Social Security Programs

Throughout the World:

Africa, 2003

Social Security Administration

Office of Policy

Office of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics

This publication is substantially based on information collected and summarized by the International Social Security Association.

Preface

This issue marks a significant change in Social Security Programs Throughout the World, which

the Social Security Administration (SSA) first published 65 years ago. The report is now divided

into a four-volume series and will be published in 6-month intervals. Each volume will be

dedicated to one of four geographic regions: Europe, Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and the

Americas.

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, as well as economic and fiscal issues.

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

between SSA and the International Social Security Association (ISSA). Founded in 1927, the

ISSA is a nonprofit 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 the countries social security systems.

For the first time, 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 reflect 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 July 2002, 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 www.socialsecurity.gov/policy. For additional copies, please

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

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

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

Emil Loomis designed the report and, with assistance from Kathryn Winstead, produced it for

publication. Sherry Snyder edited the report, with assistance from Celine Houget. Laurie Brown

prepared the Web versions of this publication.

Susan Grad

Acting Associate Commissioner

for Research, Evaluation, and Statistics

September 2003

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 .............................................................................. 3

Sickness and Maternity ............................................................................................... 7

Work Injury.................................................................................................................. 10

Unemployment ............................................................................................................ 12

Family Allowances....................................................................................................... 14

Tables

1. Types of social security programs.......................................................................... 16

2. Types of mandatory systems for retirement income ............................................... 18

3. Demographic and other statistics related to social security, 2003 .......................... 20

4. Contribution rates for social security programs, 2003 ............................................ 22

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

Benin .............................................. 31

Botswana ....................................... 34

Burkina Faso .................................. 36

Burundi .......................................... 39

Cameroon ....................................... 41

Cape Verde ..................................... 44

Central African Republic ................ 47

Chad ............................................... 50

Congo (Brazzaville) ........................ 53

Congo (Kinshasa).......................... 56

Côte d’Ivoire .................................. 59

Egypt ............................................. 62

Equatorial Guinea........................... 66

Ethiopia .......................................... 69

Gabon............................................. 71

Gambia ........................................... 74

Ghana ............................................. 76

Guinea ............................................ 78

Kenya ............................................. 81

Liberia ............................................ 83

Libya .............................................. 85

Madagascar ................................... 88

Malawi ........................................... 91

Mali ................................................ 92

Mauritania ..................................... 95

Mauritius ....................................... 98

Morocco ........................................ 101

Niger .............................................. 104

Nigeria ............................................ 107

Rwanda .......................................... 109

São Tomé and Principe .................. 111

Senegal .......................................... 113

Seychelles ...................................... 116

Sierra Leone ................................... 118

South Africa ................................... 120

Sudan ............................................. 123

Swaziland ....................................... 125

Tanzania ......................................... 127

Togo ............................................... 129

Tunisia ........................................... 132

Uganda .......................................... 136

Zambia ........................................... 138

Zimbabwe ....................................... 140

Country Summaries

Guide to Reading

the Country Summaries

This edition of Social Security Programs Throughout

the World marks a significant break with previous

editions. It now comprises four separate volumes—

Europe, Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas—

that will be published on a rolling basis between

September 2002 and March 2004. The combined findings

of this report highlight the principal features of social

security programs throughout the world. This guide

serves as an overview of programs in all four 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

this volume on Africa, the data reported are based on laws

and regulations in force at the beginning of 2003 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 16.

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. Benefit 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 benefit 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. The terminology may

therefore differ from national concepts or usage.

Sources of Information

Most of the information in this report was collated 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

officials throughout the world. (For a listing of countries

and jurisdictions, see page 2.) Important sources of

published information include the ISSA Documentation

Center; the legislative database of the International

Labour Office; and official publications, periodicals, and

selected documents received from social security

institutions. Information was also received from the

Organization for Economic Cooperation and

Development, the World Bank, and the International

Monetary Fund. During the compilation process,

international analysts at both SSA and the ISSA

examined the material for factual errors, ambiguous

statements, and contradictions in material from different

sources.

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 definition 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 benefits to replace lost income are

usually referred to as income maintenance programs;

measures that finance or provide direct services are

referred to as benefits in kind.

Three broad approaches to coverage provide cash

benefits under income-maintenance programs; namely,

employment-related, universal, and means-tested

systems. Under both the employment-related and the

universal approaches, the insured, dependents, and

survivors can claim benefits as a matter of right. Under

means-tested approaches, benefits are based on a

comparison of a person’s income or resources against a

standard measure. Some countries also provide other

types of coverage.

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.
2 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

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 financed

entirely or largely from contributions (usually a

percentage of earnings) made by employers, workers, or

both and are in most instances compulsory for defined

categories of workers and their employers.

The creation of notional defined contributions (NDC)

is a relatively new method of calculating benefits. NDC

schemes are a variant of contributory social insurance

that seek to tie benefit 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 benefits are due, the

individual’s notional account balance is converted into a

periodic pension payment.

Some social insurance systems permit voluntary

affiliation 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 benefits. In many countries, the national government participates in the financing of employmentrelated 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, finance part or all of the cost of

a program, or pay a subsidy to make up any deficit 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 financing

social security, see Source of Funds under Old Age,

Disability, and Survivors.)

Universal

Universal, or demogrant, programs provide flat-rate cash

benefits to residents or citizens, without consideration of

income, employment, or means. Typically financed from

general revenues, these benefits may apply to all persons

with sufficient residency. Universal programs may

Countries in Africa that Responded to the

Social Security Programs Throughout the World Survey

Benin

Botswana

Burundi

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Congo (Kinshasa)

Côte d’Ivoire

Egypt

Ethiopia

Gambia

Ghana

Guinea

Kenya

Liberia

Libya

Madagascar

Malawi

Mauritania

Morocco

Niger

Nigeria

Senegal

Sierra Leone

South Africa

Tanzania

Togo

Tunisia

Uganda

Zambia

Zimbabwe
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 3

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 financed in part by contributions from workers

and employers.

Means-Tested

Means-tested programs establish eligibility for benefits by

measuring individual or family resources against a

calculated standard usually based on subsistence needs.

Benefits are limited to applicants who satisfy a means

test. The size and type of benefits awarded are

determined in each case by administrative decision within

the framework of the law.

The specific 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 financed 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 benefits. In such instances,

means- or income-tested programs may be administered

by social insurance agencies. Means-tested programs

apply to persons who are not in covered employment or

whose benefits 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 benefit, 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 mandatory private

insurance, publicly operated provident funds, and

employer-liability systems.

Mandatory Private Insurance. This type of coverage

may have been introduced to substitute for, or to complement, social insurance systems that are mainly pay-asyou-go (PAYG). Private insurance is funded either

through mandatory employee contributions or a combination of mandatory employee and employer contributions.

Contributions are assigned to an employee’s individual

account. The employee must pay administrative fees for

the management of the private account and usually

purchase a separate policy for disability and survivors

insurance.

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

defined contingencies occur. Typically, benefits 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 defined contingencies. On retirement, some

provident funds also permit beneficiaries 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 specified

payments or services directly to their employees. Specified 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 benefits or family allowances; the provision of

temporary or long-term cash benefits 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 five types of programs:

• Old age, disability, and survivors;

• Sickness and maternity;

• Work injury;

• Unemployment; and

• Family allowances.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Benefits 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 benefits are normally pensions payable for life or for

a considerable number of years. Such benefits are
4 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

usually provided as part of a single system with common

financing and administration as well as interrelated

qualifying conditions and benefit formulas.

The laws summarized under Old Age, Disability, and

Survivors focus first on benefits providing pensions or

lump-sum payments to compensate for loss of income

resulting from old age or permanent retirement. Such

benefits are usually payable after attaining a specified

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 defined as longterm and more or less total work impairment resulting

from a nonoccupational injury or disease. (Disability

caused by a work injury or occupational 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 (or demogrant) 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 benefits unless

there is a reciprocal agreement with the country of which

they are nationals.

The extent of employment-related benefits is usually

determined by the age of the system. Historically, social

security coverage was provided first 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-specific 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 benefits 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 benefits offered

by the particular program.

Groups that might be considered difficult 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 if they make voluntary

contributions at a specified 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 unified national

program, thus largely bypassing the need for developing

separate industrial or agricultural funds.

Most developing countries have extended coverage

gradually. Their first step toward creating a social

security system has commonly been to cover wage and

salary workers against loss of income due to 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 firm. Funds that exclude employees with

earnings above a certain level from compulsory coverage

may in some cases give them the option to affiliate or

continue to participate voluntarily.

Source of Funds. The financing of benefits for old-age,

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 and demogrant

systems) are financed 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,
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 5

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 deficits, or even to finance 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, financing

their benefits entirely from general revenues or by the

employer’s contribution.

The contribution rate apportioned between the sources

of financing 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 benefit is not financed

entirely by the government, separate rates may exist for

each program. In other instances, flat-rate weekly

contributions may finance 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. Benefits for sickness, work

injury, unemployment, and family allowances as well as

pensions may be financed from this single contribution.

General revenue financing 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 finance all or

part of the means-tested supplementary benefits 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 benefit. In a few cases,

an earnings ceiling applies for the determination of

benefits but not for contribution purposes. In some

countries, contribution rates are applied not to actual

earnings but to a fixed amount that is set for all earnings

falling within a specified range or wage class.

Qualifying Conditions. Qualifying to receive an old-age

benefit is usually conditional on two requirements:

attainment of a specified age and completion of a

specified 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 benefits generally become payable between

ages 60 and 65. In some countries, length-of-service

benefits are payable at any age after a certain period of

employment, most commonly between 30 and 40 years.

Reflecting public pressure to lower the age limits, a major

policy issue in the 1970s and 1980s was the age at which

retirement benefits first become payable. More recently,

several countries have increased the age limit for entitlement, due, in part, to budgetary constraints.

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 benefits 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 benefit or

earnings is paid for each year of contribution.

The majority of old-age pensions financed through

social insurance systems require total or substantial

withdrawal from covered employment. Under a retirement test, the benefit 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
6 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

work for receipt of a pension. Provident funds pay the

benefit only when the worker leaves covered employment or emigrates.

Some countries provide a number of exemptions that

act to eliminate the retirement condition for specified

categories of pensioners. For instance, the retirement

test may be eliminated for workers who reached a

specified 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

benefit 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 benefit 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 benefit is usually

shorter than for an old-age benefit. Periods of 3 to 5

years of contributions or covered employment are most

common. A few countries provide disability benefits in

the form of an unlimited extension of ordinary cash

sickness benefits.

Entitlement to disability benefits 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 benefit. The upper age limit is frequently the

statutory retirement age, when disability benefits may be

converted to old-age benefits.

For survivors to be eligible for benefits, most programs

require that the deceased worker was a pensioner,

completed a minimum period of covered employment, or

satisfied the minimum contribution conditions. The

qualifying contribution period is often the same as that for

the disability benefit. The surviving spouse and orphans

may also have to meet certain conditions, such as age

requirements.

Old-Age Benefits. The old-age benefit in most countries

is a wage-related, periodic payment. However, some

countries pay a universal fixed amount that bears no

relationship to any prior earnings; others supplement their

universal pension with an earnings-related pension.

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).

Benefits that are related to income are almost always

based on average earnings. Some countries compute the

average from gross earnings, including various fringe

benefits; 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 benefit.

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 inflation.

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 reflects 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

benefit 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 benefit formula that returns a larger percentage

of earnings to lower-paid workers than to higher-paid

workers.

Most systems limit the size of the benefit. 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 benefit for a wife or

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

of the basic benefit, although in some countries the

supplement is payable only for a wife who has reached a

specified age, has children in her care, or is disabled. It

may also be payable for a dependent husband.

Minimum benefits are intended to maintain a minimum

standard of living in many countries, although that objec-
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 7

tive is not always achieved. A maximum that reduces the

effect large families have on benefits is commonly used

to limit total benefits, including those of survivors, in the

interest of the financial stability of the program.

In some countries, benefits are automatically adjusted

to reflect 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 benefit adjustment to the government, usually requiring legislative

approval.

Disability Benefit. Under most programs, provisions for

disability benefits 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 benefit, may be

paid to those who need help on a daily basis. Partial

disability benefits, if payable, are usually reduced,

according to a fixed scale. The system may also provide

rehabilitation and training. Some countries provide higher

benefits for workers in arduous or dangerous

employment.

Survivor Benefit. Most systems provide periodic

benefits for survivors of covered persons or pensioners,

although some pay only lump-sum benefits. Survivor

benefits are generally a percentage of either the benefit

paid to the deceased at death or the benefit to which the

insured would have been entitled if he or she had attained

pensionable age or become disabled at that time.

Survivor benefits are paid to some categories of

widows under nearly all programs. The amount of a

widow’s benefit usually ranges from 50 percent to

75 percent of the deceased worker’s benefit or, in some

cases, 100 percent. In some countries, lifetime benefits

are payable to every widow whose husband fulfills the

necessary qualifying period. More commonly, the

provision of widows’ benefits is confined to widows who

are caring for young children, are above a specified age,

or are disabled.

Lifetime benefits 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

specified age or is disabled. Most widows’ benefits also

terminate on remarriage, although a final lump-sum grant

may be payable under this circumstance. Special provisions govern the rights of the divorced. Age limits for

orphan’s benefits are in many cases the same as for

children’s allowances. Many countries fix 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 benefits 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.

Benefits are payable under a number of programs to

widowers of insured workers or pensioners. A widower

usually must have been financially dependent on his wife

and either disabled or old enough to receive an old-age

benefit at her death. A widower’s benefit is usually

computed in the same way as a widow’s benefit.

Many systems also pay benefits to other surviving

close relatives, such as parents and grandparents, but

only in the absence of qualifying widows, widowers, or

children. The maximum total benefit to be divided among

survivors is usually between 80 percent and 100 percent

of the benefit 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 self-governing,

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 benefits is placed directly in the hands

of a government ministry or department.

Sickness and Maternity

Sickness benefit programs are generally of two types:

cash sickness benefits, which are paid when short-term

illnesses prevent work, and health care benefits, which

are provided in the form of medical, hospital, and

pharmaceutical benefits. Some countries maintain a

separate program for cash maternity benefits, which are

paid to working mothers before and after childbirth. In

most countries, however, maternity benefits are

administered as part of the cash sickness program.

(Benefits provided as a result of work injury or

occupational disease are provided either under work

injury or sickness programs. Details of the benefits are

discussed under Work Injury.)
8 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Cash sickness and maternity benefits 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

benefits together is that each deals with the risk of

temporary incapacity. Moreover, in most instances, such

benefits are furnished as part of a single system with

common financing 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 benefits.

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 benefit program usually

continues to be administered on an insurance basis,

funded by payroll contributions, and merged in 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

benefits are usually administered jointly.

Benefits designed to assist in the provision of longterm care, often at home, are generally supported by a

special tax. Benefit levels are normally set to the level of

care required. These benefits 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

benefits is generally identical in countries where both

types of benefits 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 affiliate on a voluntary basis. In

several countries, higher-paid employees are specifically

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 beneficiaries under the medical care

programs, in some cases without cost to the pensioner.

Elsewhere, pensioners pay a percentage of their pension

or a fixed 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

financing of sickness programs with that of other social

insurance benefits and collect only a single contribution

from employees and employers. More commonly,

however, a fixed 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 benefits 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 benefits.

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

benefits may range from less than 1 month to 6 months or

more and is ordinarily somewhat longer for cash maternity benefits. Usually the period must be fairly recent,

such as during the last 6 or 12 months. In the case of

medical benefits, 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

beneficiaries. A few programs require a longer period of

covered employment before medical services are provided to dependents.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 9

Cash Benefits. The cash sickness benefit is usually

50 percent to 75 percent of current average earnings,

frequently with supplements for dependents. Most

programs, however, fix a maximum benefit amount or do

so implicitly through a general earnings ceiling for

contributions and benefits. Benefits may be reduced

when beneficiaries 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, benefits 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,

benefits may not be payable for the first few days.

Under some programs, however, benefits are retroactively paid for the waiting period when the disability

continues beyond a specified time, commonly 2 to 3

weeks. A waiting period reduces administrative and

benefit 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

benefits for a single illness or injury, or in a given

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

some instances, however, benefits 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 specific

cases. In most countries, when cash sickness benefits

are exhausted, the recipient is paid a disability benefit if

the incapacity continues.

