 

have been restructured or sold; self-employed persons, 

including informal-sector workers; workers who start new 

employment when aged 46 or older; expatriates contributing to an equivalent program in their home country; persons 

with seasonal income; and local authority employees. Special noncontributory systems for armed forces personnel and 

political leaders.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 10% of gross earnings; voluntary contributors pay a monthly amount equal to 20% of declared income 

but no less than 20% of the legal minimum wage.

Previous contributions made to the National Provident Fund 

are converted into contribution credits.

Contributions are paid on behalf of insured women who are 

receiving maternity benefi ts.

The insured person’s contributions also fi nance cash maternity benefi ts, medical benefi ts, funeral grants, and work 

injury benefi ts.

Self-employed person: 20% of monthly earnings but no 

less than 20% of the legal minimum wage.

If not covered under the parastatal special system, the selfemployed person’s contributions also fi nance cash maternity 

benefi ts, medical benefi ts, funeral grants, and work injury 

benefi ts.

Employer: 10% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid on behalf of insured women who are 

receiving maternity benefi ts.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance cash maternity 

benefi ts, medical benefi ts, funeral grants, and work injury 

benefi ts.

Government: None; contributes as an employer on behalf 

of public-sector employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 180 months of 

contributions; at any age if leaving the country permanently. 

Covered employment must cease.

Insured persons who were within 14 years of the pensionable age in July 1998 and who have fewer than 180 months 

of contributions at age 60 may receive a basic pension, as 

may be determined by the Director General of the National 

Social Security Fund.

Early pension: Paid from age 55 with at least 180 months of 

contributions.

Deferred pension: A deferred pension is possible. There is 

no maximum deferral period.

Old-age grant: Age 60 with less than 180 months of contributions. Covered employment must cease.

Old-age benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity and have at least 

180 months of contributions or 36 months of contributions 

including 12 months in the 36 months immediately before 

the disability began.

The disability is assessed by a medical board comprising 

doctors appointed by the Ministry of Health. The insured 

may be required to undergo a medical examination by the 

medical board.

Disability grant: Paid if the insured does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for a pension.

Disability benefi ts are not payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased satisfi ed the qualifying 

conditions for an old-age or disability pension at the time of 

death.

Survivor grant: Paid if the deceased was a pensioner at the 

time of death.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) and children younger 

than age 18 (age 21 if a full-time student, no limit if disabled). In the absence of a spouse and children, parents may 

be eligible.

Survivor benefi ts are not payable abroad.
168 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Tanzania

Funeral grant: The insured had at least 1 month of contributions and was employed at the time of the death. The 

grant is paid to the person who pays for the funeral.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 5 of the last 

10 years before retirement, plus 1.5% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

180 months.

The insured receives a lump sum equal to 24 times the 

monthly pension in the fi rst month and thereafter a monthly 

pension.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the monthly legal 

minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 48,000 shillings (urban 

areas) and 35,000 shillings (rural areas).

The maximum pension is equal to 67.5% of the insured’s 

monthly earnings used to calculate the pension.

Under transitional rules, an insured person who qualifi es for 

an old-age pension can opt to receive a lump-sum payment 

under the former provident fund system.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 0.5% of the 

insured’s earnings used to calculate the pension for each 

12-month period the pension is taken before age 60. The 

early pension is paid only if the calculated pension is at least 

equal to the minimum pension.

Deferred pension: Calculated in the same way as the old-age 

pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are reviewed periodically by 

the Board of the National Social Security Fund and adjusted 

in line with the actuarial valuation of the fund and changes 

in the legal minimum wage.

Old-age grant: The grant is equal to the combined value 

of the last monthly contribution of the insured person and 

the employer times the number of months of contributions. 

There is no minimum benefi t.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 5 of the last 

10 years before the disability began, plus 1% of average 

monthly earnings for each 12-month period of coverage 

exceeding 180 months.

For benefi t calculation purposes, the insured is credited with 

1% of average monthly earnings for each year the disability 

began before the pensionable age.

The insured receives a lump sum equal to 24 times the 

monthly pension in the fi rst month and thereafter a monthly 

pension.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the legal minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 48,000 shillings (urban 

areas) and 35,000 shillings (rural areas).

The maximum pension is equal to 67.5% of average 

monthly covered earnings.

The disability pension may be replaced by an old-age pension at age 60 if the value of the old-age pension is at least 

equal to that of the disability pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are reviewed periodically by 

the Board of the National Social Security Fund and adjusted 

in line with the actuarial valuation of the fund and changes 

in the legal minimum wage.

Disability grant: A lump sum is paid based on the value of 

contributions paid.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 100% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

to a widow(er) without dependent children; 40% of the 

deceased’s pension is paid to the spouse if an orphan’s pension is also payable. If there is more than one widow, the 

pension is split equally among them.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

The widow(er)’s pension is paid for a limited period of 

2 years if the widow(er) is younger than age 45 or does not 

have a dependent child younger than age 15 at the date of 

the insured’s death.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the legal minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 48,000 shillings (urban 

areas) and 35,000 shillings (rural areas).

The maximum pension is equal to 67.5% of average 

monthly covered earnings.

Orphan’s pension: 60% of the deceased’s pension is split 

equally among eligible children; 100% for full orphans.

Parent’s pension (in the absence of other eligible survivors): 100% of the deceased’s pension is paid.

Eligible survivors receive a lump sum equal to 24 times the 

monthly pension in the fi rst month and thereafter a monthly 

pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid between 75,000 shillings 

and 300,000 shillings.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are reviewed periodically by 

the Board of the National Social Security Fund and adjusted 

in line with the actuarial valuation of the fund and changes 

in the legal minimum wage.

Survivor grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 12 months of 

the deceased’s pension.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 169

Tanzania

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour, Youth, and Sports Development 

(http://www.tanzania.go.tz/labour.htm) provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a director general, the National Social Security 

Fund (http://www.nssf.or.tz) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1997 (social insurance), implemented in 2005.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity 

benefi t and medical benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employees in the private sector, organized groups (such 

as cooperative members) in the formal sector, and public 

employees and self-employed persons not covered under the 

parastatal special system.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Exclusions: Domestic workers.

Special system for certain employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above; old-age pensioners may 

make a voluntary contribution equal to 6% of their monthly 

pension.

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

36 months of contributions including 12 months in the 36 

months immediately before the expected date of childbirth. 