Cash maternity benefits are usually payable for a

specified period, both before and after childbirth. A

woman is almost always required to stop working while

receiving maternity benefits, and usually she must use the

prenatal and postnatal medical services provided by the

system. In some countries, cash maternity benefits 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 specified age.

The proportion of earnings payable as a cash maternity

benefit differs considerably from country to country but,

like cash sickness benefits, is usually between 50 percent

and 75 percent of current earnings. However, in a

number of countries, maternity benefits are set at

100 percent of wages. Benefit 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 benefit and payable for up to

6 months or longer—may be provided in addition to the

basic cash maternity benefit. 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 lump-sum maternity

grant may be paid on the birth of each child. The wives

of insured men may be eligible for this grant. Similar

benefits may be provided under the family allowance

program.

Medical Benefits. 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 financial 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 specified 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 flat 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
10 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

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 fixed

fee per medical treatment or prescription or per day of

hospitalization.

Some health care systems have no limit on how long

medical care may be provided. Other systems fix 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 benefits

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 affiliated members.

National law usually prescribes the minimum (and, in

some cases, the maximum) cash benefits and medical

services the health funds may provide. In a few countries, individual funds may determine what specific health

care benefits 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 benefit programs, which tend to be linked with

other types of social security benefits.

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 benefits, depending

on both the duration of the incapacity and the age of

survivors. Work injury benefits nearly always include

cash benefits 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

benefits 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 benefits.

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 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.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 11

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 benefits 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 self-employed. 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 benefits are financed

primarily by employer contributions, reflecting 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, financing 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 Benefits. Work injury programs provide

cash benefits and medical benefits. Cash benefits under

work injury programs may be subdivided into three types:

benefits 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 benefits.

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 benefits 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.

Benefits 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 benefit

may be replaced by a permanent disability benefit. In

some systems, temporary benefits may continue for an

extended period, particularly if the temporary and permanent benefit amounts are identical.

The temporary benefit 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 benefit. Temporary benefits under work

injury programs may be significantly higher than in the

case of ordinary sickness. Benefits are reduced under

some programs when a worker is hospitalized.

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

becomes payable immediately after the temporary

disability benefit ceases, based on a medical evaluation

that the worker’s incapacity is both permanent and total.

The permanent total disability benefit is usually payable

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

minority of programs, however, pay only a single lumpsum grant equal to several years’ wages.

The permanent total disability benefit usually amounts

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

earnings before injury, somewhat higher than for ordinary

disability benefits. In addition, unlike ordinary disability

benefits, 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 benefits may exceed former earnings. In some

countries, the benefits 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 benefit based on a very

low starting wage.

The third type of cash work injury benefit 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 benefit corresponding to the

percentage loss of capacity. Alternatively, permanent

partial disability benefits 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 benefit as a lump sum when the extent of disability is

below a stated percentage, such as 20 percent.

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 Benefits. Most work injury programs also

provide benefits to survivors. These benefits are

customarily payable to a widow, regardless of her age,

until her death or remarriage; to a disabled widower; and

to orphans below specified age limits. If the benefit is

not exhausted by the immediate survivors’ claims,

dependent parents or other relatives may be eligible for
12 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

small benefits. No minimum period of coverage is

required.

Survivor benefits are computed as a percentage of

either the worker’s average earnings immediately before

death or the benefit payable (or potentially payable) at

death. These percentages are typically larger than those

for survivor benefits under the general program and do

not normally vary with the length of covered employment.

They are usually about one-third 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 benefits.

Not all countries, however, provide work injury benefits to survivors, and some do not differentiate between

survivors in this category and survivors entitled to benefits under other social insurance programs. Some

schemes pay only a lump sum equal to the worker’s

earnings over a specified number of years. Most systems also pay a funeral grant equivalent to a fixed 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 benefits.

Unemployment

Benefits 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 restrict benefits 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. 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 specified 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 selfemployed, for example, may be eligible for a governmentsubsidized assistance benefit when they become

unemployed.

Source of Funds. The methods used to finance

unemployment insurance are usually based on the same

contributory principles as for other branches of social

insurance—contributions amounting to a fixed percentage

of covered wages are paid on a scheduled basis. In

many cases, the government also grants a subsidy,

particularly for extended benefits.

Unemployment insurance contributions are shared

equally between employees and employers in many

countries. Alternatively, the entire contribution may be

made by the employer. However, government subsidies

may be quite large, amounting to as much as two-thirds

of the program’s expenditures. Means-tested unemployment assistance programs are financed entirely by

governments, with no employer or employee contribution.

Qualifying Conditions. To be entitled to unemployment

benefits, 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 find jobs may be eligible for unemployment

benefits, even without a work record. This benefit

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 benefits when incapacitated or otherwise

unable to accept a job offer. Usually, the unemployed

worker must register for work at an employment office

and report regularly for as long as payments continue.

This close linkage between unemployment benefits and

placement services ensures that benefits will be paid only

after the person has been informed of any current job

opportunities and been found unsuitable.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 13

An unemployed worker who refuses an offer of a

suitable job without good cause usually will have benefits

temporarily or permanently suspended. Most programs

stipulate that the job offered must have been suitable for

the worker. The definitions 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, longterm 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, benefits can be temporarily or permanently suspended.

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

permanently disqualified. 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 disqualification varies considerably, from a few weeks to permanent disqualification.

Unemployment Benefits. Weekly benefits are usually a

percentage of average wages during a recent period. A

system of wage classes rather than a single fixed

percentage is used in some countries. The basic rate of

unemployment benefits is usually between 40 percent and

75 percent of average earnings. However, a ceiling on

the wages used for benefit computations or maximum

benefit provisions may considerably narrow the range

within which the basic percentage of wages applies.

Flat-rate amounts are sometimes payable instead of

graduated benefits 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 benefit

of unemployed workers who are heads of families.

These supplements are either flat-rate amounts or an

additional percentage of average earnings.

Most countries have a waiting period of several days

before unemployment benefits 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 benefits may be continuously drawn.

Typically, this limit varies from 8 to 36 weeks but may be

longer in certain cases.

Duration of benefits 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 benefits for workers with brief

work histories. However, workers with a long history of

coverage may, under some programs, have their benefit

period extended well beyond the ordinary maximum.

Many unemployed workers who exhaust the right to

ordinary benefits continue to receive some assistance,

provided their means or incomes are below specified

levels. Recipients are usually required to continue

registering and reporting at an employment 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 specified period be removed from

the unemployment rolls and granted a regular old-age

benefit.

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 benefits 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

benefits, 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 benefits are paid by the

local employment office. Other countries require persons

to register with a local employment office, but the receipt

of claims and payment of benefits are handled by a

separate insurance office.

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. Gov-
14 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

ernments 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 first category, in principle, provides

allowances to all resident families with a specified

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

employment-related 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 benefits. Employment-related family

programs also pay allowances to widows of social

security beneficiaries.

Source of Funds. The differences in family allowance

programs are reflected in the methods used for financing.

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 first 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 continuation

of schooling, apprenticeship, or vocational training

qualifies 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 indefinitely.

Benefits. Whether a program pays a uniform rate for all

children or an increasing or decreasing amount for each

additional child may reflect 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

fifth child, for example, may be considerably larger than

that for the first 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 financed from

general revenues, the program is usually administered by

a government department. Where allowances are

payable mainly to families of employed persons and

financed primarily from employer contributions, the

administration may be by a semiautonomous agency

under public supervision. Equalization funds may handle

the program’s financial operations. Each employer pays

family allowances to its employees with their wages.

The firm then settles with the local fund only the surplus

or deficit of contributions due, after deducting allowances

the firm has paid. A similar procedure of settling only

surpluses or deficits 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 fix a uniform contribution rate for all
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 15

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.
16 ♦ SSPTW: Africa 2003

(Continued)

Table 1.

Types of social security programs

 Sickness and maternity

Old age, Cash Cash

disability, benefits benefits plus Work Family

Country survivors for both medical care a injury Unemployment allowances

Algeria XX X X X X

Benin Xc d X b X

Botswana eb b X b b

Burkina Faso Xc X X b X

Burundi Xb b X b X

Cameroon Xc X X b X

Cape Verde XX X X b X

Central African Republic Xc d X b X

Chad Xc d X b X

Congo (Brazzaville) Xc d X b X

Congo (Kinshasa) Xb d X b X

Côte d’Ivoire Xc X X b X

Egypt XX X X X b

Equatorial Guinea XX X X b X

Ethiopia Xb b X b b

Gabon Xc X X b X

Gambia Xb b X b b

Ghana Xb b X b b

Guinea X X f XX b X

Kenya Xb g X b b

Liberia Xb b X b b

Libya XX X X b b

Madagascar Xc X X b X

Malawi bb g X b b

Mali Xc X X b X

Mauritania Xc X X b X

Mauritius Xb g X d X

Morocco XX d X b X

Niger Xc X X b X

Nigeria Xh d X d b

Rwanda Xb b X b b

São Tomé and Principe XX d X b b

Senegal Xc X X b X

Seychelles XX d X d b

Sierra Leone Xb b X b b
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 17

Table 1.

Continued

 Sickness and maternity

Old age, Cash Cash

disability, benefits benefits plus Work Family

Country survivors for both medical care a injury Unemployment allowances

South Africa X i d gX X X

Sudan Xb b X b b

Swaziland Xb b X b b

Tanzania Xb g X b b

Togo Xc d X b X

Tunisia XX X X X X

Uganda Xb b X b b

Zambia Xb g X b b

Zimbabwe Xb g X b b

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

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

b. Has no program or information is not available.

c. Maternity benefits only.

d. Coverage is provided under other programs or through social assistance.

e. Old-age benefits only.

f. Maternity benefits are provided under Family Allowances.

g. Medical benefits only.

h. Sickness benefits only.

i. Old-age and disability benefits only.
18 ♦ SSPTW: Africa 2003

Table 2.

Types of mandatory systems for retirement income

Occupational Individual

Flat- Earnings- Means- Flat-rate Provident retirement retirement

 Country rate related tested universal funds schemes 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

São Tomé and Principe X

Senegal X X

Seychelles X X

Sierra Leone X

South Africa X

Sudan X

(Continued)
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 19

Table 2.

Continued

Occupational Individual

Flat- Earnings- Means- Flat-rate Provident retirement retirement

 Country rate related tested universal funds schemes schemes

Swaziland X

Tanzania X X

Togo X

Tunisia X

Uganda X

Zambia X

Zimbabwe X

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

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

Flat-rate pension: A pension of uniform amount or 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.

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.

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.

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.

a. No mandatory system for retirement income.

b. The benefit increases with age.
20 ♦ SSPTW: Africa 2003

(Continued)

Country Men Women Men Women Men Women

Early 

pensionable

age b

Statutory

pensionable 

age

Life 

expectancy 

at birth (years)

GDP

per

capita

(U.S.$)

Dependency

ratio a

Percentage

65 or 

older

Total

population

(millions)

Table 3.

Demographic and other statistics related to social security, 2003

Algeria 30.2 4.1 63.8 68.7 71.8 60 55 50 45 5,308

Benin 6.2 2.7 96.5 52.5 55.7 55 55 c c 990

Botswana 1.5 2.8 81.6 36.5 35.6 65 65 c c 7,184

Burkina Faso 11.5 3.2 108.1 47.0 49.0 55 55 c c 976

Burundi 6.3 2.9 101.7 39.8 41.4 60 60 c c 591

Cameroon 14.8 3.7 87.8 49.3 50.6 60 60 50 50 1,703

Cape Verde 0.4 4.6 78.2 67.0 72.8 65 60 c c 4,863

Central African

Republic 3.7 4.0 88.8 42.7 46.0 55 50 c c 1,172

Chad 7.8 3.1 98.4 45.1 47.5 55 55 c c 871

Congo

(Brazzaville) 3.0 3.3 98.4 49.6 53.7 55 55 c c 825

Congo

(Kinshasa) 50.9 2.9 106.8 51.0 53.3 65 60 c c 765

Côte d’Ivoire 16.0 3.1 82.5 47.7 48.1 55 55 50 50 1,630

Egypt 67.8 4.1 65.3 66.7 69.9 60 60 c c 3,635

Equatorial

Guinea 0.4 3.9 91.0 50.4 53.6 60 60 c c 15,073

Ethiopia 62.9 3.0 92.8 42.8 43.8 55 55 c c 668

Gabon 1.2 5.8 85.3 51.8 54.0 55 55 c c 6,237

Gambia 1.3 3.1 76.6 45.7 48.5 55 55 45 45 1,649

Ghana 19.3 3.2 79.1 56.0 58.5 60 60 55 55 1,964

Guinea 8.1 2.8 88.0 48.0 49.0 55 55 50 50 1,982

Kenya 30.6 2.8 86.2 48.7 49.9 55 55 c c 1,022

Liberia 2.9 2.9 83.6 54.6 56.7 60 60 c c 1,100

Libya 5.2 3.4 59.5 69.2 73.3 65 60 c c 7,570

Madagascar 15.9 3.0 91.4 52.5 54.8 60 55 c c 840

Malawi 11.3 2.9 97.1 39.6 39.0 d d d d 615

Mali 11.3 4.0 100.5 51.1 53.0 55 55 50 50 797

Mauritania 2.6 3.2 89.8 50.9 54.1 60 55 c c 1,677

Mauritius 1.1 6.2 46.7 68.4 75.8 60 60 c c 10,017

Morocco 29.8 4.1 63.4 66.8 70.5 60 60 c c 3,546

Niger 10.8 2.0 107.8 45.9 46.5 60 60 c c 746

Nigeria 113.8 3.0 92.7 52.0 52.2 60 60 c c 896

Rwanda 7.6 2.6 88.4 40.2 41.7 55 55 c c 943

São Tomé and

Principe 0.1 4.0 107.0 64.4 67.4 62 57 c c 1,792
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 21

Country Men Women Men Women Men Women

Early 

pensionable

age b

Statutory

pensionable 

age

Life 

expectancy 

at birth (years)

GDP

per

capita

(U.S.$)

Dependency

ratio a

Percentage

65 or 

older

Total

population

(millions)

Table 3.

Continued

Senegal 9.4 2.5 88.1 52.5 56.2 55 55 53 53 1,510

Seychelles 0.08 6.2 51.5 65.4 76.6 63 63 c c 12,508

Sierra Leone 4.4 2.9 89.2 39.2 41.8 60 60 c c 490

South Africa 43.3 3.6 60.2 46.5 48.3 65 60 c c 9,401

Sudan 31.0 3.4 77.2 55.6 58.4 60 55 45 45 1,797

Swaziland 0.9 3.5 81.9 38.1 38.1 50 50 45 45 4,492

Tanzania 35.1 2.4 90.2 50.1 52.0 55 55 c c 523

Togo 4.5 3.1 90.1 51.1 53.3 55 55 c c 1,442

Tunisia 9.4 5.9 55.2 69.6 72.2 60 60 50 50 6,363

Uganda 23.3 2.5 107.1 45.3 46.8 55 55 50 50 1,208

Zambia 10.4 2.9 97.9 42.6 41.7 55 55 c c 780

Zimbabwe 12.6 3.2 93.8 43.3 42.4 60 60 c c 2,635

SOURCES: United Nations Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 2002. World Population Ageing

1950-2050. New York: United Nations; Human Development Report 2002. 2002. Prepared for the United Nations Development

Programme. New York: Oxford University Press; U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. 2002. The World Factbook, 2002.

Washington D.C.: Central Intelligence Agency. Information on statutory and pensionable ages is taken from the country

summaries in this volume.

NOTE: GDP = gross domestic product.

a. Population aged 14 and under plus population aged 65 or older, divided by population aged 15-64.

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

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

d. There is no statutory old-age pension system.
22 ♦ SSPTW: Africa 2003

Table 4.