Cash maternity benefi ts are paid to an insured woman only 

once in each 3-year period.

Medical benefi ts: The insured must have at least 3 months 

of contributions immediately before the onset of the medical 

contingency.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 100% of the 

insured woman’s average daily wage in the 6 months before 

the 20th week of pregnancy. The benefi t is paid for up to 

12 weeks in one or two installments: 4 weeks before and 

8 weeks after childbirth (4 weeks after childbirth for a stillborn child).

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include inpatient and outpatient health care services. Medical benefi ts are provided by accredited hospitals 

under agreement with the National Social Security Fund.

Prenatal and postnatal care is provided from the 24th week 

of pregnancy and ceases 2 days after childbirth; 7 days after 

childbirth for a cesarean section and up to 12 weeks after 

childbirth if prolonged care is necessary.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include inpatient and outpatient health care services. Medical benefi ts are provided by accredited hospitals 

under agreement with the National Social Security Fund.

Eligible dependents are the spouse and up to four of the 

insured’s children younger than age 18 (age 21 if a full-time 

student).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour, Youth, and Sports Development 

(http://www.tanzania.go.tz/labour.htm) provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a director general, the National Social Security 

Fund (http://www.nssf.or.tz) administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1948.

Current law: 1997 (social insurance), implemented in 2002.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employees in the private sector (except in private companies covered by the parastatal special system), organized 

groups (such as cooperative members) in the formal sector, 

and public employees and self-employed persons not covered under the parastatal special system.

Exclusions: Domestic workers.

Special system for certain employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.
170 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Tanzania

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: The insured must be registered with 

the National Social Security Fund and assessed with a work 

injury or an occupational disease.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 50% of the insured’s average daily 

wage and is paid for up to 26 weeks.

The average daily wage is based on the insured’s earnings in 

the 6 months before the month the disability began.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is assessed as totally disabled, the benefi t is 

equal to 60% of the insured’s average monthly earnings and 

is paid for a maximum of 7 years.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is less 

than 30%, a lump sum is paid. The maximum partial disability benefi t is equal to 84 times the insured’s average monthly 

earnings, according to the assessed degree of disability.

Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 25% of the permanent disability benefi t.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical, surgical, hospital, and nursing 

care; prostheses; and the cost of medicines, appliances, and 

transportation up to predetermined ceilings.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum is paid equal to twice the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings.

Death benefi t: A lump sum is paid to eligible survivors, up 

to a maximum of 300,000 shillings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour, Youth, and Sports Development 

(http://www.tanzania.go.tz/labour.htm) provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a director general, the National Social Security 

Fund (http://www.nssf.or.tz) administers the program.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefi ts are provided.

The labor code requires employers to provide severance pay 

to employees with continuous service of at least 3 months.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 171

Togo

Togo

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

498.16 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1968.

Current law: 1973 (social security), with 2001 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers 

and domestic workers.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special supplementary old-age pension system for managerial staff of public and semipublic companies.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of gross earnings. Voluntarily insured 

persons contribute on the basis of average gross earnings in 

the last 3 months of salaried activity.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8% of gross payroll; contributions are reduced 

to 7.4% of gross payroll if at least 5% of the employer’s 

workforce is assessed as disabled.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged) or 

the insured has at least 30 years of actual coverage, including at least 10 years of contributions. Retirement from 

salaried employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Age 55 and does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension. The insured 

must have at least 12 months of coverage. Retirement from 

salaried employment is necessary.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity and have at least 

5 years of coverage including 6 months of contributions in 

the last year. There is no qualifying period for a disability 

that is the result of a nonwork-related accident.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the pension requirements, was a pensioner at the time of death, or had at least 

180 months of coverage.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor settlement: The deceased did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for a pension but had at least 12 months of 

coverage.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 40 or older or disabled 

who was married to the deceased for at least 1 year or who 

is pregnant or has a child by the deceased; a dependent 

disabled widower who was married to the deceased for at 

least 1 year; and children younger than age 16 (age 18 if an 

apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled).

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The monthly pension is equal to 20% of 

the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 5 years, 

plus 1.33% of average monthly earnings for each 12-month 

period of contributions exceeding 180 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage (14,444 CFA francs in 2004).

The maximum pension is equal to 100 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

If the insured is entitled to receive two or more pensions, the 

full amount of the higher pension and half the amount of the 

other pension(s) are paid.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 5 years 

for each year of coverage.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last 

adjustment was made in 1997.)

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The monthly pension is equal to 20% 

of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 5 years, 

plus 1.33% of average monthly earnings for each 12-month 

period of contributions exceeding 180 months. The insured 

is credited with a 6-month contribution period for each year 

that the claim is made before age 55.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage (14,444 CFA francs in 2004).
172 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Togo

The maximum pension is equal to 100 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 50% of the 

insured’s pension.

If the insured also receives a disability pension under the 

work injury program, the work injury disability pension is 

paid in full along with the part of the nonwork injury permanent disability pension that exceeds this amount.

The disability pension ceases at age 50 and is replaced by an 

old-age pension of the same value.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examinations by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last 

adjustment was made in 1997.)

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: An eligible spouse receives 50% of the 

monthly pension paid or payable to the deceased at the time 

of death. If there is more than one widow, the pension is 

split equally among them.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 25% of 

the monthly pension paid or payable to the deceased at the 

time of death; 40% for each full orphan.

The value of the orphan’s pension must not be less than the 

value of family allowances. An orphan receiving the pension 

may not receive family allowances.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

pension paid or payable to the deceased at the time of death; 

otherwise, the pensions are reduced proportionately.

If an eligible survivor also receives a survivor pension under 

the work injury program, the work injury survivor pension 

is paid in full along with the part of the nonwork injury 

survivor pension that exceeds this amount.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum equal to 1 month of 

the pension the deceased would have been entitled to with 

120 months of coverage is paid for each 6-month period of 

coverage. An orphan receiving the settlement may continue 

to receive family allowances.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last 

adjustment was made in 1997.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, and Employment provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1973 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity benefi ts only.

Coverage

Employed women, including agricultural salaried workers, 

domestic workers, and casual or temporary workers.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, cooperative members, 

apprentices, and students.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The labor code requires employers to provide paid 

sick leave.)

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured woman must have 

at least 12 months of coverage before the expected date of 

childbirth.

Benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefi t: The daily benefi t is equal to 100% of 

the insured’s average daily wage in the last 3 months (the 

employer pays 50% of the benefi t). The benefi t is paid for 

up to 8 weeks before the expected date of childbirth and 

6 weeks after; may be extended for up to 3 weeks in the 

event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (The labor code requires 

employers to provide certain medical services.)
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 173

Togo

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

No statutory benefi ts are provided. (Some health care and 

welfare services are provided to mothers and children under 

Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, and Employment provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1964.

Current law: 1973 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including under certain conditions 

agricultural salaried workers, domestic workers, casual and 

temporary workers, and seconded civil servants working for 

a public company.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.5% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The daily benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the insured’s average 

daily wage in the last 3 months and is paid from the day 

after the disability began until full recovery or certifi cation 

of permanent disability. The benefi t may be paid weekly or 

monthly.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed as 

totally disabled, the pension is equal to 85% of the insured’s 

average earnings in the 3 months before the disability began.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability; a lump sum 

equal to 3 years’ pension is paid if the assessed disability is 

less than 20%.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 50% of the disability pension.

The pension may be partially converted to a lump sum after 

receiving the pension for 5 years.

If the insured also receives a disability pension under the 

old-age, disability, and survivors program, the work injury 

permanent disability pension is paid in full along with the 

part of the nonwork injury disability pension that exceeds 

this amount.

The combined receipt of the work injury permanent disability pension with the old-age pension is allowed under 

certain conditions.

The pension is paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on its value.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examinations by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund every 6 months during the fi rst 2 years; 

thereafter, once a year.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last 

adjustment was made in 1997.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical, dental, and surgical care; hospitalization; medicines; appliances; transportation; and 

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the 3 months before the disability began.

Eligible survivors are a widow who was married to the 

deceased before the disability began (or at least 1 year 

before the deceased’s death) and to a dependent disabled 

widower. If there is more than one widow, the pension is 

split equally among them.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 16 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled) 

receives 10% of the deceased’s average earnings in the 

3 months before the disability began; 15% for each full 

orphan.
174 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Togo

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

receives 10% of the deceased’s average earnings in the 

3 months before the disability began.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s total permanent disability pension; otherwise, the 

pensions are reduced proportionately.

The pension is paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on its value.

If an eligible survivor also receives survivor benefi ts under 

the old-age, disability, and survivors program, the work 

injury survivor pension is paid in full along with the part 

of the nonwork injury survivor pension that exceeds this 

amount.

Funeral grant: The grant is equal to 30 days of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the 3 months before the disability began.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree for 

changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the fi nancial resources of the system. (The last 

adjustment was made in 1997.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, and Employment provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers contributions and benefi ts.

Employers must insure against liability with the National 

Social Security Fund.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1973 (social security), with 2001 amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers, 

domestic workers, casual or temporary workers, and certain 

pensioners and recipients of other social insurance benefi ts.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, cooperative members, 

apprentices, and students.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6% of gross payroll.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance maternity benefi ts 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for publicsector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled). The 

parent must have at least 3 consecutive months of employment and be currently working 18 days or 120 hours a 

month; a social insurance benefi ciary.

The child must not receive an orphan’s pension.

If a parent receives family allowances from the special system for civil servants, only the higher benefi t award is paid.

Prenatal allowance: The woman must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid for the birth of each of the fi rst three 

children. The insured’s spouse must not be in salaried 

employment.

Benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 2,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each of the fi rst six children. The benefi ts are paid every 

6 months.

Prenatal allowance: 500 CFA francs a month is paid 

for 9 months. The allowance is paid in three 3-month 

installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 6,000 CFA francs is paid for 

each of the fi rst three births.

Some health care and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, and Employment provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Employers may pay benefi ts directly to their employees.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 175

Tunisia

Tunisia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1.29 dinars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current laws: 1960 (nonagricultural workers), implemented 

in 1974; 1981 (agricultural workers); 1985 (civil servants); 

1989 (commercial agriculture); 1995 (self-employed 

persons); 2002 (low-income earners); and 2002 (artists and 

intellectuals).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Private-sector employees and certain categories of 

fi shermen.

Voluntary coverage for Tunisian workers employed abroad 

who are not covered by the host country or by a reciprocal 

agreement.

Exclusions: Convicted persons working in prison 

workshops.

Special systems for civil servants, members of parliament, 

armed forces personnel, agricultural workers, farmers, selfemployed persons, certain categories of fi shermen, domestic 

workers, some categories of low-income earners, artists, and 

intellectuals.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 7.74% of gross earnings (excluding certain 

in-kind payments or reimbursements).

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The insured person’s contributions fi nance all old-age, disability, and survivors benefi ts except the death grant and 

death allowance, which are fi nanced under Sickness and 

Maternity, below.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7.76% of gross payroll (excluding certain inkind payments or reimbursements).

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The employer’s contributions fi nance all old-age, disability, and survivors benefi ts except the death grant and death 

allowance, which are fi nanced under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Government: None; the government subsidizes contributions to enhance economic activity in deprived areas and to 

encourage the employment of young graduates, the disabled, 

and other categories of worker.

Government contributions fi nance all old-age, disability, and 

survivors benefi ts except the death grant and death allowance, which are fi nanced under Sickness and Maternity, 

below.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 120 months of 

contributions (age 50 with at least 180 months of contributions if the insured is prematurely aged because of arduous 

work, involuntarily unemployed for 6 months, or the mother 

of three or more children). Retirement from insured employment is necessary.

Early pension: Paid from age 50 with at least 360 months of 

contributions.

Partial pension: The insured must have between 60 and 

119 months of contributions at retirement. The full pension 

is proportionately reduced.

If the insured has fewer than 60 months of contributions at 

retirement, the value of the insured’s share of contributions 

is refunded.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

permanent loss of at least 2/3 of earning capacity and have 

at least 60 months of contributions. Employment must 

cease.

A medical commission assesses the degree of disability 

annually, until the insured is age 55.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner at the time 

of death or had at least 60 months of contributions.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er) and children younger 

than age 16 (age 21 if a student, age 25 if a student without a scholarship, no limit if disabled or for an unmarried 

daughter without income).

Death grant: The insured had at least 50 days of employment in the last two quarters or 80 days in the last four 

quarters before death. The employment qualifying condition 

is waived if the death was the result of an accident.

Death allowance: Paid to the insured for the death of a 

spouse or dependent child. The insured must have had at 

least 50 days of employment in the last two quarters or 

80 days of employment in the last four quarters.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 10 years before retirement, plus 0.5% for each 3-month period of contributions 

exceeding 120 months, up to a maximum of 80% of average 

earnings.

The average earnings for benefi t calculation purposes must 

not exceed six times the legal monthly minimum wage. 

Periods of contributions with declared earnings of less than 
176 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Tunisia

2/3 of the legal minimum wage are not taken into account in 

the benefi t calculation.

The minimum pension is equal to 2/3 of the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of average earnings, up to a ceiling of six times the legal monthly minimum 

wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 222.40 dinars, based 

on a working month of 200 hours.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 0.5% for each 

quarter that the pension is taken before age 60.

Partial pension: A reduced pension is paid in proportion to 

the insured’s number of quarters of contributions.

The minimum partial pension is equal to 50% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

If the insured has fewer than 60 months of contributions 

at retirement, a lump sum is paid equal to the value of the 

insured’s contributions.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are indexed to changes in the 

legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment was made in July 

2006.) The legal minimum wage is adjusted by government 

decree, after consultation with labor unions and employers’ 

representatives, according to changes in the cost of living.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 10 years before the 

disability began, plus 0.5% for each 3-month period of contributions exceeding 180 months, up to a maximum of 80% 

of average earnings.

The average earnings for benefi t calculation purposes must 

not exceed six times the legal monthly minimum wage. 

Periods of contributions with declared earnings of less than 

2/3 of the legal minimum wage are not taken into account in 

the benefi t calculation.

The minimum pension is equal to 2/3 of the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of average earnings, up to a ceiling of six times the legal monthly minimum 

wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 222.40 dinars, based 

on a working month of 200 hours.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 20% of the disability pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are indexed to changes in the 

legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment was made in July 

2006.) The legal minimum wage is adjusted by government 

decree, after consultation with labor unions and employers’ 

representatives, according to changes in the cost of living.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 75% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

to a widow(er) without a dependent child; 70% with one 

dependent child; or 50% with two or more dependent 

children.

The pension ceases if the surviving spouse remarries before 

age 55.

Orphan’s pension: 30% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

for one orphan or 50% for two or more orphans; 30% for 

one full orphan, 60% for two full orphans, 90% for three full 

orphans, or 100% for four or more full orphans.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 100% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are indexed to changes in the 

legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment was made in July 

2006.) The legal minimum wage is adjusted by government 

decree, after consultation with labor unions and employers’ 

representatives, according to changes in the cost of living.

Death grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 12 times the 

deceased’s monthly average earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever is higher), plus one times the monthly average 

earnings for each year of contributions, up to a maximum of 

18 months’ earnings. The death grant is reduced by 50% for 

the death of a pensioner; the calculated amount is reduced 

to 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% if the death occurs at age 70, 

age 75, age 80, or age 85, respectively. The average monthly 

earnings must not be more than six times the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

The minimum death grant is equal to the legal annual minimum wage (2,668.80 dinars).

The maximum death grant is equal to 18 months’ earnings.

Dependent child’s supplement: A lump sum equal to 10% of 

the death grant is paid for each dependent child.

Death allowance: A lump sum equal to between 10 and 

90 days of the insured’s sickness benefi t is paid for the death 

of a dependent spouse or child. The daily sickness benefi t is 

equal to 2/3 of the insured’s average daily earnings, up to a 

ceiling of twice the daily minimum wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians Abroad 

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.nat.tn) 

administers the program through regional offi ces.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1960 and 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 177

Tunisia

Coverage

Cash and medical benefi ts: Private-sector employees and 

certain categories of fi shermen.

Special systems for civil servants, members of parliament, 

armed forces personnel, agricultural workers, farmers, and 

certain categories of fi shermen.

Medical benefi ts only: Self-employed persons, pensioners, 

students, trainees, domestic workers, and some other categories of low-income earners.

Voluntary coverage for medical benefi ts for Tunisian 

workers employed abroad who are not covered by the host 

country or by a reciprocal agreement.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1.74% of gross earnings.

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The insured person’s contributions fi nance all sickness and 

maternity benefi ts except parental leave, which is fi nanced 

under Family Allowances, below. The insured person’s contributions also fi nance the death grant and death allowance 

provided under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4.51% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The employer’s contributions fi nance all sickness and 

maternity benefi ts except parental leave, which is fi nanced 

under Family Allowances, below. The employer’s contributions also fi nance the death grant and death allowance 

provided under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefi ts: The insured must 

have at least 50 days of insured employment in the last two 

calendar quarters or 80 days of insured employment in the 

last four quarters. Long-term sickness (for a period greater 

than 180 days) must be certifi ed by the medical commission.

Medical benefi ts are provided to the insured and the 

insured’s spouse and dependent minor children (without 

limit if disabled), dependent parents, and nonmarried daughters without income.

Cash maternity benefi ts: The insured must have at least 

80 days of insured employment in the last four quarters.

Parental leave: Paid within the fi rst 7 days after childbirth.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Sickness benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the average 

daily wage, up to a ceiling of twice the legal minimum daily 

wage. The benefi t is paid after a 5-day waiting period for a 

maximum of 180 days. Benefi ts are paid every 2 weeks.

The average daily wage for benefi t calculation purposes is 

based on the highest earnings received by the insured during 

one quarter among the last four quarters before the incapacity began.

The legal daily minimum wage is 7.41 dinars.

There is no waiting period or limit to duration for hospitalization, recognized long-term illnesses, or for an incapacity 

that is the result of a non-work-related accident. The benefi t 

is reduced by 50% from the fi rst day of the fourth year of 

sickness.

Maternity benefi t: The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the average 

daily wage, up to a ceiling of twice the legal minimum daily 

wage. The benefi t is paid for 30 days; may be extended in 

the event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth for a further 15 days. Benefi ts are paid monthly.

The average daily wage for benefi t calculation purposes is 

based on the highest earnings received by the insured in 

one quarter among the last four quarters before the claim to 

benefi ts.

Parental leave: The benefi t is equal to the average daily 

wage, calculated on the basis of the insured’s earnings 

received in the last quarter. The benefi t is paid for 1 day.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical services are provided directly to insured patients 

by government hospitals and health establishments under 

contract with the National Social Security Fund and the 

Health Department. Ambulatory services are provided in 

clinics operated by the fund. Some specialized services are 

provided by private health establishments under conventions 

and protocols. Benefi ts include medical care, hospitalization, surgery, specialist care, laboratory services, kidney 

dialysis, appliances, spa treatment, and medicines.