Contribution rates for social security programs, 2003 (in percent)

Algeria b 5.5 c 8 c 13.5 c 8.5 24 d 32.5

Benin 3.6 6.4 10 3.6 17.4 21

Botswana 0 0 0 e 0 0 f 0 e

Burkina Faso g 4.5 4.5 9 4.5 18.5 23

Burundi g 2.6 3.9 6.5 2.6 6.9 h 9.5

Cameroong 2.8 4.2 7 2.8 12.95 15.75

Cape Verde 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 2.4 3.6 6 2.4 16.08 18.48

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 g 13 17 30 14 26 40

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

Ethiopia 4 6 10 8 12 20

Gabon b, g 2.5 5 7.5 2.5 20.1 22.6

Gambia g 5 14.5 19.5 5 15.5 20.5

Ghana 5 12.5 17.5 5 12.5 f 17.5

Guinea g 2.5 j 4 j 6.5 j 5 18 23

Kenya g 5 5 10 5 k 5 f 10

Liberia 3 3 6 3 4.75 7.75

Libya 3.75 i 10.5 i 14.25 i 5.25 12.95 l 18.2

Madagascar g 1 9.5 10.5 1 13 14

Malawi 0 m 0 m 0 m 0 0 f 0

Mali b 3.6 5.4 9 3.6 16.4 20

Mauritania g 1 2 3 1 15 16

Mauritius 3 i 6 i 9 i 3 6 9 n

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 3.5 6.5 10 3.5 6.5 f 10

Rwanda b 3 3 6 3 58

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

Senegal g 4.8 7.2 12.0 7.8 19.7 27.5

Seychelles b, g 5 i 10 i 15 i 5 10 15

Sierra Leone 5 10 15 5 10 f 15

South Africa 0 0 0 e 1 1 e 2 e, n

(Continued)

Insured

person Employer Total

Insured

person Employer Total

Old age, disability, survivors

Country

All social security programs a
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 23

Table 4.

Continued

Sudan b 8 17 25 8 19 27

Swaziland b 5 5 10 5 5 f 10

Tanzania 7.5 10 17.5 7.5 10 f 17.5

Togo 4 8 12 4 18.5 22.5

Tunisia 3.68 7.37 11.05 7.74 15.91 23.65

Uganda 5 10 15 5 10 f 15

Zambia 5 5 10 5 5 f 10

Zimbabwe g 3 3 6 3 3 f 6

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

a. 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.

b. Data are at least 4 years old.

c. Contributions finance old-age benefits only.

d. A lump sum contribution is also paid for Family Allowances.

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

f. Employers pay the total cost of Work Injury.

g. Contributions are subject to an upper earnings limit for some benefits.

h. Employers pay the total cost of Family Allowances.

i. Also includes the contribution rates for other programs.

j. Disability benefits are financed through the Sickness and Maternity program.

k. Insured persons pay the total cost of maternity benefits.

l. Employers pay the total cost of maternity benefits.

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

n. Government pays the total cost of Family Allowances.

Insured

person Employer Total

Insured

person Employer Total

Old age, disability, survivors

Country

All social security programs a

Country

Summaries

SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 27

Algeria

Algeria

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 61.04 dinars.

Note: This information is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current laws: 1983 and 1994 (early retirement).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employed and self-employed persons.

Special early retirement provisions for the unemployed.

Special system for members of the armed forces.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5.0% of earnings, plus 0.5% for early

retirement.

Employer: 7.5% of payroll, plus 0.5% for early retirement.

Government: None.

Contributions finance old-age benefits only. Disability and

survivor benefits are financed under Sickness and Maternity.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men) or 55 (women and veterans)

with 15 years of coverage.

Early retirement is available for those in arduous or unhealthy

work, female workers who have raised a child for at least

9 years (the retirement age is reduced by 1 year per child up to

a maximum of 3 years), and permanently disabled workers with

15 years of coverage who are unable to meet the disability

pension requirements. Retirement from work is necessary.

Retirement settlement: Age 65 with 5 years or 20 quarters of

coverage and ineligible for the old-age pension. There is no

minimum allowance.

Early retirement: Age 50 (men) or 45 (women) with at least

20 years of employment and 10 years of contributions with

3 years of contributions preceding unemployment. The

insured person must not receive any income from any

professional activity. The employer must be current with social

security contributions according to the schedule in law.

Disability pension: For total disability, the loss of all working

capacity. Currently covered with 60 days of employment in the

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

Partial disability: The loss of at least 50% of earning capacity.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner or met the

requirements for a pension.

Survivor settlement: The insured person did not meet the

qualifying conditions for a pension.

All of the above benefits are payable abroad only if there is a

reciprocal agreement.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 2.5% of the average monthly wage during

the last 3 years or the best 3 years of earnings (whichever is

higher) times the number of years of coverage.

The minimum pension is 2,300 times the minimum hourly wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of the final salary.

Dependent’s supplement: 600 times the minimum hourly wage.

Retirement settlement: 2.5% of the average monthly wage

during the last 3 years or the best 3 years of earnings

(whichever is higher) times the number of years of coverage.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension is

payable to permanently disabled pensioners who fail to meet

the disability pension requirements.

Early retirement benefits: The pension is reduced by 1% for

each year that the pension is awarded before reaching the legal

age for full retirement benefit.

The minimum early retirement benefit is 75% of the National

Guaranteed Minimum Salary.

Dependent spouse allowance: 12.5% of the National

Guaranteed Minimum Salary.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 80% of average earnings during last the

year or the best 3 years of earnings (whichever is higher), if

totally disabled.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension.

Partial disability: 60% of earnings.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: A widow of any age receives 75% of the

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

survivors) paid or accrued to the insured. If there is more than

one widow, the pension is divided equally.

Other eligible survivors: Children under age 18 (age 25 if an

apprentice; age 21 if a student; no limit if disabled or a female

without income) and dependent parents. The pension equals

30% for one survivor; 40% is divided equally if there is more

than one eligible survivor.

If there is no surviving spouse, the pension is divided among

other survivors as follows: 45% (full orphan) and 30%

(dependent parent).

The maximum survivor pension is 90% of the pension paid or

accrued to the insured.
28 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Algeria

Survivor settlement: A lump sum of 12 times the best

monthly earnings during the year prior to death.

The minimum survivor settlement is 12 times the minimum

monthly wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Professional Training

provides general supervision.

National Retirement Fund administers the old-age program.

National Social Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers

administers the disability program for salaried employees.

National Social Security Fund for Wage Earners administers

the old-age and disability program for wage earners.

National Social Security Fund for Nonwage Earners

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

All employed persons are entitled to cash sickness, medical,

and maternity benefits. Spouses of workers or of pensioners

receiving old-age, disability, or work injury (when the

incapacity is at least 50%) pensions are covered for medical

and maternity benefits. Spouses, dependent children, and

dependent parents of workers, of pensioners receiving an oldage, disability, or work injury pension (when the incapacity is

at least 50%), or of certain prisoners are covered for sickness

benefits. Beneficiaries of unemployment compensation or

early retirement, national liberation war pensioners, disabled

persons, and unemployed students and their dependents are

eligible for sickness and maternity benefits.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1.5% of total earnings.

Employer: 12.5% of payroll.

Government: None.

All of the above contributions also finance disability and

survivor benefits and the death allowance.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefits: In covered

employment at the time of the onset of illness. For entitlement

to the first 6 months of sickness benefits, the insured must

have been employed for 15 days (or 100 hours) in the last

quarter or 60 days (or 400 hours) in the last 12 months. For

extended benefits (beyond the first 6 months), the insured

must have been employed for 60 days (or 400 hours) during the

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

Cash maternity benefit: 15 days (or 100 hours) of insured

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

the last 12 months prior to the date of onset of pregnancy.

Medical benefits: 15 days (or 100 hours) of insured

employment during the 4 months prior to the year of the onset

of the illness or 60 days (or 400 hours) of employment during

the 12 previous months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 50% of daily earnings (100% for an

extended illness or hospitalization) for the first 15 days;

thereafter, 100% of daily earnings from the 16th day up to a

maximum of 3 years (4 years under certain circumstances).

The minimum daily benefit (at the 100% rate) is 8 times the

minimum hourly wage.

Maternity benefit: 100% of earnings, payable for up to

14 weeks.

The minimum daily benefit is 8 times the minimum hourly wage.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

A cash refund of 80% (100% in certain cases) of medical

expenses. (The insured person normally pays for services and

is subsequently reimbursed by the appropriate fund.)

Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization,

drugs, laboratory services, ophthalmology and optician

services, some dental care, prostheses, functional and

vocational rehabilitation, thermal and specialized cures, and

transportation.

Maternity benefits are reimbursed at 100%; hospital charges

are limited to 8 days.

Complete medical care in government hospitals is provided free

and for unlimited time for certain categories of sickness; some

categories may require a copayment.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Same as for the insured person.

Maternity medical benefits only; same as for the insured

person (payable to spouses only).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Professional Training

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers

administers the program for salaried employees.

National Social Security Fund for Wage Earners administers

the program for wage earners.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 29

Algeria

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1919.

Current law: 1983, implemented in 1984.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employed persons, including students in technical schools,

persons undergoing medical or vocational rehabilitation,

voluntary social security administrators, wards of juvenile

courts, students, and certain prisoners.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 1% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

100% of earnings. The benefit is payable from the day after the

onset of disability until full recovery or the certification of

permanent disability.

The minimum daily benefit is 8 times the minimum hourly wage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: Average earnings during the

previous 12 months times the assessed degree of disability. (A

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

than 10%.)

The minimum pension is 2,300 times the minimum hourly wage.

A lump sum of 3 times the annual benefit is payable to injured

foreign workers who leave the country, unless they are

covered under a bilateral social security agreement.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, drugs, laboratory

services, ophthalmology and optician services, some dental

care, prostheses, functional and vocational rehabilitation,

thermal and specialized cures, and transportation. There is no

limit to duration.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: A widow of any age receives 75% of the

insured’s average wages in the 12 months before an accident

resulting in the insured’s death; otherwise, 75% of the pension

paid or accrued to the insured person. If there is more than

one widow, the pension is divided equally.

Other eligible survivors: Children under age 18 (age 25 if an

apprentice; age 21 if a student; no limit if disabled or a female

without income) and dependent parents.

The pension equals 30% if there is one eligible survivor; 40%

is divided equally if there is more than one.

If there is no surviving spouse, the pension is divided among

other survivors as follows: 45% (full orphan) and 30%

(dependent parent).

The maximum survivor pension is 90% of the pension paid or

accrued to the insured.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum of 12 times the highest

monthly earnings in the year prior to the death of the insured.

The minimum survivor settlement is 12 times the minimum

monthly wage.

Survivors of foreign workers are eligible for benefits if they are

residents or are covered by a reciprocal agreement at the time

of the accident.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Professional Training

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers

administers the program.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1994.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers who are laid off.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1.5% of earnings.

Employer: 2.5% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefit: The insured person must have

contributed to social security for a total of 3 years with

6 months of contributions prior to unemployment, must receive

no income from any professional activity, must have been

looking for work for at least 3 months, and must be a resident

of Algeria. The previous employer must be current with social

security contributions.
30 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Algeria

Unemployment Benefits

Employer pays one contribution equal to 80% of the

employee’s monthly earnings for each year of employment up

to 12 months if the employee has 3 years of employment.

The benefit is calculated according to a reference salary that is

equal to the average monthly salary plus the monthly National

Guaranteed Minimum Salary divided by 2.

The minimum salary is 75% of the monthly National

Guaranteed Minimum Salary.

The maximum salary is 3 times the monthly National

Guaranteed Minimum Salary.

The benefit is payable for 2 months for each year of service.

The minimum duration of benefit is 12 months.

The maximum duration of benefit is 36 months.

The benefit is paid quarterly as a percentage of the reference

salary: 100% for the first quarter, 80% for the second quarter,

60% for the third quarter, and 50% for the fourth quarter.

Spouse allowance: 500 dinars a month if the husband receives

an unemployment benefit of less than 7,000 dinars a month.

While receiving unemployment benefits, the insured and his or

her dependents are eligible for sickness and maternity and

family allowance benefits for 12 months.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Professional Training

provides general supervision.

National Unemployment Insurance Fund administers the

program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1941.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Nonagricultural employees and social insurance beneficiaries

with one or more children.

Special systems for public-sector employees and employees of

certain agricultural cooperatives.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

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 nonworking

beneficiaries.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 17 (age 18 if

an apprentice; age 21 if a student or disabled). The insured

person must have earned half the National Guaranteed

Minimum Salary; be disabled or ill; or be receiving an

unemployment benefit, early retirement benefit, or old-age

pension.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: When family earnings are 15,000 dinars a

month or less, the benefit is 600 dinars a month for each of the

first five children and 300 dinars for each additional child.

When earnings exceed 15,000 dinars a month, the benefit is

300 dinars a month for each child.

School allowance for children over age 6: When family

earnings are 15,000 dinars a month or less, the benefit is

800 dinars for each of the first five children and 400 dinars for

each additional child. When earnings exceed 15,000 dinars a

month, the benefit is 400 dinars for each child. The allowance

is payable once a year in addition to regular family allowances.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Professional Training

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers

administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 31

Benin

Benin

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1970.

Current law: 2003.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Special system for informal economy workers.

Voluntary provident fund for citizens working abroad.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.6% of earnings.

Employer: 6.4% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with 180 months of contributions.

Retirement from gainful employment is necessary.

Disability pension: A loss of 2/3 of earning capacity with

60 months of insurance and 6 months of contributions in the

12 months preceding the onset of disability.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner or met the

pension requirements at the time of death or had 180 months of

insurance coverage.

All pensions are payable abroad if there is a reciprocal

agreement.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 20% of average monthly earnings during

the last 10 years. An increment of 2% is paid for every year of

insurance coverage beyond 15 years.

The minimum pension is 60% of the guaranteed minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 60% of average monthly earnings.

Old-age settlement: If ineligible for an old-age pension at age

55 but with at least 12 months of contributions, the settlement

is equal to 1 month’s wages for each year of insurance

coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for cost-of-living

changes, depending on the financial resources of the system.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 20% of average monthly earnings during

the last 10 years. For each year that a claim is made before the

insured person reaches age 55, the insured person is credited

with a 6-month coverage period. An increment of 2% is paid

for every 12-month period of insurance coverage beyond

180 months.

The minimum pension is 60% of the guaranteed minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 60% of average monthly earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for cost-of-living

changes, depending on the financial resources of the system.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 40% of the insured’s pension is paid to a

widow. The pension is also payable to a dependent disabled

widower if married at least 1 year before the death of the

spouse.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the insured’s pension for one

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

who is a single child.

The maximum survivor pension is 80% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor settlement: If the insured person failed to meet the

qualifying conditions for a pension, 1 month of the insured’s

accrued pension for each 6-month period of insurance

coverage. In the absence of an eligible spouse or orphans, the

settlement is paid to the insured’s parents.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for cost-of-living

changes, depending on the financial resources of the system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, and Administrative

Reform provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1998.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity

benefits only.
32 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Benin

Coverage

Employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 0.2% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Maternity benefit: Six months of covered employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: 100% of earnings (the employer pays half).

The benefit is payable for up to 6 weeks before and 8 weeks

after the expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (The 1998 labor code

requires employers to pay 60% of health and medical services

for employees.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

The insured’s spouse and dependent children receive the same

benefits as the insured according to the labor code. (Some

maternity and child health and welfare services are provided

under Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, and Administrative

Reform provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current law: 2003.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, apprentices, students at technical schools,

and members and nonsalaried managers of cooperatives.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

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

risk.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

2/3 of the insured’s daily earnings, payable from the day after

the onset of disability until full recovery or death. The

maximum duration of benefit is 12 months.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: For total disability, 100% of

average earnings.

Partial disability: Average earnings multiplied by 0.5 times the

assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability

between 1% and 50% and by 1.5 times the assessed degree of

disability for the portion above 50%.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of earnings.

Disability allowance: A lump sum for an assessed degree of

disability of less than 20%.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization,

medicines, appliances, prostheses, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s annual earnings is

payable to a widow or a dependent disabled widower.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s earnings each for the

first and second orphan and 10% for each additional orphan.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of the insured’s

earnings each.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s annual

earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, and Administrative

Reform provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 2003.

Type of program: Employment-related system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 33

Benin

Coverage

Employees and social insurance beneficiaries with one or more

children.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 8.8% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 15 (age 21 if

an apprentice, a student, or disabled). The parent must either

have 6 months of employment and be currently working at

least 18 days a month or be a social insurance beneficiary (or a

widow of a beneficiary).

Prenatal allowance: Must undergo prescribed medical

examinations.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,500 CFA francs a month for each child,

payable from the date of birth.

Prenatal allowance: 1,500 CFA francs a month for 9 months.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, and Administrative

Reform provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
34 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Botswana

Botswana

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 5.44 pula.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1996.

Type of program: Universal old-age pension program.

Coverage

All citizens of Botswana aged 65 or older.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: Total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 65 and resident.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: A flat-rate monthly pension of 151 pula.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labor and Social Security provides general

supervision and administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

The employment law provides for up to 14 days of paid sick

leave a year.

The employment law requires employers in designated areas to

pay maternity benefits to female employees. The maternity

benefit is 25% of wages for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after

the expected date of childbirth.

The employment law requires employers in designated areas to

provide certain medical services to employees and their

dependents.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1936.

Current laws: 1977 (workmen’s compensation), with 1985

amendment; and 1998.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons, including armed forces personnel.

Exclusion: Family labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost, met through the direct provision of

benefits or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

66% of earnings for up to 6 months; the benefit 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 benefit is payable after a

7-day waiting period until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

Partial disability: Reduced amounts are payable for partial

disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum of 60 months’ earnings, if totally disabled. (Any

temporary disability benefit previously paid is deducted.)

The minimum benefit is 16,000 pula.

The maximum benefit is 250,000 pula.

Constant-attendance supplement: 25% of the ordinary benefit.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit proportionate

to the assessed degree of incapacity according to the schedule

in law.

The maximum benefit is 200,000 pula.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 35

Botswana

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical and surgical care, hospitalization, and medicines are

provided up to a maximum of 75,000 pula. The cost of

prostheses are provided up to a maximum of 10,000 pula.

Transportation costs are provided up to a maximum of

1,500 pula.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum equal to 48 months of the

insured’s earnings is payable to the insured’s dependents.

(Any temporary disability benefit previously paid to the

insured is deducted.)

The minimum benefit is 8,000 pula.

The maximum benefit is 20,000 pula.

Reduced benefit amounts are paid if the survivor was only

partially dependent.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 100 pula. (The amount is

deducted from the survivor benefit.)

Administrative Organization

Department of Labor and Social Security enforces the law.

Employers may insure the assessed liability with private

insurance companies.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

The employment law provides for a severance benefit after

60 months of continuous employment.
36 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current law: 1972.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, technical students, and apprentices.

Voluntary insurance is available to self-employed persons who

were previously covered as employed persons.

Exclusions: Temporary workers; temporarily employed aliens

covered in another country.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4.5% of earnings.

Employer: 4.5% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 200,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged or

age 53 if a civil servant) with 180 months of coverage.

Retirement from gainful employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad.

Old-age settlement: Age 55 and not entitled to a pension.

Retirement from gainful employment is necessary.

Disability pension: The permanent loss of 2/3 of earning

capacity for any work with 5 years of coverage including

6 months in the last year. (There is no minimum qualifying

period for a nonoccupational accident; for occupational

accidents, see Work Injury, below.)

Survivor pension: The insured person met the old-age

pension or disability pension qualifying requirements or was a

pensioner at the time of death. The pension is payable to a

widow who was married to the insured for at least 1 year or

who is caring for a child or is pregnant. The pension is also

payable to a dependent disabled widower. The pension ceases

on remarriage.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 20% of average monthly earnings in the

last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1.33% for every

12-month period of coverage beyond 180 months.

The minimum pension is 60% of the national minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of the insured’s average monthly

earnings.

Old-age settlement: If ineligible for the old-age pension, a

lump sum equal to 1 month’s regular pension for every 6-month

period of coverage is payable at age 55.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted to cost-of-living

changes.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 20% of average monthly earnings in the

last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1.33% for every

12-month period of coverage beyond 180 months (for each

year that a claim is made before the insured person reaches

age 55, the insured person is credited with a 6-month coverage

period).

The minimum pension is 60% of the national minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of the insured’s average monthly

earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted to cost-of-living

changes.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the pension paid or accrued to the

insured person.

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan under age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice; age 21 if a

student or disabled); 40% for each full orphan.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor settlement: If the insured person did not meet the

qualifying conditions for a pension, a lump sum equal to

1 month’s old-age pension for every 6-month period of

coverage is payable.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted to cost-of-living

changes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance provides financial supervision.

Ministry of Economic Development provides administrative

supervision.

Managed by quadripartite board and a director, the National

Social Security Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 37

Burkina Faso

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1972.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances,

below.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit purposes are

200,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Maternity benefit: Three months of insured employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Maternity benefit: 100% of earnings (earnings up to the

contribution ceiling are paid for by the National Social Security

Fund, and earnings above the ceiling are paid for by the

employer). The benefit is payable for 14 weeks, including at

least 2 weeks before the expected date of childbirth. The

benefit may be extended for up to 3 additional weeks in case of

complications.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Working women receive free medical care during pregnancy

and childbirth. (The labor code requires employers to provide

certain medical services.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

The spouse of an insured woman receives the same medical

benefits as the insured woman. (Some maternity and child

health and welfare services are provided under Family

Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance provides financial supervision.

Ministry of Economic Development provides administrative

supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers contributions and

benefits.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current law: 1972.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons (including temporary workers), members of

cooperatives, technical students, apprentices, and casual

workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2.5% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 200,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

Two-thirds of average daily insurable earnings during the

90 days before the month of the onset of disability. The

benefit is payable from the day after the onset of disability

until full recovery or the certification of permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 85% of average earnings, if

totally disabled.

Partial disability: The pension is proportionate to the assessed

degree of disability. The assessed degree of disability must be

at least 15%.

If the assessed degree of disability is less than 15%, a lump

sum of 3 years’ proportionate pension is payable.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical, surgical, and dental care; hospitalization; medicines;

X-rays; laboratory services; rehabilitation; retraining;

appliances; and transportation.
38 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Burkina Faso

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings, payable to

a widow or to a dependent disabled widower.

Orphan’s pension: 10% of the insured’s earnings for each

orphan under age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice; age 21 if a

student or disabled); 30% for each full orphan.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of earnings

each.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s

earnings.

Funeral grant: A lump sum equal to 15 days of the insured’s

covered earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor provides general supervision.

Ministry of Finance provides financial supervision.

Ministry of Economic Development provides administrative

supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers contributions and

benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 1972.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees (including temporary workers) and social insurance

beneficiaries with one or more children.

Special system for public employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 11.5% of payroll.

Government: Any deficit.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

200,000 CFA francs.

The above contributions also finance maternity benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 14 (age 18 if

an apprentice; age 21 if a student or disabled). The parent (or

guardian) must have 3 months of covered employment. The

allowance is payable to a pensioner or to a person who is

unemployed for no more than 6 months.

Family and prenatal allowances are subject to medical care

prescribed for the mother and child.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,000 CFA francs a month for each child

(maximum of six children).

Prenatal allowance: 350 CFA francs a month for 9 months.

The allowance is paid in three installments.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance provides financial supervision.

Ministry of Economic Development provides administrative

supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 39

Burundi

Burundi

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals1,050.75 francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 2002.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons covered by the labor code.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.6% of earnings; 3.8% if working under

arduous conditions.

Employer: 3.9% of payroll; 5.7% if working under arduous

conditions.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 150,000 francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 55 if prematurely aged or age

45 if working under arduous conditions) with 15 years of

insurance. Retirement is not necessary.

Old-age settlement: If the insured does not meet the

requirements for an old-age pension.

Disability pension: Loss of 2/3 of physical or mental capacity

with 3 years of insurance coverage including 6 months of

contributions during the last 12 months.

Survivor pension: The insured met the pension requirements,

was a pensioner, or had 180 months of insurance coverage at

the time of death.

Survivor settlement: If the insured did not meet the pension

requirements.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 30% of average monthly earnings during

the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 2% for every

12-month period of insurance coverage beyond 180 months.

The minimum pension is 60% of the highest legal minimum

wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of average earnings.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum equal to average monthly

earnings times the number of 12-month periods of

contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 30% of average monthly earnings during

the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 2% for every

12-month period of insurance coverage beyond 180 months.

The minimum pension is 60% of highest minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of average earnings.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension is paid to a

widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan under age 16 (age 18 if an apprentice; age 21 if a

student; no limit if disabled); 40% for each full orphan.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 25% of the insured’s

pension each.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum, calculated as a percentage

of the old-age pension the insured would have claimed if he or

she had been of pensionable age at the time of death.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and 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 case of

complications), including at least 6 weeks after childbirth, if the

woman has 6 months of service during the year preceding 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 benefits

for civil servants and members of the armed forces.
40 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Burundi

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 2002.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons covered by the labor code.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 3% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 80,000 francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

2/3 of earnings. The benefit is payable from the 31st day after

the onset of disability.

The minimum benefit is the regional minimum wage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 100% of average monthly

earnings, if totally disabled.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension

proportionate to the assessed degree of disability, if 15% or

more disabled. If the assessed degree of disability is less than

15%, a lump sum equal to 3 years of pension benefits that are

proportionately reduced.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization,

laboratory services, medicines, dental care, transportation,

physiotherapy, spectacles, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s earnings, payable to

a widow(er). The pension ceases on remarriage.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum of 6 months’ pension is

paid to the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the insured’s earnings for each

orphan under age 16 (age 21 if a student; no limit if disabled);

40% for each full orphan.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 20% of the insured’s

earnings each.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the pension the

insured would have received if totally disabled.

Funeral grant: A lump sum equal to 30 times average daily

earnings, with a minimum of 30,000 CFA francs.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general

supervision.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions

and benefits.

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.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons and apprentices who have a dependent wife

and at least one dependent child.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be unmarried and under

age 16 (age 21 if a student or an apprentice; no limit if

disabled). The wife must not be engaged in paid employment.

For the full benefit, the parent must be working at least 4 hours

a day.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: Specified monthly payments for the wife

and for each child. (The benefit is reduced by 50% if the

parent works less than 4 hours a day.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general

supervision.

Employers pay the benefits directly to employees.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 41

Cameroon

Cameroon

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1969.

Current laws: 1984 and 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage is available for noncovered workers (not

yet implemented).

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.8% of earnings.

Employer: 4.2% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 300,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with 20 years of insurance coverage

and 180 months of contributions, including 60 months in the

last 10 years. Retirement from employment is necessary. The

pension is payable abroad if there is a reciprocal agreement.

Early pension: Age 50.

Old-age grant: Age 60 (age 50 in case of early retirement) with

at least 12 months of contributions.

Disability pension: Loss of 2/3 of earning capacity with

5 years of insurance coverage and at least 6 months of

contributions in the last year. No contributions are required if

the disability is caused by a nonwork-related accident.

Survivor pension: The insured person was a pensioner or

met the pension requirements at the time of death.

Survivor grant: The insured person met the requirements for

the old-age grant.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 30% of average monthly earnings in the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher) plus 1% for every year of

contributions beyond 180 months.

The minimum pension is 50% of the legal minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of average monthly earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the old-age pension.

Old-age grant: A lump sum equal to the insured’s average

monthly earnings times the number of 12-month periods of

coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 30% of average monthly earnings in the

last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher) plus 1% for every

12 months of contributions beyond 180. (A 6-month

contribution period is credited for each year that the insured

person is under age 60 at the time of the claim.)

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the insured’s

disability pension.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s old-age pension is

payable to all nondivorced spouses regardless of age.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s old-age pension

each; 25% for each full orphan.

Dependent parents: 10% of the insured’s old-age pension.

Other eligible survivors: The pension is divided equally

among other relatives if there are no survivors in the abovementioned categories.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor grant: A lump sum equal to 1 month of the base

pension for each 6-month contribution period.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment, Labor, and Social Security provides

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and director general, the

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Functions

administer pensions and are responsible for the state agencies

covered by the labor code.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1967, with 1995 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.
42 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Cameroon

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances,

below.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

300,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are provided.

(The labor code requires employers to provide some paid sick

leave.)

Maternity benefits: Six months of consecutive employment

and subject to insurance coverage at the date of childbirth.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

(The labor code requires employers to provide some paid sick

leave.)

Maternity benefit: 100% of earnings. The benefit is payable

4 weeks before and 10 weeks (or up to 16 weeks in case of

complications) after the expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Working women and spouses of insured workers receive

1,400 CFA francs toward expenses in connection with

childbirth and 200 CFA francs for each prenatal examination

and for pediatric care during the infant’s first 6 months. (Some

free medical care is provided under the 1962 law by

government health facilities. The labor code also requires

employers to provide certain medical services.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

None. (Some child health care and welfare services are also

provided to mothers and children under Family Allowances,

below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment, Labor, and Social Security provides

general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1944.

Current law: 1977.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, apprentices, seamen, technical students,

and persons in training.

Voluntary coverage is available for self-employed persons (not

yet implemented).

Exclusion: Civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 1.75%, 2.5%, or 5% of payroll, according to the

assessed degree of risk.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work Injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

2/3 of earnings. The benefit is payable from the day after the

onset of disability until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

The maximum daily earnings for benefit purposes are

17,933 CFA francs.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 85% of average earnings for

total disability.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit purposes are equal

to the legal minimum wage (23,514 CFA francs).

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit purposes are

537,994 CFA francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: An annual benefit. The

benefit varies according to the value of the initial salary level

and the sector of activity in which the worker is employed.

Partial disability: If at least 20% disabled, the pension is

proportionate to the assessed degree of disability; if the

disability is less than 20%, a lump sum equal to 10 years’ partial

disability pension is paid.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization,

medicines, appliances, X-rays, laboratory services, and

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 85% of the insured’s average earnings.

The pension is divided among the following eligible survivors

according to the schedule in law: surviving spouse, children

under age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice; age 21 if in full-time

education or disabled), and dependent parents.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 43

Cameroon

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment, Labor, and Social Security provides

general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund 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 with one or more children.

Exclusion: Self-employed persons.

Special system for apprentices with families.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 7% of payroll; 5.65% in agriculture and 3.7% for

private schools.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

300,000 CFA francs.

All of the above contributions also finance maternity benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 14 (age 18 if

an apprentice; age 21 if in full-time education or disabled). The

parent must be working 18 days or 120 hours a month. Benefit

payments are continued during periods of disability because of

an industrial accident, during 6 months of illness, during

regular leave, during 14 weeks of maternity leave, and during

3 months of involuntary unemployment.

Allowances are also payable to old-age pensioners who, at the

date of retirement, have dependent children and to eligible

survivors with dependent children.

Prenatal allowance: Eligibility is subject to medical

examinations prescribed by law.

Birth grant: Eligibility is subject to medical examinations

prescribed by law.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,800 CFA francs a month for each child.

The allowance is paid every 3 months.

Prenatal allowance: 1,800 CFA francs a month for 9 months.

The allowance is paid in two installments.

Birth grant: 21,600 CFA francs for each birth.

Some child health care and welfare services are also provided

to mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment, Labor, and Social Security provides

general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.
44 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Cape Verde

Cape Verde

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 106.47 escudos.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 1983 and 1995.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3% of earnings.

Employer: 7% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 65 (men) or 60 (women) with 36 months

of contributions.

Disability pension: Loss of 1/3 of salary or wage, or

2/3 disabled, with 36 months of contributions. The disability

pension is payable abroad.

Survivor pension: Age 65 (men) or 60 (women); paid to

children with an assessed degree of physical or mental

disability.

Temporary survivor pension: A 12-month survivor pension

for able-bodied but unemployed widows under age 60,

widowers under age 65, or children under age 18.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 20% of average earnings (based on the

36 best-paid months in the last 5 years), plus 1.5% for each

year of coverage, up to a maximum of 85% of earnings.

The minimum monthly pension is 4,200 escudos.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 20% of average earnings (based on the

36 best-paid months in the last 5 years), plus 1.5% for each

year of coverage, up to a maximum of 85% of earnings.

The minimum monthly pension is 4,200 escudos.

The maximum monthly pension is 85% of average earnings.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension is payable to

a widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the insured’s pension for each

child under age 18; full orphan, 50% each.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment, Training, and Social Integration

provides general supervision.

National Institute of Social Security provides general

administration.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1976.

Current laws: 1983 and 1995.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash and medical

benefits.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of earnings.

Employer: 4% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: There is no

qualifying period.

Medical benefits: There is no qualifying period.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 70% of the most recent earnings or of

average earnings during the last 6 months, whichever is higher.

The benefit is payable for up to 36 months. The employer pays

100% of earnings for the first 3 days and 30% from the fourth

day until the 90th day.