Cost sharing is based on the fee schedule set by law. The 

insured pays 20% of fees for general medical services in primary medical centers (25% if delivered in local hospitals); 

30% for specialist services in regional or university hospitals; 20% for X-rays, internal examination, and surgery, up 

to a limit of 30 dinars; a lump sum equal to 1 day’s hospital 

fees is paid by the insured for hospitalization.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical services are provided directly to insured patients 

by government hospitals and health establishments under 

contract with the National Social Security Fund and the 

Health Department. Ambulatory services are provided in 

clinics operated by the fund. Some specialized services are 

provided by private health establishments under conventions 

and protocols. Benefi ts include medical care, hospitalization, surgery, specialist care, laboratory services, kidney 

dialysis, appliances, spa treatment, and medicines.
178 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Tunisia

Cost sharing is based on the fee schedule set by law. The 

insured pays 20% of fees for general medical services in primary medical centers (25% if delivered in local hospitals); 

30% for specialist services in regional or university hospitals; 20% for X-rays, internal examination, and surgery, up 

to a limit of 30 dinars; a lump sum equal to 1 day’s hospital 

fees is paid by the insured for hospitalization.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians Abroad 

provides general supervision.

National Sickness Insurance Fund administers the program 

through regional offi ces.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1921.

Current law: 1994, with 1995 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All salaried employees, including occasional, temporary, 

or domestic workers; members of cooperatives; fi sherman; 

apprentices; students; and convicted persons working in 

prison workshops.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons, artists, and 

intellectuals.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions only.

Employer: From 0.4% to 4.0% of gross payroll, depending 

on the assessed degree of risk. (The contribution rate may 

be reduced, depending on the employer’s reported accident 

rate.)

Contributions are paid quarterly.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 2/3 of the highest average daily wage 

received by the insured in one quarter among the last four 

quarters before the one in which the disability began. The 

benefi t is paid after a 3-day waiting period (after 1 day if 

hospitalized) until full recovery or certifi cation of permanent 

disability.

The average daily wage for benefi t calculation purposes 

must not be lower than the legal daily minimum wage. The 

legal daily minimum wage is 7.41 dinars.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: The monthly pension is 

equal to the insured’s annual earnings multiplied by 0.5 

times the assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability between 15% and 50% and by 1.5 times the assessed 

degree of disability for the portion greater than 50%.

The annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to four times the highest quarterly salary received 

by the insured in one quarter among the last four quarters 

before the one in which the disability began. The annual 

earnings for benefi t calculation purposes must not exceed 

six times the legal annual minimum wage. The legal annual 

minimum wage is 2,668.80 dinars.

The minimum pension is equal to the legal monthly 

minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum wage is 

222.40 dinars, based on a working month of 200 hours.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 25% of the 

annual earnings used for benefi t calculation purposes.

The permanent disability pension can be paid as a lump sum 

after a 5-year period if the assessed degree of disability is 

35% or less. On receiving the lump sum, entitlement to the 

pension ceases. The lump sum is calculated according to the 

schedule in law.

For an assessed disability of between 5% and 15%, a lump 

sum is paid equal to 150% of the annual earnings used for 

benefi t calculation purposes multiplied by the assessed 

degree of disability.

If the insured is entitled to the old-age pension or the nonwork-related disability pension and the work injury permanent disability pension, all benefi ts combined must not 

exceed the value of the annual earnings used for the calculation of the higher of the pensions.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree according to changes in wages.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

All necessary medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, and appliances are provided, according to the 

schedule in law.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: 50% of the annual earnings used to calculate the deceased’s permanent disability pension is paid to 

a widow(er) without children; 40% if the surviving spouse 

has one or more children.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the annual earnings used to 

calculate the deceased’s permanent disability pension is 
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 179

Tunisia

paid for one orphan, 30% for two, or 40% for three or more 

orphans; and 50% for one full orphan, 60% for two, 70% for 

three, or 80% for four or more full orphans.

Orphans must be younger than age 16 (age 21 if a secondary 

or professional school student, age 25 if a university student, 

no limit if disabled or for an unmarried daughter without 

income).

Other eligible survivors (in the absence of the above):

20% of the annual earnings used to calculate the deceased’s 

permanent disability pension is paid for each dependent parent, grandparent, and grandchild, up to a maximum of 50% 

of the annual earnings.

The annual earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

equal to four times the highest quarterly salary received by 

the deceased in one quarter among the last four quarters 

before the one in which the disability began. The annual 

earnings for benefi t calculation purposes must not exceed 

six times the legal annual minimum wage. The legal annual 

minimum wage is 2,668.80 dinars.

All survivor benefi ts combined must not exceed 80% of the 

deceased’s earnings.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted by decree according to changes in wages.

Funeral grant: One month’s earnings is paid to the 

deceased’s eligible survivors. The maximum grant is equal 

to the legal monthly minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 222.40 dinars, based on a working month 

of 200 hours.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians Abroad 

provides general supervision.

National Sickness Insurance Fund administers the program 

through regional offi ces.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1982.

Current law: 1996 (workers’ social protection), implemented in 1997, with 2002 amendment.

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

All nonagricultural salaried employees.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

and domestic workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: None.

Government: None.

The cost of all benefi ts is fi nanced by the National Social 

Security Fund according to available reserves.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefi ts: The insured must have paid at 

least 12 quarters of contributions to the National Social 

Security Fund and must be involuntarily unemployed, 

ineligible for an old-age pension or a disability pension, and 

registered at an employment offi ce.

Unemployment Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 1 month’s salary, up to the legal 

monthly minimum wage. The benefi t is paid for up to 

6 months.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 222.40 dinars, based 

on a working month of 200 hours.

Unemployed persons can also receive family allowances 

and supplements and have access to medical benefi ts for up 

to a year beginning from the fi rst day after the end of the 

quarter in which employment ceased.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians Abroad 

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.nat.tn) 

administers the program through regional offi ces.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1944.

Current laws: 1960, 1980 (family supplement), and 1994 

(nursery school fees).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Private-sector employees, including occasional and temporary workers; fi shermen; members of agricultural cooperatives; employees of farms employing 30 or more workers; 

students younger than age 28; and trainees of any age.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, domestic workers, and 

employees of farms employing less than 30 workers.