Maternity benefit: 90% of the last salary or of average

earnings in the last 6 months, whichever is higher. The benefit

is payable for 30 days. (A nursing allowance is payable under

Family Allowances, below.)
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 45

Cape Verde

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include general and specialist care, hospitalization,

house calls, medicines, and partial dental care. Cost sharing

includes 75% of the cost of pharmaceuticals; 100% for

pensioners and their dependents. If the treatment is provided

away from home, transportation costs and living expenses are

reimbursed at 900 escudos daily for insured persons and their

dependents and at 100% for pensioners and their dependents.

There is partial payment (up to 75% of the cost) for prosthetic

devices and appliances.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Same as for the insured person.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health provides general supervision.

National Health Service provides general administration.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current law: 1978.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, tenant farmers and sharecroppers, certain

volunteer workers, members of cooperative enterprises,

apprentices, and other on-the-job trainees.

Special program for government workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2% of payroll for service workers, 6% of payroll for

all other workers; for domestic servants, 50 escudos a month

(full time) or 30 escudos a month (part time).

Government: The initial capitalization of the program.

The maximum daily earnings for contribution purposes are

300 escudos.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no qualifying period.

Disability is assessed according to the National Schedule of

Accidental Disability.

Temporary Disability Benefits

40% of the average wage during the first 14 days; thereafter,

70%. If hospitalized, the benefit is 40% of the average wage or

70% with dependents.

Partial disability benefit: 25% of the average wage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If totally disabled, 70% of the

average base wage.

Constant-attendance supplement: Up to 30% of average base

wage.

Partial disability: A percentage of the total disability pension

proportionate to the assessed degree of disability between

10% and 100%.

The pension is payable from the day following the onset of

disability (the employer pays the wage on the day of the work

injury).

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization,

prosthetic devices, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s average wage on the

day of the accident. The pension is payable to a dependent

widow or to a dependent widower aged 65 who has not

remarried. The pension is payable to a divorced spouse or

spouses (divided equally) if there is a right to alimony.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s average wage for

each child, including the unborn, up to age 18 (age 24 if a

student; no limit if disabled); 45% for each full orphan.

Other dependent relatives: 10% of the insured’s average

wage is paid to other dependent relatives, up to a maximum of

30%.

The combined survivor pensions must not exceed 70% of the

insured’s average wage.

Funeral grant: Up to 7,500 escudos.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Youth, and Social Action provides general

supervision.

Private insurance company provides general administration.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 1983 and 1995.
46 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Cape Verde

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured: None.

Employer: 3% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: Allowances are payable after the first day

of enrollment. Children must be under age 14 (age 24 if a

student; no limit if disabled). The allowance is paid for the

insured’s parents if their income is less than 2,000 escudos.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 300 escudos a month for each dependent

child; up to 900 escudos a month for each disabled child up to

age 8 and 1,200 escudos for those aged 8 to 14. The allowance

is payable for a maximum of four children; the maximum does

not apply if the parent is a pensioner or the insured person is

deceased and the mother is unemployed.

Nursing allowance: 900 escudos a month for 6 months.

Funeral grant: The cost of a burial up to a maximum of

14,000 escudos for the insured person and his or her spouse;

9,000 escudos for children aged 5 to 14 and 5,000 escudos for

children under age 5.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment, Training, and Social Integration

provides general supervision.

National Institute of Social Security provides general

administration.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 47

Central African Republic

Central African Republic

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Note: This information is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1963.

Current law: 1981.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including government officials, members

of public groups (if not otherwise covered), students in

professional schools, trainees and apprentices (even if

nonsalaried), members of religious orders, and domestic

workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2% of earnings.

Employer: 3% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (men) or 50 (women) with 20 years

of coverage and 60 months of contributions during the last

10 years. The pension is payable 5 years earlier if the insured

person 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 ineligible for an old-age

pension.

Disability pension: A loss of 2/3 of earning capacity with

5 years of coverage, including 6 months of contributions in the

year preceding the onset of disability (conditions are waived

for currently employed persons if the disability is a result of a

nonoccupational accident; for an occupational accident,

see Work Injury, below). The pension is payable after

6 consecutive months of disability provided that the disability

is expected to last for another 6 months or more.

Survivor pension: The insured person met the requirements

for a pension or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to the survivor if the insured

person did not meet the requirements for a pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 30% of average monthly earnings in the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1% for each 12-month

period of contributions beyond 240 months.

The minimum pension is 60% of the highest regional minimum

wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of average monthly earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension is

payable to the prematurely aged.

Old-age allowance: If ineligible for an old-age pension, a

lump sum calculated on the basis of the insured’s average

monthly earnings for each 12-month period of coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 30% of average monthly earnings in the

last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1% for each

12-month period of contributions beyond 240 months. For

each year that a claim is made before the insured person

reaches age 55, the insured person is credited with a 6-month

coverage period.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension is paid to a

widow age 50 (age 45 if prematurely aged) or age 30 if caring

for a child or disabled and provided that she was married at

least 2 years prior to the death of the insured. If there is more

than one widow, the amount is divided equally. The pension is

also payable to a dependent widower age 55 (age 50 if

prematurely aged).

Orphan’s pension: 50% of the insured’s pension; 100% for

each full orphan.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum of 1 month’s old-age

pension for every 6-month period of insurance coverage, if the

insured person was ineligible for a pension.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, and

Professional Training provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Office administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1965 and 1970 (sickness insurance), not

implemented.
48 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Central African Republic

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: See source of funds for Family Allowances, below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefits: Six months of insured employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: 50% of earnings is payable for up to

8 weeks before and 6 weeks after (9 weeks in case of

complications) the expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (The labor code requires

employers to provide certain medical services.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (Some maternity and child

health care is provided under Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, and

Professional Training provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Office 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.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 3% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 200,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of earnings for the first 28 days of disability; thereafter,

66.6% of earnings. The benefit is payable from the day

following the onset of disability until full recovery or

certification of permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: For total disability, 100% of

average earnings.

Partial disability: 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 above 50%.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization,

medicines, appliances, rehabilitation, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s earnings each for the

first and second orphan and 10% for each additional orphan;

20% for each full orphan.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of the insured’s

earnings each.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of earnings.

Burial grant: 1/50 of the maximum annual income of the

insured, based on maximum monthly earnings of 200,000 CFA

francs.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, and

Professional Training provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Office administers

contributions and benefits.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 49

Central African Republic

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1965.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees and social insurance beneficiaries with one or more

children.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 12% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

200,000 CFA francs.

All of the above contributions also finance maternity benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under 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

beneficiary. Prenatal allowance requires a medical examination.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,200 CFA francs a month for each child.

Prenatal allowance: 1,200 CFA francs a month for 9 months.

Young family allowance: A lump sum of 10,000 CFA francs for

each of the first three births.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, and

Professional Training provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Office administers the program.
50 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Chad

Chad

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Note: This information is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1977, implemented in 1984.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers regulated by the labor code.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2% of earnings.

Employer: 4% of payroll.

Government: None.

Workers’ incomes are determined by the provisions of the

labor code.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged) with

180 months of insurance coverage or 60 months of

contributions during the last 10 years. Retirement from gainful

employment is necessary.

Old-age settlement: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged) and

ineligible for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: A loss of 2/3 of earning capacity with

5 years of insurance, including 6 months of contributions in

the year preceding the onset of disability. (There is no

qualifying period if the disability is the result of a

nonoccupational accident; for an occupational accident, see

Work Injury, below).

Survivor pension: The insured person met the pension

requirements, was a pensioner, or had 180 months of insurance

coverage at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to a survivor if the insured person

was ineligible for a pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 30% of average monthly earnings during

the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus an increment of

1.2% for every 12-month period of insurance coverage beyond

180.

The minimum pension is 60% of the highest minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings.

Old-age settlement: If ineligible for the old-age pension, a

lump sum equal to 1 month’s wages for each year of insurance

coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 30% of average monthly earnings during

the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus an increment of

1.2% for every 12-month period of insurance coverage beyond

180. For each year that a claim is made before the insured

person reaches age 55, the insured person is credited with a

coverage period.

The minimum pension is 60% of the highest regional minimum

wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension is paid to a

widow aged 40 or older, caring for a child, pregnant, or

disabled, provided that she was married at least 1 year prior to

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

pension is divided equally. A pension is also payable to a

dependent disabled widower if he was married at least 1 year

prior to the insured’s death.

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan; 40% for each full orphan.

Survivor settlement: A lump-sum payment if the insured was

ineligible for a pension.

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

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances,

below.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 51

Chad

Government: See source of funds under Family Allowances,

below.

Qualifying Conditions

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefit: Six months of employment immediately

prior to the cessation of work.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: 50% of earnings is payable for 6 weeks

before and 8 weeks (11 weeks in case of complications) after

the expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (The labor code requires

employers to provide certain medical services.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (Some maternity and child

health and welfare services are provided 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.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2.5% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

The work accident must be reported within 48 hours.

Temporary Disability Benefits

2/3 of the insured’s average daily wage received during the

30 days preceding the onset of disability. The benefit is

payable from the day after the onset of the disability until full

recovery or until certification of permanent disability (after

2 years).

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: For total disability, 100% of

average earnings.

Partial disability: Average earnings multiplied by 0.5 times the

assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability up to

50% and by a maximum of 0.5 times the assessed degree of

disability for the portion above 50%.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization,

medicines, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s earnings each;

20% for each full orphan.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of the insured’s

earnings each.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s

earnings.

Funeral grant: Reimbursement for burial expenses up to

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.
52 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Chad

Coverage

Employees with one or more children.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 6% of payroll.

Government: A subsidy from earmarked taxes.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

130,000 CFA francs.

All of the above contributions also finance maternity benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 15 (age 18 if

an apprentice; age 21 if a student or disabled). The parent

must have 6 months of employment and be currently working

20 days a month, or be the widow of a beneficiary.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 600 CFA francs a month for each child.

Prenatal allowance: 5,400 CFA francs for each month of

pregnancy. The allowance is paid in two installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 6,000 CFA francs for each of the

first three births.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Affairs provides general

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 53

Congo (Brazzaville)

Congo (Brazzaville)

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Note: This information is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1962.

Current law: 1986.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.4% of earnings.

Employer: 3.6% of payroll.

Government: None.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 23,500 CFA francs.

There is no maximum earnings level for contribution and

benefit purposes.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (or age 50 if prematurely aged) with

insurance coverage during the last 20 years, or 240 months’

total insurance of which 60 months were in the last 5 years.

The pension is proportionately reduced if the insured person

has between 60 and 239 months of contributions. Retirement

from paid employment is necessary.

The pension is payable to insured noncitizens who leave the

country only if there is a reciprocal agreement.

Old-age settlement: The insured person does not meet the

qualifying conditions for a pension.

Disability pension: A loss of 2/3 of capacity for any work,

with 5 years of insurance coverage and 6 months of

contributions in the year before the claim is made. There is no

minimum qualifying period if the incapacity is caused by a

nonoccupational accident. (For occupational accidents, see

Work Injury, below.)

Survivor pension: The insured person met the qualifying

conditions for a pension or was a pensioner at the time of

death.

Survivor settlement: The insured person did not qualify for a

pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 40% of average monthly earnings in the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 2% of average monthly

earnings for every 12-month period of insurance beyond 240.

The years chosen for benefit calculation purposes must be in

the 10-year period prior to the date of eligibility for a pension.

The minimum pension is 60% of the highest guaranteed

minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum equal to the insured’s

average monthly earnings for every 12-month insurance period

credited at age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged) if ineligible for a

pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for cost-of-living

changes.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 40% of average monthly earnings in the

last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 2% for every

12-month period of insurance coverage beyond 240 (for each

year that a claim is made before the insured person reaches

age 55, the insured person is credited with a 6-month coverage

period).

The minimum pension is 60% of the highest guaranteed

minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.

Child supplements: 1,200 CFA francs a month for each child.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for cost-of-living

changes.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s pension is payable to

the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 50% of the insured’s pension.

Other eligible survivors: 20% of the insured’s pension.

The maximum survivor pension is 80% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor settlement: If the insured person did not qualify for

a pension, 1 month’s basic old-age pension for each 6-month

period of contributions.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for cost-of-living

changes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, the

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
54 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Congo (Brazzaville)

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1986.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 0.2% of payroll.

Government: None.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

23,500 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

600,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefits: Six months of insured employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The

1975 labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: 50% of earnings, paid by the National

Social Security Fund. (The employer is required to pay the

remaining 50% of earnings.) The benefit is payable for

15 weeks, including at least 9 weeks after the expected date of

childbirth. The benefit may be extended in case of

complications.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (Some maternity and child

health and welfare services are provided under Family

Allowances, below.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (Some maternity and child

health and welfare services are provided under Family

Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, the

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1935.

Current law: 1986.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, members of workers’ cooperatives,

apprentices, and students of technical colleges.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2.25% of payroll.

Government: None.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 23,500 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 600,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

100% of covered earnings, following advance notice, for up to

3 months; thereafter, two-thirds of covered earnings. The

benefit is payable from the day after the onset of disability

until full recovery or certification of permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: For total disability, 100% of

average earnings.

Partial disability: Average earnings multiplied by 0.5 times the

assessed degree of incapacity for the portion of disability

between 10% and 50%, and by 1.5 times the assessed degree

of incapacity for the portion above 50%.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 55

Congo (Brazzaville)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical and surgical care, hospitalization, medicines,

appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings.

Orphan’s pension: 50% of the insured’s earnings.

Dependent father and mother: 20% of the insured’s

earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, the

National Social Security Fund administers contributions and

benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 1986.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees with one or more children, regardless of whether

the employee is married.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 10.03% of payroll.

Government: None.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

23,500 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

600,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 16 (age 17 if

an apprentice; age 20 if a student or disabled). The parent

must have 6 months of employment and be currently working

20 days or 133 hours a month, or be the widow of a beneficiary.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,200 CFA francs a month for each child.

Prenatal allowance: 1,200 CFA francs a month for 9 months.

The allowance is paid in two installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 1,100 CFA francs for each of the

first three births.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, the

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
56 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Congo (Kinshasa)

Congo (Kinshasa)

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

372.50 Congolese francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1961 (1988 social security code, not

implemented).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including domestic workers, casual

workers, and some categories of boat workers.

Voluntary coverage for nonemployed persons who have at

least 5 years of covered employment and who request to be

covered within the 6-month period after the cessation of paid

employment.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.5% of earnings; the voluntarily insured

contribute 7% of the most recent 6 months’ covered earnings,

according to three wage classes.

Employer: 3.5% of payroll.

Government: Annual subsidy up to a legally set fixed

amount.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 65 (men) or 60 (women); age 55 (men

and women) if prematurely aged, with 60 months of insurance

coverage in the last 10 years. Retirement from paid

employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal

agreement.

Old-age settlement: The insured person does not meet the

qualifying conditions for an old-age pension. The settlement

is payable from age 58. Retirement from paid employment is

necessary.

Disability pension: A loss of 2/3 of earning capacity with

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.

Survivor pension: The insured person met the pension

requirements or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor grant: The insured person did not meet the

qualifying conditions for a pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: An annual benefit of 1/60 of average

monthly covered earnings times the number of months of

insurance coverage.

The minimum pension is 50% of the legal minimum wage.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum equal to 10 times the annual

pension, based on the number of complete years of insurance

coverage.

The minimum settlement must not be less than 50% of the

minimum pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are indexed to changes in wages.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: An annual benefit of 1/60 of average

monthly covered earnings times the number of months of

insurance coverage.

The minimum pension is 50% of the legal minimum wage.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are indexed to changes in wages.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 40% of the insured’s pension is payable to

a widow aged 50 or older or disabled. The pension is also

payable to a dependent disabled widower.

Survivor grant: If the insured person did not meet the

qualifying conditions for a pension, a lump sum equal to

12 months of the insured’s pension.

Orphan’s pension: A lump sum equal to 25% of the survivor

grant for each orphan under age 16 (age 25 if a student; no limit

if disabled); 50% for each full orphan.

The maximum orphan’s pension is 100% of the survivor grant.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are indexed to changes in wages.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Social Security provides administrative

and technical oversight.

Minister of Investments is responsible for investments.

Managed by an administrative council and a management

committee, the National Social Security Institute administers

the program through 8 central directorates, 4 urban directorates

in Kinshasa, 10 provincial directorates, and 15 district bureaus.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

Sickness benefits: There are no statutory benefits. (The

labor code requires employers to pay 2/3 of wages, plus family

allowances.)
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 57

Congo (Kinshasa)

Maternity benefits: There are no statutory benefits. (The

labor code requires employers to pay 14 weeks of maternity

leave.)