Special system for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.
180 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Tunisia

Source of Funds

Insured person: 0.89% of gross earnings.

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The insured person’s contributions also fi nance parental 

leave provided under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.21% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The employer’s contributions also fi nance parental leave 

provided under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or the insured’s 

daughter providing care for her brothers and sisters, no limit 

if disabled). Allowances are paid for a maximum of three 

children.

Family supplements: Paid to families with a nonworking 

spouse. The children must be eligible for family allowances.

Nursery school fees (means-tested): Paid to working 

mothers with monthly earnings of less than 2.5 times the 

legal minimum wage based on a working week of 48 hours. 

The child must be between 2 months and 36 months of age 

and be eligible to receive family allowances.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 218.19 dinars, based 

on a working week of 48 hours.

Family Allowance Benefi ts

Family allowances: 18% of the insured’s earnings is paid 

for the fi rst child, 16% for the second, and 14% for the third. 

The allowances are paid quarterly.

The maximum earnings for benefi t calculation purposes are 

122 dinars a quarter.

Family supplements: 9.37 dinars a quarter is paid for 

the fi rst child, 18.75 dinars a quarter for two children, and 

23.47 dinars a quarter for three children.

Nursery school fees (means-tested): 15 dinars a month is 

paid for a maximum of 11 months for each eligible child.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians Abroad 

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.nat.tn) 

administers the program through regional offi ces.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 181

Uganda

Uganda

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1,753 shillings.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1967.

Current law: 1985 (social security fund).

Type of program: Provident fund system.

Coverage

Employees aged 16 to 54 of fi rms with fi ve or more 

workers.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Exclusions: Temporary employees.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of gross monthly earnings.

There are no minimum or maximum earnings for contribution purposes.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 10% of gross monthly payroll.

There are no minimum or maximum earnings for contribution purposes.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefi t: Age 55; age 50 if retired from full-time 

employment.

Drawdown payments: The withdrawal of contributions and 

interest is permitted if covered by an alternative social security program approved by the Minister of Finance, Planning, 

and Economic Development or if permanently leaving the 

country.

Disability benefi t: The fund member must have a permanent total disability for any work or a permanent partial 

disability resulting in a serious loss of earning capacity.

Survivor benefi t: Paid for the death of the fund member 

before retirement.

Eligible survivors (in order of priority) are the surviving 

spouse and dependent children; parents and brothers or 

sisters of the deceased; grandparents or other relatives; and 

the person who paid for the funeral.

Old-Age Benefi ts

A lump sum is paid equal to total employee and employer 

contributions, plus accrued interest.

Interest rate adjustment: The annual rate of interest is based 

on the rate of return on National Social Security Fund 

investments and is agreed to in consultation with the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

A lump sum is paid equal to total employee and employer 

contributions, plus accrued interest.

Interest rate adjustment: The annual rate of interest is based 

on the rate of return on National Social Security Fund 

investments and is to agreed in consultation with the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Survivor Benefi ts

A lump sum is paid equal to total employee and employer 

contributions, plus accrued interest. If the benefi t is paid to 

the person who pays for the funeral, the cost of the funeral is 

reimbursed.

Interest rate adjustment: The annual rate of interest is based 

on the rate of return on National Social Security Fund 

investments and is agreed to in consultation with the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development 

(http://www.fi nance.go.ug) provides general supervision.

Bank of Uganda (http://www.bou.or.ug) provides substantive supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.nssfug.org) 

administers the program.

National Social Security Fund is governed by a tripartite 

board of directors consisting of the managing director, the 

chairman, and other members appointed by the Minister of 

Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1946.

Current law: 2000 (workers’ compensation).

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a specifi ed insurer.

Coverage

Employed persons, including government employees.

Exclusions: Active members of the armed forces.
182 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Uganda

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is normally met through insurance 

premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: The insured must have a permanent 

incapacity or an incapacity lasting for at least 3 consecutive 

days that results in the loss of earnings.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is paid periodically or as a lump sum. The benefi t amount depends on the circumstances of the accident, 

the assessed degree of disability, the loss of earnings, and 

the probable duration of the disability. The benefi t is paid 

for up to 96 months; may be extended, subject to a medical 

examination.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is totally disabled, a lump sum is paid equal to 

60 months’ earnings, up to a maximum.

Constant-attendance supplement: Equal to 25% of the lumpsum benefi t but not less than a predetermined minimum.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefi t is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Benefi ts include medical, surgical, and nursing care; hospitalization; and medicines.

Survivor Benefi ts

A lump sum equal to 60 months’ earnings, up to a variable 

maximum amount, minus 50% of the value of any disability 

benefi ts paid to the insured for the same accident before his 

or her death.

The full benefi t is paid to fully dependent survivors; in the 

absence of dependent survivors, the employer pays any 

expenses related to medical care provided to the deceased 

and the cost of the funeral.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development 

(http://www.mglsd.go.ug) enforces the law, approves settlements, and pays benefi ts from money deposited with it by 

employers.

Employers must insure against liability with private insurance companies.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 183

Zambia

Zambia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals

4,040 kwacha (K).

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965 (provident fund).

Current law: 1996 (pension scheme), implemented in 2000.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural workers, domestic 

servants in urban areas, apprentices, and all public-sector 

and local government employees who began service on or 

after February 1, 2000.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and some 

categories of informal-sector workers who were previously 

covered for at least 60 months.

Exclusions: Workers younger than age 16, older than age 

55, or earning less than K15,000 a month; armed forces 

personnel.

Special system for public-sector and local government 

employees who began service before February 1, 2000.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of covered earnings; voluntary contributors, 10% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to four times national average monthly earnings.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions of 10% of 

covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to four times national average monthly earnings.

Employer: 5% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are equal to four times national average monthly earnings.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with at least 180 contributions. 

Retirement from regular employment is necessary.

Early pension: Paid from age 50 with at least 180 paid 

contributions and if the resulting reduced pension is at least 

equal to the minimum pension. Retirement from regular 

employment is necessary.

Old-age settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension.

All old-age benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a 

reciprocal agreement.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed as permanently incapable of any work as the result of a physical or 

mental disability and have at least 60 contributions, including 12 in the 36 months before the disability began.

The disability is assessed by a medical board appointed by 

the Minister of Labor and Social Security.

Disability settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy 

the qualifying conditions for the disability pension.

All disability benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a 

reciprocal agreement.

Survivor pension: The deceased had at least 60 contributions or was receiving an old-age or disability pension at the 

time of death.

Eligible survivors are the spouse and children younger than 

age 18 (age 25 if a student, no limit if disabled).

A surviving spouse caring for one or more of the deceased’s 

children is eligible for a pension until death or remarriage. 

If the surviving spouse is younger than age 45 and without children by the deceased, a limited pension is paid for 

2 years.

Survivor settlement: Paid to survivors if the deceased did 

not satisfy the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Funeral grant: Paid if the deceased had at least 12 months 

of contributions in the 36 months before death.

All survivor benefi ts are payable abroad only if there is a 

reciprocal agreement.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The monthly pension is equal to the 

insured’s average adjusted monthly earnings multiplied by 

the number of months of contributions.

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 20% of national 

average monthly earnings.

The maximum monthly pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average adjusted monthly earnings.

Early pension: A reduced pension is paid. The minimum 

monthly early pension is equal to 20% of national average 

monthly earnings.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted annually according 

to changes in wages.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the total 

adjusted contributions from the insured person and the 

employer, plus accrued interest.
184 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Zambia

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The insured’s monthly calculated pension or the minimum pension (whichever is greater) is paid, 

plus compensation for lost work-years.

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 20% of national 

average monthly earnings.

Disability settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the 

total adjusted contributions from the insured person and the 

employer, plus accrued interest.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: If the insured was employed at the time 

of death, the pension is equal to the monthly calculated 

pension or the minimum pension (whichever is greater), 

plus compensation for lost work-years. If the deceased was 

receiving an old-age or disability pension, the pension is 

replaced by a survivor pension.

When there is more than one eligible survivor, the pension 

is split according to the schedule in law.

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 20% of national 

average monthly earnings.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the total 

adjusted contributions from the employee and the employer, 

plus accrued interest.

Funeral grant: A lump sum equal to 10 times the minimum 

pension is paid to the survivor. In the absence of a survivor, 

the grant is paid to the person who pays for the funeral.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board of trustees and a director general, the National Pension Scheme Authority (http://www

.napsa.co.zm) administers the program through two regional 

offi ces and 22 district offi ces.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1973.

Current law: 1994.

Type of program: Medical benefi ts only.

No statutory cash benefi ts are provided. Women who qualifi ed for maternity benefi ts under the repealed provident fund 

act can claim maternity benefi ts under the repealed act.

Coverage

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts: No statutory benefi ts are provided.

Medical benefi ts: Resident citizens of Zambia.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: Most of the cost of medical benefi ts.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts: No statutory 

benefi ts are provided. (Women who qualifi ed for maternity 

benefi ts under the repealed provident fund act can claim 

maternity benefi ts under the repealed act.)

Medical benefi ts: Must be a resident citizen of Zambia.

Sickness and Maternity Benefi ts

Cash sickness and maternity benefi ts: No statutory 

benefi ts are provided. (Women who qualifi ed for maternity 

benefi ts under the repealed provident fund act can claim 

maternity benefi ts under the repealed act.)

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical care is available to all citizens in government hospitals, clinics, and rural health centers at low cost. Medical 

services requiring the payment of fees have been introduced 

in selected medical institutions.

Dependents’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical care is available to all citizens in government hospitals, clinics, and rural health centers at low cost. Medical 

services requiring the payment of fees have been introduced 

in selected medical institutions.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1929 (employer liability) and 1963 (compulsory 

insurance).

Current law: 1994.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a public carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons, including casual workers, domestic servants, apprentices, and public-sector employees not covered 

by the special system.

Special system for public-sector employees.
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 185

Zambia

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through contributions fi xed 

annually according to the assessed degree of risk.

Government: None; contributes as an employer on behalf 

of covered employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

If the insured is assessed with a degree of disability of 10% 

or less, the benefi t is equal to 50% of monthly covered earnings. The benefi t is paid for a maximum of 18 months; may 

be extended to 24 months. Medical certifi cation is necessary.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are K250,000.

The minimum and maximum benefi ts vary according to the 

assessed degree of disability.

The degree of disability is assessed by government hospitals 

or private clinics. Occupational diseases are assessed annually. Work injuries are assessed when the claim is made; a 

review of the assessed disability is possible if the worker’s 

medical condition changes.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: The insured must have an 

assessed degree of disability greater than 10%. The pension 

is equal to 50% of monthly covered earnings when the disability began times the assessed degree of disability.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefi t calculation 

purposes are K250,000.

The maximum pension is paid for a permanent total disability of 100%.

Constant-attendance allowance: The allowance varies 

according to the insured’s assessed degree of disability.

Partial disability: A lump sum is paid if the total benefi t 

payment is less than K31,000 or if the assessed degree of 

disability is 10% or less.

The degree of disability is assessed by a government institution or private clinic. Occupational diseases are assessed 

annually. Work injuries are assessed at the start of the claim; 

a review of the assessed disability is possible if the worker’s 

medical condition changes.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

Medical benefi ts are determined by the Minister of Labor 

and Social Security through a statutory body.

There is no limit to duration.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: A widow or a disabled widower receives 

80% of the deceased’s disability pension. The pension is 

paid monthly.

The widow(er) pension ceases on remarriage, and a lump 

sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

24 months’ pension.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s disability pension is paid for the fi rst orphan (30% for a full orphan) and 

5% for each additional orphan (10% for each additional full 

orphan) younger than age 18. The monthly pension is paid 

for a maximum of eight orphans.

Other eligible survivors (in the absence of the above):

The amount varies according to the degree that the survivor 

was dependent on the deceased.

Benefi t adjustment: Benefi ts are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial or an amount prescribed by the Minister of Labor and Social Security is paid.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a board and a commissioner, the Workers’ 

Compensation Fund Control Board (http://www.workers

.com.zm) administers contributions and benefi ts.
186 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

1,441 Zimbabwean dollars (Z$).

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1993.

Current laws: 1995, 1998, 2001, 2002, and 2003.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Note: Under the 1998 Social Welfare Assistance Act, limited 

public assistance is provided by the Department of Social 

Welfare to destitute persons incapable of work and to persons aged 65 or older or disabled.

Coverage

All employed persons between ages 16 and 65 who are 

citizens or residents of Zimbabwe.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are Z$130,000.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes 

are Z$130,000.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60; age 55 for arduous employment, 

with at least 10 years of contributions.