The labor code requires employers to provide medical care for

workers and their dependents.

Medical care is available in government hospitals and

dispensaries and in the medical facilities of the National Social

Security Institute to old-age pensioners and disability

pensioners and their dependents.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 1961.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including domestic and casual workers,

sailors, apprentices, and students in vocational and craft

schools.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 1.5% of payroll. (The contribution may increase

for a higher assessed degree of risk.)

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

Two-thirds of average daily earnings during the 3 months

preceding the onset of disability, plus family allowances where

applicable, if at least 60% disabled. The benefit is payable from

the day after the onset of disability or the onset of an

occupational illness until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

The benefit is reduced during periods of hospitalization if there

are no dependents.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 85% of average monthly

earnings during the 3 months preceding the onset of disability,

if totally disabled.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension according to

the assessed degree of disability. If the assessed degree of

disability is less than 15%, the benefit is paid as a lump sum

equal to 3 times the annual pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, surgical, and hospital care;

X-rays; laboratory services; pharmaceuticals; appliances; and

transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 20% of the insured’s permanent disability

pension, payable to a widow at any age or to a dependent

disabled widower.

Remarriage settlement: If the widow(er) remarries, a lump sum

equal to 12 months’ pension is paid.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s permanent disability

pension for each orphan under age 16 (age 25 if a student; no

limit if disabled).

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

permanent disability pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum equal to 90 days’ legal minimum

wage.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Social Security provides administrative

and technical oversight.

Minister of Investments is responsible for investments.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions

and benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1951.

Current law: 1961.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons and social insurance beneficiaries with one

or more children, only in Katanga province.

The labor code requires employers to provide family benefits

to workers in all provinces except Katanga.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.
58 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Congo (Kinshasa)

Employer: 4% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 16 (age 25 if

a student; no limit if disabled).

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 10% of the legal minimum wage for each

child.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Social Security provides administrative

and technical oversight.

Minister of Investments is responsible for investments.

National Social Security Institute administers the program in

Katanga province.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 59

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current laws: 1968, 1971, 1988, and 1999.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers in all sectors.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.2% of earnings.

Employer: 4.8% of payroll.

Government: None.

Maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

1,647,315 CFA francs, which is equal to 45 times the guaranteed

minimum wage. The minimum wage is 36,607 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with 15 years of contributions and

15 years of covered employment after the program began.

Retirement from gainful activity is necessary. The pension is

payable abroad.

Early retirement: A reduced pension is payable at age 50.

Old-age allowance: Older than age 55 with more than 3 years

of employment but less than 15 years of contributions.

Disability pension: Age 50 with 15 years of contributions and

15 years of covered employment after the program began and

permanently incapable of any work.

Disability allowance: Awarded to workers under age 50 with

at least 15 years of contributions who are ineligible for a

disability pension.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner or met the

requirements for a pension at the time of death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 1.33% of average earnings times the

number of years of effective or deemed coverage before

January 1, 2000, and 1.70% for each year of coverage after this

date. (Some periods of employment before the program began

are credited.)

Early retirement: The pension is reduced by 5% for each year

that the pension is taken before age 55.

Child’s supplement: 10% of the insured’s pension for each

child under age 16, up to a maximum of 30% of the insured’s

pension.

Old-age allowance: A lump-sum payment.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted annually to

changes in the average salary subject to contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: About 1.33% of average earnings times

the number of years of coverage. (Some periods of

employment before the program began are credited.)

Child’s supplement (social insurance): 10% of the insured’s

pension for each child under age 16, up to a maximum of 30%

of the insured’s pension.

Disability allowance: At age 50 the disability allowance is

converted to an old-age pension without the benefit being

subject to a reduction. No additional information is available.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension is payable to

a widow(er) aged 50 or older. There is no age requirement if the

widow(er) was married for at least 2 years or has a dependent

child.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the insured’s pension for each full

orphan under age 16 (age 21 if a student).

The maximum orphan’s pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment, Public Administration, and Social

Insurance provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Insurance

Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current laws: 1964, 1968, 1971, 1988, and 1995.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity

and medical benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women and wives of employed workers.

Special system for civil servants.
60 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Côte d’Ivoire

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 0.75% of payroll.

Government: None.

Maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

70,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash maternity benefits: Three months of insured

employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Maternity benefit: 100% of earnings. The benefit is payable

for 6 weeks before and 8 weeks (11 weeks in case of

complications) after the expected date of childbirth. There is

reimbursement for some medical care fees (see Workers’

Medical Benefits, below).

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical care is provided to the insured worker by community

health centers of the National Social Insurance Fund.

Employers must provide medical services for their workers.

Salaried pregnant women can also have access to free medical

care provided through public hospitals or are awarded

5,000 CFA francs toward the cost of childbirth in a private clinic

or other establishment. From the third month of pregnancy,

reimbursement is provided for medical costs and

pharmaceuticals.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Health care is provided to wives and children at community

health centers managed by the National Social Insurance Fund.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment, Public Administration, and Social

Insurance provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Insurance

Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 1968, 1971, and 1988.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, seamen, certain self-employed persons,

apprentices, members of cooperatives, technical college

students, chairmen and managing directors of limited

companies, and prisoners.

Self-employed persons may affiliate voluntarily for all work

injury benefits except temporary disability benefit.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None, except for the voluntarily affiliated

self-employed.

Employer: 2% to 5% of payroll, according to the assessed

degree of risk.

Government: None.

Maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 70,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of earnings for the first 28 days of disability; thereafter,

2/3 of earnings. The benefit is payable from the day following

the onset of disability until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 100% of average earnings, if

totally disabled.

Partial disability: Average earnings multiplied by the

percentage degree of disability.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the permanent

disability pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted annually to

changes in the average salary subject to contributions.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization,

medicines, appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s earnings each for the

first two orphans and 10% for each other orphan; 20% for each

full orphan.

Other dependents: Parents and grandparents each receive

10% of the insured’s earnings.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s

earnings.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted annually to

changes in the average salary subject to contributions.

Funeral grant: A lump sum covering the cost of burial.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 61

Côte d’Ivoire

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment, Public Administration, and Social

Insurance provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Insurance

Fund administers contributions and benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current laws: 1968, 1971, 1988, and 1995.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees with one or more children.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 5% of payroll.

Government: None.

Maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

70,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: For a child under age 14 (age 18 if an

apprentice; age 21 if a student or disabled). The parent must

have 3 months of employment and be currently working

18 days or 120 hours a month (or be the widow of the insured

person).

Prenatal allowance: Must undergo prescribed medical

examinations.

Birth grant: Must undergo prescribed medical examinations.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,500 CFA francs a month for each child.

Prenatal allowance: 13,500 CFA francs, payable in three

installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 18,000 CFA francs on the birth of

each of the first three children.

Maternity allowance: 18,000 CFA francs is paid in three

installments 4 months apart starting from the date of the child’s

birth.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Health and Social Affairs provides general

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Insurance

Fund administers the program.
62 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Egypt

Egypt

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 4.61 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 workers in public and

private sectors), 1976 (employers and self-employed persons),

1978 (migrant workers), 1978 (social insurance), and 1980

(casual workers).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employed persons aged 18 or older (aged 16 or older if a

government employee), including casual agricultural workers,

domestic servants, and migrant workers and self-employed

persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 13% of basic wage; 10% of variable wage.

Employer: 17% of basic wage; 15% of variable wage.

Government: 1% of payroll plus any deficit.

The basic wage is base pay up to 650 pounds a month.

The variable wage is base pay over 650 pounds a month, plus

certain other forms of compensation such as bonuses and

commissions.

The maximum monthly earnings (basic and variable wages

combined) for contribution and benefit purposes are

1,150 pounds.

Contribution rates vary among categories of worker covered

by different legislative acts.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with 120 months of contributions

(basic wage pension); age 50 with 240 months of contributions

(variable wage pension).

Old-age settlement: If the insured person does not qualify

for a pension and is age 60 or emigrating.

Disability pension: Total and permanent incapacity for any

gainful employment with contributions during 3 consecutive

months or for a total of 6 months.

Disability settlement: The insured person does not qualify

for a pension and is totally disabled.

Survivor pension: The insured person met the contribution

conditions for a disability pension or was a pensioner at the

time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to a widow aged 51 or older, if the

insured person did not qualify for a pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension (basic): 1/45 (up to 1/40 for periods of

arduous work and 1/36 for dangerous work) of average

monthly earnings during the last 2 years times the number of

years of contributions up to 36 years.

Old-age pension (variable): 1/45 of average monthly

earnings over the entire contributory period times the number

of years of contributions. The average monthly wage on

which the pension is calculated is increased by 2% for each

year of contributions.

Early retirement pension: Must have at least 20 years of

contributions. The pension is reduced by 15% if the insured is

under age 45, by 10% if between ages 45 and 49, and by 5% if

between ages 50 and 54.

The minimum pension is 50% of the average wage in the last

2 years (if the qualifying period is not less than 20 years) or

100 pounds a month.

The maximum pension is 80% of average earnings or

920 pounds a month, whichever is less.

Lump-sum gratuity: 15% of the average annual basic wage for

each year of contributions beyond 36.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum equal to 15% of the average

monthly basic wage during the last 2 years times the number of

years of contributions, if the insured person does not qualify

for a pension. For variable wages, the average wage relates to

the entire contributory period.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 1/45 of average monthly earnings during

the last year for each year of contributions plus 3 extra years or

50% of average monthly earnings, whichever is greater. The

insured also receives half the difference between that amount

and 80% of average monthly earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: 20% of the pension.

Partial disability: A lump sum of 4 years’ pension proportionate

to the assessed degree of disability, if less than 35% disabled.

The minimum pension is 100 pounds a month or 65% of

average earnings, whichever is greater.

The maximum pension is 80% of average earnings or

920 pounds a month, whichever is less.

Disability settlement: A lump sum equal to 15% of the

average annual basic wage during the last 2 years times the

number of years of contributions, if the insured person does

not qualify for a pension.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 1/45 of average monthly earnings during

the last year for each year of contributions plus 3 extra years or

50% of average monthly earnings, whichever is greater. The
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 63

Egypt

insured also receives half the difference between that amount

and 80% of average monthly earnings.

The minimum pension is 65% of average earnings or

100 pounds a month, whichever is greater.

The maximum pension is 80% of average earnings or

920 pounds a month, whichever is less.

The pension is divided among the following survivors

according to the schedule in law: a dependent widow or a

disabled widower; dependent sons and brothers under age 21

(age 26 if a student; no limit if disabled); unmarried daughters

and sisters; dependent parents; and a divorcee without any

other source of income and previously married to the insured

person for at least 20 years.

Lump sums are paid to surviving daughters and sisters on

marriage, and to sons or brothers at age 21 (age 26 for a

student).

Survivor settlement: A lump sum equal to 15% of the

average annual basic wage during the last 2 years times the

number of years of contributions, if the insured person did not

qualify for a pension.

Funeral grant: Equal to 2 month’s pension.

The minimum funeral grant is 200 pounds.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Insurance provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Organization for

Social Insurance for the Private and Public Sector Fund

administers the program through regional and district offices.

Social Insurance Government Sector Fund administers the

program for government employees through regional offices.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959 (enabling provisions) and 1964 (workers in

public and private sectors).

Current law: 1975.

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: Casual agricultural workers, domestic servants,

and the self-employed.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of earnings. Pensioners contribute 1% of

the pension; beneficiaries of the survivor pension optionally

contribute 2%.

Employer: 4% of payroll (may be reduced to 3% for

employers that provide cash sickness benefits to their

employees).

Government: None; payment of cash benefits directly to

insured government employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefits: Contributions for the

last 3 months, or for a total of 6 months including the last

2 months.

Cash maternity benefits: Contributions for the last

10 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 75% of the daily wage during the first

90 days of sickness; thereafter, 85% of earnings. 100% of

earnings is payable in case of specified chronic diseases. The

benefit is payable for up to 180 days in a calendar year; no limit

on duration for specified chronic diseases.

The minimum benefit is equivalent to the minimum contributory

salary.

Maternity benefit: 75% of the daily wage. The benefit is

payable for up to 3 months before and after the expected date

of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Service benefits are provided by employer, public, or other

medical facilities under contract with the Health Insurance

Organization, which pays benefits directly. Benefits include

general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, maternity

care, dental care, laboratory services, medicines, rehabilitation

services and appliances.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Medical care and treatment are provided to the widow of an

insured person.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health 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 benefits.

Managed by a tripartite board, the Health Insurance

Organization administers medical benefits through its

hospitals.
64 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Egypt

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1936.

Current law: 1975.

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 the selfemployed.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 3% of payroll; may be reduced to 2% of payroll or

less if the employer provides temporary disability benefits to

employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

100% of earnings, payable from the day after the onset of

disability until full recovery or certification of permanent

disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 80% of average monthly

earnings during the last year, if totally disabled.

The minimum pension is 80% of average monthly earnings

during the last year.

The maximum pension is 100% of average monthly earnings

when combined with the old-age, survivor, or disability

pension.

Partial disability: If at least 35% disabled, a percentage of the

full pension proportionate to the assessed degree of disability.

Lump-sum benefit: If the degree of disability is less than 35%,

4 years’ pension proportionate to the assessed degree of

disability.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are increased by 5% after each

5-year period of continuous disability, up to age 60.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include general and specialist care, surgery,

hospitalization, medicines, X-rays, appliances, and

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 80% of the insured’s average monthly

earnings during the last year (up to 100% when coupled with

old-age, survivor, or disability pension).

The minimum pension is 20 pounds a month.

The maximum pension is 920 pounds a month.

The pension is divided among the following survivors,

according to the schedule in law: widow of any age, disabled

widower, dependent sons and brothers under 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.

Funeral grant: Equal to 2 months’ pension.

The minimum grant is 200 pounds.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Insurance provides general supervision.

National Organization for Social Insurance for Private and

Public Sector Fund and the Social Insurance Government

Sector Fund administer contributions and cash benefits.

Managed by a tripartite board, the Health Insurance

Organization administers medical benefits through its own

hospitals.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959 (enabling provisions).

Current law: 1975.

Type of program: Compulsory insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Temporary, seasonal, and casual workers;

domestic servants; family labor; public-sector employees;

employees older than age 60; the self-employed; and artisans.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2% of payroll.

Government: Any deficit.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefit: Six months of contributions,

including 3 consecutive months prior to unemployment. The

insured person must be able and willing to work and registered

with, and reporting on a regular basis to, the manpower office.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 65

Egypt

Unemployment is not due to voluntary leaving, discharge for

misconduct, refusal of a suitable job offer, or the refusal of

training.

Unemployment Benefits

60% of the last monthly wage is payable 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 Social Insurance provides general supervision.

National Organization for Social Insurance for the Private and

Public Sector Fund administers the program in collaboration

with local manpower offices.
66 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Note: This information is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current laws: 1984 and 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employees, public officials, military personnel, the selfemployed, clergy, members of production cooperatives,

students, and other groups.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4.5% of earnings.

Employer: 21.5% of earnings.

Government: At least 25% of annual social security receipts.

All of the above contributions also finance benefits for

Sickness and Maternity, Work Injury, and Family Allowances,

below.

Qualifying Conditions

Old age pension: Age 60 with 120 months of contributions of

which 60 were in the 10 years immediately preceding retirement.

The required contribution period is reduced for public officials

and military personnel who were between ages 50 and 60 when

the law was implemented.

Disability pension: Substantial inability to perform all types

of work or total inability to perform usual occupation.

Survivor pension: The insured person was covered or was a

pensioner at the time of death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old age pension: 40% of the average salary in the last

2 years, plus an increase of 2% for each year of contributions

over 10 years, up to a maximum of 80% of average salary.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: If totally disabled, 40% of the base salary.

Constant-attendance supplement: 80% of the base salary.

Partial disability: 40% of the base salary, payable for 6 months

if unable to perform usual occupation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 40% of the base salary is payable to a

widow aged 30 or older, regardless of age with children, or

disabled. If the insured person was a pensioner, the pension is

80% of the insured’s pension. The pension is also payable to a

dependent widower.

A childless widow who is under age 30 receives a pension for

24 months only.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the base salary up to age 14 (no

limit if a student or disabled); 40% for a full orphan.

Funeral grant: Equal to 2 month’s base salary.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current laws: 1984 and 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance.

Coverage

Employees, public officials, military personnel, the selfemployed, clergy, members of production cooperatives,

students and other groups, the insured’s family members,

pensioners, and the disabled.

Source of Funds

Insured 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

Sickness benefit: One year of contributions immediately

prior to the date of claim. The benefit is payable to the insured

person and the insured’s wife.

Maternity benefit: One year of contributions immediately

prior to the date of claim.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 50% of the base salary is payable after a

3-day waiting period.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 67

Equatorial Guinea

Maternity benefit: 75% of the base salary is paid for 6 weeks

before and 6 weeks after the expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical care for up to 26 weeks, according to a

fee schedule; free medicine during hospitalization, during

pregnancy, and for the postnatal period (in all other cases, the

insured pays 50% of the cost of medicine).

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical care for up to 26 weeks, according to a

fee schedule; free medicine during hospitalization, during

pregnancy, and for the postnatal period (in all other cases, the

insured person must pay 50% of the cost of medicine for

dependents).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute administers the system and provides

medical assistance according to agreements with public and

private medical and pharmaceutical facilities.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current laws: 1984 and 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employees, public officials, military personnel, the selfemployed, clergy, members of production cooperatives,

students, and other groups.

Source of Funds

Insured 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 benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of the base salary is payable after a 3-day waiting period.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 50% of the base salary, if

totally incapable of any work; the benefit is limited to

48 months if the insured person is only unable to perform his

or her usual occupation.

Partial disability pension: 50% of the base salary is payable for

24 months if the insured person is unable to perform his or her

usual occupation.

Constant-attendance supplement: 100% of the base salary.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Free medical care and medicines.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the base salary.

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 laws: 1984 and 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employees, public officials, military personnel, the selfemployed, clergy, members of production cooperatives,

students, and other groups.

Source of Funds

Insured 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

Family allowances: The insured person must be married, a

widow with children, or single with natural children.

Dependents related to the insured person who are under age

14, a student, or disabled may also qualify.
68 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Equatorial Guinea

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: Benefits are determined according to a

family point system set by regulation.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute administers the program through the

Family Fund.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 69

Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 8.58 birr.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1963 (public employees) and 1975

(employees of government-owned enterprises).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Public-sector employees and employees of government-owned

enterprises.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of basic salary.

Employer: 6% (civilian) or 16% (military) of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with a minimum of 10 years of

service and contributions.

Old-age settlement: Age 55 for those who do not meet the

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: Incapable of normal gainful employment

with a minimum of 10 years of service and contributions.

Survivor pension: The insured met the contribution

conditions for the old-age pension or was a pensioner at the

time of death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 30% of the average monthly salary during

the last 3 years, plus an increment of 1% (civilian) or 1.5%

(military) of the average monthly salary for each year of service

beyond 10.

The maximum benefit is 60% of the average monthly salary.

Old-age settlement: A lump-sum payment.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 30% of the average monthly salary during

the last 3 years, plus an increment of 1% (civilian) or 1.5%

(military) of the average monthly salary for each year of service

beyond 10.

The maximum benefit is 60% of the average monthly salary.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 50% of the

insured’s pension. Entitlement to the pension ceases on

remarriage. On remarriage, a lump sum of 2 years’ pension is

paid.

Orphan’s pension: 10% of the insured’s pension each; 20%

each for full orphans.

Dependent parents: 10% to 20% of the insured’s pension.

Administrative Organization

Office of the Prime Minister provides general supervision.

Managed by a board and general manager, the Social Security

Authority administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

The labor proclamation and public service amendment require

the provision of sickness and maternity leave for up to

3 months.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1963.

Current law: 1974.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

The labor proclamation allows for the provision of private

insurance.

Coverage

Public-sector employees and employees of government-owned

enterprises.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of basic salary.

Employer: 6% (civilian) or 16% (military) of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

A lump sum equal to 45% of the monthly salary multiplied by

5 years and the assessed percentage degree of disability.
70 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Ethiopia

Permanent Disability Benefits

From 45% to 60% of the monthly basic salary.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 50% of the

insured’s pension. Entitlement to the pension ceases on

remarriage. On remarriage, a lump sum of 2 years’ pension is

paid.

Administrative Organization

Office of the Prime Minister provides general supervision.

Managed by a board and general manager, the Social Security

Authority administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 71

Gabon

Gabon

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Note: This information is from 1997.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1963.

Current law: 1975.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Separate system for self-employed and state workers under

contract.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.5% of earnings.

Employer: 5% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged) with

20 years of insurance and 120 months of contributions during

the last 20 years; for those insured since May 1, 1964,

60 months of contributions during the last 10 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: The insured person is ineligible for an

old-age pension.

Disability pension: A loss of 2/3 earning capacity with 5 years

of insurance coverage and 30 months of contributions during

the last 5 years. The qualifying conditions are waived for

currently employed workers who have a nonoccupational

accident. (For occupational accidents, see Work Injury, below.)

Survivor pension: The insured person had 120 months of

contributions, met the contribution conditions for a pension, or

was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: The insured person worked until age 55

but did not have 120 months of contributions.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 40% of average earnings during the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus an increment of 1% of

earnings for each 12-month period of contributions beyond

240 months.

The maximum pension is 85% of average earnings.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum equal to 50% of average

monthly earnings for each 6-month period of contributions, if

the insured person is ineligible for the pension.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 60% of the old-age pension, payable as if

the insured person had worked until age 55.

The minimum pension is 60% of the highest minimum wage.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s old-age pension is

paid to a nonworking or disabled widow; also payable to a

dependent disabled widower. If there is more than one widow,

the pension is divided equally.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan; 35% for a full orphan.

An orphan’s mother who is ineligible for the widow’s pension

receives 35% of the insured’s pension.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum equal to 100% of the

insured’s monthly old-age pension for each 6-month period of

contributions, if ineligible for the survivor pension.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and National Solidarity provides

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the

National Social Security Fund administers contributions and

benefits.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1975 (maternity) and 1976 (pharmaceuticals).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity and

medical benefits only.
72 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Gabon

Coverage

Maternity benefits: Employed women.

Medical benefits: Employed persons and their dependents.

Special system for the self-employed, state workers under

contract, and the indigent.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2% of payroll for pharmaceuticals, 1.5% for

hospitalization, and 0.6% for medical examinations.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Contributions made under Family Allowances finance

maternity benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefit: Women in insured employment for at least

4 months.

Medical benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The

1962 labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: 50% of earnings, payable for up to 6 weeks

before and 8 weeks (11 weeks in the case of complications)

after the expected date of childbirth.

Also, free maternity care.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical services are provided by hospitals and dispensaries

operated by the National Social Security Fund and by other

participating establishments. Benefits include hospitalization,

inpatient and outpatient treatment, and pharmaceuticals. (The

1962 labor code requires employers to provide certain medical

services.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (Some maternity and child

health and welfare services are provided under Family

Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and National Solidarity provides

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1935.

Current law: 1975.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including members of cooperatives,

apprentices, and students; certain categories of self-employed

persons.

Special system for the self-employed and state workers under

contract.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 3% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

100% of the insured’s earnings during the 30 days preceding

the onset of disability. The benefit is payable from the day

after the onset of disability until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: For total disability, 100% of

average earnings.

Partial disability: 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 above 50%. A lump sum is payable

for an assessed degree of disability of 10% or less.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, and surgical care;

hospitalization; medicines; appliances; laboratory services;

X-rays; rehabilitation; and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s earnings, payable to

a widow(er).
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 73

Gabon

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the insured’s earnings for each

orphan; 35% for a full orphan.

An orphan’s mother who is ineligible for the widow’s pension

receives 35% of the insured’s pension.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of the insured’s

earnings each.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s

earnings.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum equal to 6 months of the

insured’s earnings, payable to the nearest relative if there are

no survivors who qualify for a pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum covering the cost of the burial, up

to a maximum of 8 times the insured’s average monthly

earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and National Solidarity provides

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1975.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons with one or more children and old-age

pensioners caring for a child who was born before their date of

retirement.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Special system for the self-employed, state workers under

contract, and the indigent.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 8% of payroll. (Contributions also finance

maternity benefits.)

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 16 (age 17 if

an apprentice; age 20 if a student or disabled). The parent

must have had 4 consecutive months of employment and be

currently working 20 days a month, or be the widow of a

beneficiary.

Prenatal allowance: Must undergo regular medical

examinations, as specified in law.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 3,000 CFA francs a month for each child.

School allowances: 10,000 CFA francs a year to dependent

primary, secondary, or technical school students.

Prenatal allowance: 13,500 CFA francs, paid in two

installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 8,000 CFA francs for each birth and

45,000 CFA francs for the purchase of clothing and other

necessities (layette) for a newborn child.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and National Solidarity provides

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
74 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Gambia

Gambia

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 24 dalasi.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1981 (provident fund).

Current law: 1987 (pension scheme).

Type of program: Dual pension scheme and provident fund

system.

Coverage

Pension scheme: Employed persons in quasi-government

institutions and in participating private companies.

Provident fund: Employed persons in the private sector.

Special pension system for civil servants and armed forces

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Pension scheme: None.

Provident fund: 5% of basic salary.

Employer

Pension scheme: 19% of payroll.

Provident fund: 10% of basic salary.

Government

Pension scheme: None.

Provident fund: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Pension scheme: Age 55 with 10 years of contributions.

Early pension: Age 45. (If the insured person retires before

age 45 with 5 years of contributions, the pension is deferred

until age 45.)

Provident fund: Age 55; or voluntary retirement from age 45

after 2 years of unemployment.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension

Pension scheme: With 10 or more years of contributions, the

benefit is a lump sum of 25% of the total contributions with the

remaining 75% converted into an annuity. With a minimum of

5 years of contributions but less than 10 years, the benefit is a

lump sum.

Provident fund: A lump sum equal to total employer and

employee contributions, plus accrued interest.

Voluntary retirement benefits are paid as a lump sum at age 45

after a minimum of 5 years of contributions and 2 years of

unemployment.

Early retirement: With a minimum of 5 years of contributions,

benefits are paid to fund members who are involuntarily

unemployed or to women who leave employment to marry.

The amount of the benefit depends on the age of the claimant

and the length of service; the balance in the member’s fund

account is payable at the normal retirement age or under

certain other conditions.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension

Pension scheme: A lump sum of 25% of the total

contributions, with the remaining 75% converted into an

annuity. In exceptional circumstances of serious ill health, the

total amount is paid as a lump sum.

Provident fund: A lump sum equal to total employer and

employee contributions, plus accrued interest.

Partial disability: 50% of the full disability benefit.

Further payments are based on an assessment of the disability,

upon recommendation of the medical board.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension

Pension scheme: A lump sum equal to twice the annual salary

of the insured is payable if the insured was still contributing,

irrespective of the number of contributions; a lump sum based

on the value of the accrued pension if the insured has opted to

take an early pension; or the remaining balance of the pension

if the insured was a pensioner.

Provident fund: A lump sum equal to total employer and

employee contributions, plus accrued interest. The lump sum

is payable to named survivors and eligible orphans.

Administrative Organization

Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation administers

the pension scheme and the provident fund.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1940.

Current law: 1990.

Type of program: Employer-liability system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 75

Gambia

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Armed forces personnel, casual workers, and

family members living in the employer’s home.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 1% of payroll.

Government: None. (Contributes for civil servants.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

1,500 dalasi.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period,

but incapacity must last at least 5 consecutive days.

Temporary Disability Benefits

60% of earnings is paid for 6 months.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation

purposes are 1,500 dalasi.

Partial disability: A reduced pension is paid.

Permanent Disability Benefits

60% of earnings, if totally disabled.

The minimum monthly benefit is 100 dalasi.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit purposes are

1,500 dalasi.

Partial disability: A reduced pension according to the schedule

in law.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical, surgical, hospital, and nursing care; medicines. The

Injuries Compensation Fund pays 75% of the cost and the

employer pays 25%.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum of 120 months of the insured’s

earnings is payable to the insured’s dependents; a reduced

amount is paid if the survivor was only partially dependent.

The maximum survivor benefit is 180,000 dalasi.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation

purposes are 1,500 dalasi.

Funeral grant: In case of no surviving dependents,

1,000 dalasi to meet the cost of the funeral.

Administrative Organization

Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation enforces the

law.

Injuries Compensation Fund administers the program.
76 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Ghana

Ghana

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 8,250 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 affiliation for the self-employed; nonemployed

formerly insured persons may contribute voluntarily as if

self-employed.

Special system for members of the armed forces.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of earnings; self-employed, 17.5% of

income.

Employer: 12.5% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefit: Age 60 (ages 55 to 59 for underground mine

workers, steel mill workers, or employees engaged in other

types of hazardous employment) with at least 240 months of

contributions.

Early pension: A reduced pension is payable from ages 55 to

59.

Old-age grant: For insured persons with insufficient

contributions for the old-age benefit.

Disability benefit: Permanently disabled with 12 months of

contributions in the last 36 months and incapable of any

gainful employment.

Survivor benefit: The death of the insured person before

age 72.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age benefit: The minimum pension is 50% of the average

annual salary in the 3 best years of earnings. The pension is

increased by 1.5 percentage points for each 12-month period of

contributions beyond 240 months.

The maximum pension is not to exceed 80% of the average

earnings of the top 5% of contributing members.

The insured person may opt to take 25% of the pension as a

lump sum.

Old-age grant: A lump sum equal to the full refund of

contributions plus interest set at 50% of the prevailing

government treasury rate.

Permanent Disability Benefits

The minimum pension is 50% of the average annual salary for

the 3 best years of earnings. The pension is increased by

1.5 percentage points for each 12-month period of

contributions beyond 240 months.

Survivor Benefits

If the insured was a pensioner at the time of death, the benefit

is payable as a lump sum 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

240 months of contributions, a lump-sum benefit is payable

equal to the present value of 12 years’ pension; with less than

240 months of contributions, a lump sum equal to the present

proportional value of 12 years’ pension. (The present value of

the pension is calculated using 50% of the prevailing treasury

bill rate of interest.) The pension is payable to named

dependents.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning provides general

supervision.

Social Security and National Insurance Trust administers the

program through a tripartite management board.

Sickness and Maternity

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided.

Employers can provide medical care for employees and their

dependents through collective agreements.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1940.

Current law: 1987.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 77

Ghana

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost, met through the direct provision of

benefits or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: The minimum qualifying period is 6

months.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is the difference between earnings before the onset

of disability and the actual or potential earnings after the onset

of disability. The benefit is payable after a 5-day waiting

period for up to 24 months at the discretion of the Chief Labor

Officer.

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum of 96 months’ earnings on the date of certification

of permanent disability, if totally disabled.

Constant-attendance supplement: 25% of the total disability

benefit.

Partial disability: A lump sum proportionate to the assessed

degree of disability. Benefit payments are made according to

the schedule in law.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, hospital, and nursing care

and the cost of medicines and appliances up to specified

amounts.

Survivor Benefits

A lump sum of 60 months’ earnings at time of the work injury.

The benefit is payable to the insured’s dependents; a reduced

benefit is paid if the survivor was only partially dependent.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Mobilization and Social Welfare, Labor

Department, enforces the law.

Employers may insure the assessed liability with private

insurance companies.
78 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Guinea

Guinea

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 1,976 francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1958.

Current law: 1994.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.5% of earnings.

Employer: 4% of payroll.

Government: None.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Note: Disability pensions are financed through sickness

insurance.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if unable to work) with

15 years of contributions. Retirement from gainful employment

is necessary.

Early pension: Age 50.

Disability pension: Loss of 2/3 of working or earning capacity

and ineligible for an early pension. Currently covered with

26 days or 120 hours of employment in the last 3 months

(conditions are waived for currently employed workers if the

disability is due to an accident or infectious disease) and at

least 5 years of contributions.

Survivor pension: The insured person was a pensioner or in

insured employment at the time of death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: About 2% of base earnings times the

number of years of insurance coverage (some periods of

incapacity are credited).

The maximum number of years for benefit 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.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 50% of average earnings, if totally

disabled.

Constant-attendance supplement: 20% of the insured’s

pension.

Partial disability: The pension is proportionate to the loss of

earning capacity.