Deferred pension: The pension may be deferred up to 

age 65.

Retirement grant: Paid if the insured does not meet the 

qualifying conditions for the pension but has more than 

1 year but less than 10 years of contributions.

Disability pension: The insured must be younger than 

age 60, assessed as disabled and permanently incapable of 

work by a medical doctor, and have at least 1 year of contributions. The disability must not be work related.

Disability grant: The insured must be younger than age 60, 

assessed as disabled and permanently incapable of work by 

a medical doctor, and have less than 1 year of contributions. 

The disability must not be work related.

Survivor benefi t: The deceased was receiving or met the 

qualifying conditions for the old-age or disability pension at 

the time of death.

Eligible survivors (in order of priority) are the widow(er), 

children younger than age 18 (age 25 if a student, no limit 

if permanently disabled), parents, and other dependents. If 

there is no widow(er), dependent children are paid through 

the legal guardian.

Survivor grant: The insured met the qualifying conditions 

for the retirement grant or disability grant.

Eligible survivors (in order of priority) are the widow(er), 

children younger than age 18 (age 25 if a student, no limit 

if permanently disabled), parents, and other dependents. If 

there is no widow(er), dependent children are paid through 

the legal guardian.

Funeral grant: The deceased must have contributed for at 

least 1 year. The grant is paid to the person who pays for the 

funeral.

Old-Age Benefi ts

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 1.33% of 

monthly covered earnings multiplied by the number of years 

of contributions up to a maximum of 30 years, plus 2.25% 

of monthly covered earnings multiplied by the number of 

years of contributions exceeding 30 years.

Deferred pension: Calculated in the same way as the old-age 

pension.

The minimum monthly pension is Z$12,900.

Retirement grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 1/12 of the 

insured’s annual covered earnings immediately before retirement multiplied by the number of years of contributions 

(including credited periods), up to a maximum of 10 years.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 1% of the 

insured’s average annual covered earnings when the disability began multiplied by the number of years of contributions, up to a maximum of 10 years. For a contribution 

period exceeding 10 years, the pension is equal to 3% of 

monthly covered earnings at the time the disability began 

multiplied by the number of years of contributions (including credited periods), plus 2.25% of monthly covered 

earnings multiplied by the number of years of contributions 

exceeding 30 years.

The minimum monthly pension is Z$5,700.

Disability grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 1/12 of the 

insured’s annual covered earnings in the year before the 

disability began times the number of years of contributions 

(including credited periods).
SSPTW: Africa, 2007 ♦ 187

Zimbabwe

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor benefi t: A lump sum equal to 40% of the 

deceased’s old-age pension or disability pension is paid 

for a widow(er), 40% for children until age 18 (age 25 

if a student), 12% for parents, and 8% for other eligible 

dependents.

If there is more than one eligible widow, the benefi t is split 

equally between them.

Survivor grant: A lump sum equal to 40% of the deceased’s 

retirement grant or disability grant is paid for a widow(er), 

40% for children until age 18 (age 25 if a student), 12% for 

parents, and 8% for other eligible dependents.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid, up to a maximum of 

50% of the maximum monthly earnings for contribution 

purposes. The maximum monthly earnings for contribution 

purposes are Z$130,000.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Social Welfare provides general supervision.

National Social Security Authority (http://www.nssa.org.zw) 

administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory cash benefi ts are provided.

The labor relations act requires employers to provide a 

maternity benefi t. The maternity benefi t is equal to 100% of 

wages and is paid for 45 days before and 45 days after the 

expected date of childbirth.

A health care program provides free primary health care for 

low-paid workers.

Government and mission hospitals serve rural areas; government and private hospitals and doctors serve urban areas.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

Current laws: 1990 and 1998.

Type of program: Employer-liability system.

Coverage

All employed persons in the private sector.

Exclusions: Domestic workers.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost for employees is met through 

insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefi ts: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefi ts

The benefi t is equal to 100% of monthly covered earnings 

(up to a ceiling of $50,000) for the fi rst 30 days; thereafter, 

monthly payments are equal to 80% of monthly earnings up 

to and including Z$7,500, plus 60% of monthly earnings of 

the next Z$7, 500, plus 50% of the next Z$10,000, plus 40% 

of the next Z$25,000.

The benefi t is paid for a maximum of 18 months.

Child’s supplement: The fi rst child receives 12.5% of the 

insured’s benefi t; 5% each for the second to the fi fth child. 

The amount paid for each subsequent child is determined by 

the General Manager.

Permanent Disability Benefi ts

Permanent disability pension: The insured must have an 

assessed degree of disability greater than 30%. To receive 

the pension, the pension amount must be greater than 

Z$1,100 a month. A lump sum is paid if the insured’s pension is not greater than Z$1,100 a month.

Constant-attendance allowance: If assessed as totally 

disabled and requiring the constant attendance of another 

person, an allowance if paid for life.

Child’s supplement: The fi rst child receives 12.5% of the 

insured’s pension; 5% each for the second to the fi fth child. 

The amount paid for each subsequent child is determined by 

the General Manager.

Partial disability: A lump sum is paid if the insured has an 

assessed degree of disability of less than 30%.

Benefi ts are payable abroad.

Workers’ Medical Benefi ts

The National Social Security Authority meets the cost of all 

medical fees, including for drugs, hospital care, prostheses, 

and transportation.

Survivor Benefi ts

Survivor pension: A dependent widow(er) receives 66.6% 

of the deceased’s pension. If there is more than one eligible 

widow, the pension is split equally between them.

The pension ceases on remarriage and a lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 24 

months’ pension.
188 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2007

Zimbabwe

Child’s supplement: Paid until the child is aged 19 or is 

self-supporting, whichever is earlier. The fi rst child receives 

12.5% of the insured’s pension; 5% each for the second to 

the fi fth child. The rate paid for each subsequent child is 

determined by the General Manager. The child’s supplement 

does not cease if the surviving spouse remarries.

Dependent’s allowance: Paid to dependent parents, brothers, and sisters for the death of an unmarried worker.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid, up to a maximum of 

50% of the maximum monthly earnings for contribution 

purposes. The maximum monthly earnings for contribution 

purposes are Z$130,000.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Social Welfare provides general supervision.

National Social Security Authority (http://www.nssa.org.zw) 

administers the program.