The maximum partial disability pension is 30% of earnings.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the pension paid or accrued to the

insured if caring for a child or age 50 or older; at any age if the

widow of an old-age pensioner.

Orphan’s pension: 10% of the insured’s pension to each

orphan; 20% for each full orphan.

The maximum orphan’s pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 90 days’ earnings, but no less

than 2,500 francs.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and Women’s and Children’s Welfare

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.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.5% of earnings.

Employer: 4% of payroll (includes 1% for maternity benefits).

Government: None.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 400,000 francs.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 79

Guinea

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefits: Three months of

coverage and 26 days of employment during the last 3 months

(conditions are waived for currently employed workers if the

incapacity is due to an accident or infectious disease).

Cash maternity benefits: See Family Allowances, below.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 50% of average daily earnings. The benefit

is payable after an 8-day waiting period for up to 13 weeks;

benefit may be extended to 26 weeks if the insured person has

at least 1 year of coverage with 250 days of employment during

the last 12 months. (The labor code requires employer to pay

full wages during the waiting period.)

The maximum duration of benefits is 1 year in the case of a

permanent condition.

Maternity benefit: See Family Allowances, below.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical service benefits are provided by doctors, hospitals,

and pharmacists paid directly by the National Social Security

Fund. Benefits include general and specialist care, surgery,

hospitalization, maternity care, drugs (reimbursed at 70% or

100% depending on the cost of the treatment), appliances,

laboratory services, and transportation.

Benefits are available only after an 8-day waiting period during

which the employer and the insured worker must share the

medical care costs equally.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Same as for the insured person.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and Women’s and Children’s Welfare

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current law: 1994.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 4% of payroll.

Government: None.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 400,000 francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of earnings for the first 28 days; thereafter, 2/3 of

earnings. The benefit is payable from the day after the onset

of disability until full recovery or certification of permanent

disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 70% of average earnings for

total disability.

Partial disability: Equal to the permanent disability pension

multiplied by the assessed degree of disability; the pension is

paid as a lump sum if the assessed degree of disability is from

1% to 14%.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical and surgical care, hospitalization, drugs, appliances,

rehabilitation, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings is payable

to a widow or a dependent widower.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s earnings each for the

first two orphans and 10% for each other orphan is paid up to

age 16 (age 20 if a student); 20% for each full orphan.

Dependent relatives: 10% of the insured’s earnings each, up to

a maximum of 20%.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s

earnings.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 90 days’ earnings, but no less

than 2,885 francs.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Welfare and Women’s and Children’s

Welfare provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
80 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Guinea

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1994.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons subject to the labor code who are covered

under social insurance.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 6% of payroll.

Government: None.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

75,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

400,000 francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 17. The

parent was covered during the previous month and is currently

working 18 days a month (unless a social insurance

beneficiary).

Cash maternity benefits: The woman is in insured

employment.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,500 francs a month for each child, up to

a maximum of 10 children.

Maternity benefit: 100% of earnings. (The labor code

requires the employer to pay half.) The benefit is payable for

up to 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after the expected date of

childbirth.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs and Women’s and Children’s Welfare

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 81

Kenya

Kenya

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 77.40 shillings.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1965.

Type of program: Provident fund system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusion: Casual workers.

Special pension system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of earnings.

Employer: 5% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

4,000 shillings.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefit: Age 55 and substantial retirement from

regular employment. The benefit is payable at age 50 if not in

insured employment or at any age if emigrating permanently.

Disability benefit: Total incapacity for any work.

Survivor benefit: The death of the fund member prior to

retirement.

Old-Age Benefits

A lump sum equal to total employee and employer

contributions, plus interest.

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum equal to total employee and employer

contributions, plus interest.

Survivor Benefits

A lump sum equal to total employee and employer

contributions, plus interest. The benefit is payable to the

spouse and children or, if none, to other dependent relatives.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor provides general supervision through a

board of trustees.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1966.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Hospital benefits

only.

The 1976 Employment Act requires employers to pay 100% of

earnings for up to 2 months; some employers negotiate with

trade unions to pay 100% for 1, 3, or 6 months, then 50% for an

equal period.

The 1976 Employment Act requires employers to pay 100% of

earnings for up to 2 months of maternity leave. Some medical

services are also provided by employers.

Coverage

Employed persons, including public-sector employees and the

self-employed, earning 1,000 shillings or more a month.

Voluntary affiliation for persons earning less than

1,000 shillings a month.

Source of Funds

Insured person: A graduated monthly contribution, from a

minimum of 30 shillings up to a maximum of 320 shillings;

voluntary contributors pay a fixed rate of 60 shillings a month.

Employer: None.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Hospital benefits: There is no qualifying period. There are

367 approved hospitals where contributors and their families

can seek medical attention.

Voluntary contributors qualify for benefits after 60 days; in the

case of maternity care, after 6 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: No statutory

benefits are provided.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Hospital benefits: A refund of expenses for hospital and

medical treatment for insured persons, as prescribed by

regulation.
82 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Kenya

The maximum reimbursement ranges between 200 and

650 shillings a day, depending on the type and grade of

medical facility attended.

Medical services provided outside the country are reimbursed

at 750 shillings a day.

The maximum duration of benefits is 180 days in 1 year; may be

extended in the case of exceptional hardship.

Government employees receive subsidized care at government

facilities.

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.

Free care is provided in government hospitals for certain

illnesses, including tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases,

and AIDS.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Hospital benefits for dependents: Dependent children are

entitled to a maximum of 10 days of benefits up to age 18

(age 22 if still dependent).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health provides general supervision through a

board of directors.

National Hospital Insurance Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1946.

Current law: 1974.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Nonmanual employees earning over 4,000 shillings

a month, casual workers, and family labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost, met through the direct provision of

benefits or insurance premiums.

Government: None. (The cost of benefits for government

employees injured while in service.)

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of earnings, up to a maximum of 540 shillings. The benefit

is payable after a 3-day waiting period (waived if the disability

exceeds 3 days).

The maximum total benefit award for temporary disability is

240,000 shillings.

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum equal to 60 months of the insured’s earnings in the

case of permanent partial disability.

The maximum total benefit award for permanent partial

disability is 240,000 shillings.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum of 60 months’ earnings, payable

to dependent survivors or, if none, in a reduced amount to

survivors who were only partially dependent.

The minimum benefit is 35,000 shillings.

The maximum benefit is 240,000 shillings.

Funeral grant: A lump sum covering the cost of the funeral.

(The employer pays 2,000 shillings if there are no dependents.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor enforces the law, approves settlements, and

pays benefits from money deposited with it by employers.

Employers may insure the assessed liability with private

insurance companies.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 83

Liberia

Liberia

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

49 Liberian dollars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1972.

Current law: 1988.

Type of program: Dual social insurance and social assistance

system.

Coverage

Social insurance

Employees of firms with five or more workers and public-sector

employees.

Exclusions: Casual workers, family labor, and domestic

employees.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and others not

compulsorily covered.

Social assistance

Needy elderly, disabled, or unemployed persons.

Source of Funds

Social insurance

Insured person: 3% of earnings.

Employer: 3% of payroll.

Government: None.

Social assistance

Insured person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: Total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with 100 months of contributions.

Retirement from employment is necessary until age 65.

Old-age settlement: For an insured person with at least

12 months of contributions who is ineligible for a pension at

retirement age.

Old-age assistance: A noncontributory scheme for needy

aged and unemployed workers who are ineligible for regular

benefits.

Disability pension: Permanent incapacity for work with

contributions in 2/3 of the months since first becoming

covered, with a minimum of 50 contributions in the last

60 months.

Disability settlement: For an insured person with at least

12 months of contributions who is ineligible for a pension.

Disability assistance: A noncontributory scheme for needy

disabled workers who are ineligible for regular benefits.

Survivor pension: The insured person met the disability

pension requirements or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 25% of average monthly earnings, plus 1%

for every 10-month period of contributions beyond 100.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum equal to employee

contributions, plus accrued interest.

Old-age assistance: The maximum assistance benefit is

$350 a year.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 25% of average monthly earnings, plus

1% for every 10-month period of contributions in excess of 50.

Disability settlement: A lump sum equal to employee

contributions, plus accrued interest.

Disability assistance: The maximum benefit is $350 a year.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension, payable to a

widow or a dependent disabled widower.

Orphan’s pension: 10% of the insured’s pension (20% for a

full orphan) for each child under age 18 (age 21 if student; no

limit if disabled).

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the old-age pension

or disability pension, whichever is higher.

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.

Current law: 1980.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Casual workers, family labor, and domestic

servants.
84 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Liberia

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: An average contribution of 1.75% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

65% of average earnings, payable after a 14-day waiting period

(the first 14 days are compensated retroactively if the disability

lasts longer than 14 days) until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 65% of average earnings, if

totally disabled.

Constant-attendance supplement: 25% of the pension.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension

proportionate to the assessed degree of disability, according to

the schedule in law.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Reasonable expenses for medical and surgical care,

hospitalization, drugs, and appliances.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 20% of the insured’s average earnings,

payable to a widow or a dependent disabled widower.

Orphan’s pension: 10% of the insured’s average earnings

(20% for a full orphan) for each child under age 18 (age 21 if

student; no limit if disabled).

The maximum orphan’s pension is 30% of earnings.

Dependent parents or grandparents (in the absence of the

above): 20% of the insured’s average earnings, divided

equally if there is more than one survivor.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial, 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.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 85

Libya

Libya

Exchange rate: Exchange rate of the dinar with the

U.S.$ is not available.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current law: 1980.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All residents.

Special system for members of the armed forces.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.75% of earnings. The self-employed

contribute 15.175%.

Employer: 10.5% of payroll. Employers of foreign companies

contribute 11.25%.

Government: 0.75% of covered earnings. Annual subsidies

and the cost of income-tested benefits.

All of the above contributions also finance sickness benefits,

lump-sum grants for pregnancy and childbirth, and work injury

benefits.

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 20 years of contributions for a full

pension. Retirement from covered employment is necessary.

The pension is not payable abroad.

Disability pension: 80% loss of earning capacity in the

previous job or in other suitable work.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner or was

eligible for a pension at the time of death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The full pension is calculated as 2.5% of

average earnings during the last 3 years for each of the first

20 years of contributions, plus 2% for each year beyond 20.

The minimum pension is 96 dinars a month.

The maximum is 80% of average earnings.

Dependent supplement: Four dinars a month for a wife and

2 dinars a month for each child under age 18; no age limit for an

unmarried daughter.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 50% of the full old-age pension, plus 0.5%

for each of the first 20 years of contributions and 2% for each

year beyond 20.

The minimum pension is 60 dinars a month plus 50% of

earnings.

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings.

Dependent supplement: Four dinars a month for a wife and

2 dinars a month for each child under age 18; no limit for an

unmarried daughter.

Constant-attendance supplement: Up to 25% of the pension.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The benefit is determined by 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. A single son receives between

40% and 75%; up to a combined 100% for more than one son.

Parents receive between 15% and 60%. Brothers and sisters

receive between 15% and 60%.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 50 dinars.

Administrative Organization

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the Social

Security Fund administers the program through district and

local offices.

General supervision by a national social security committee.

Local supervision by municipal committees.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current law: 1980.

Type of program: Dual employer-liability and social insurance

system.

Coverage

Employer-liability program: Cash benefits for all employees.

Social insurance program: Cash benefits for the selfemployed and specific medical benefits for the employed and

self-employed.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Cash benefits: None. The self-employed contribute 1.5%.

Medical benefits: 1.5% of earnings. The self-employed

contribute 3.5%.
86 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Libya

Employer

Cash benefits: Total cost of maternity benefit.

Medical benefits: 2.45% of payroll.

Government

Cash benefits: 0.75% of earnings for the self-employed only.

Medical benefits: 5% of earnings.

Qualifying Conditions

Sickness benefits: Six weeks of contribution during the last

3 months.

Maternity benefits: Six months of coverage before the

expected date of childbirth or 4 months of contributions during

the last 6 months.

Medical benefits: Qualified to receive sickness or maternity

benefits or receiving a pension.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 60% of earnings, payable for up to 1 year.

Maternity benefit: 100% of earnings, payable for a total of

3 months.

Maternity grant: Three dinars a month from the fourth month

of pregnancy until childbirth, up to a maximum of 6 months.

Birth grant: 25 dinars for each birth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical services are provided directly to patients by the

facilities of the Ministry for Social Security. Benefits include

general and specialist care, hospitalization, maternity and

nursing care, essential medical supplies, and rehabilitation.

Patients may be required to pay part of the cost of benefits.

Benefits are provided for up to 6 months longer than cash

benefits.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Same as for the insured person. The wife of an insured man

receives the same medical maternity benefits as an insured

woman.

Administrative Organization

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the Social

Security Fund administers the program through district and

local offices.

General supervision by a national social security committee.

Local supervision by municipal committees.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current law: 1980.

Type of program: Dual employer-liability and social insurance

system.

Coverage

Employer-liability program: Cash benefits for all employees.

Social insurance program: Cash benefits for the employed

and the self-employed.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age,

Disability, and Survivors and Sickness and Maternity, above.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and

Survivors and Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability,

and Survivors and Sickness and Maternity, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

70% of earnings, payable for up to 1 year.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: For a disability of 60% or

more, the full pension is 2.5% of average earnings during the

last 3 years for each of the first 20 years of contributions, plus

2% for each year of contributions beyond 20.

The minimum pension is 60 dinars a month plus 50% of

earnings.

The maximum pension is 100% of earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: Up to 25% of the pension.

Partial disability: For a disability of between 30% and 60%, the

pension is proportionate to the assessed degree of disability; a

lump sum payable for an assessed disability of between 5%

and 29%.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical treatment and surgery, hospitalization,

medicine and appliances, dental care, glasses, and

rehabilitation.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 87

Libya

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The benefit is determined by the number

of family members and their relationship to the deceased.

A widow receives between 30% and 75% of the insured’s

pension, regardless of age. A single son receives between

40% and 75%; up to a combined total of 100% for more than

one son. Parents receive between15% and 60%. Brothers and

sisters receive between 15% and 60%.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 50 dinars.

Administrative Organization

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the Social

Security Fund administers the program through district and

local offices.

General supervision by a national social security committee.

Local supervision by municipal committees.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1973 (no longer in force).

The 1980 labor code requires employers to pay a dismissal

benefit of 100% of earnings for up to 6 months.
88 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Madagascar

Madagascar

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 6,500 francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1969, with 1994 and 1999 amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, the clergy, presidents and directors of

private companies, managers of limited companies, employed

taxi drivers, and certain categories of employed seamen.

Exclusions: Temporary and casual workers.

Special scheme for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of earnings. Domestic workers make

lump-sum contributions.

Employer: 9.5% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum earnings for contribution and benefit purposes

are 8 times the monthly legal minimum wage.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men) or age 55 (women) with

15 years of insurance coverage (unless working before 1969)

and 28 quarters of contributions during the last 10 years (some

periods of prior service are credited). The pensionable age is

reduced by 5 years for seamen and for those who are disabled

and unable to work. Retirement from employment is necessary.

Partial pension: A proportionally reduced pension is payable if

the insured has insufficient quarters of contributions in the last

10 years but has at least 100 quarters (men) or 80 quarters

(women) of coverage during the full working career.

Solidarity allowance: For those who do not meet the

qualifying conditions for the full or partial old-age pension.

The insured must be age 60 (men) or age 55 (women) with

15 quarters of employment between January 1, 1964, and

December 31, 1968, and have been in salaried employment on

January 1, 1969.

Disability pension: Age 55 (men) or age 50 (women and

seamen) with at least a 60% loss of working capacity and with

10 years of insurance coverage and 28 quarters of

contributions during the last 10 years (some periods of prior

service are credited).

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner or met the

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension at the time of

death. If the insured died before age 60 (men) or age 55

(women), the qualifying condition for age is reduced by

10 years.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 30% of the legal minimum wage, plus 20%

of average earnings during the last 10 years, plus an increment

of 1% of earnings for each year of contributions beyond

10 years.

Partial pension: A proportionally reduced pension.

Dependent’s supplement: 10% of the insured’s pension is

payable for a spouse.

Supplement for awarded workers: 5% or 10% of the pension

for bronze medal and silver medal holders, respectively.

The minimum pension is 60% of the legal minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 40% of maximum earnings for

contribution and benefit purposes regardless of supplements,

or 75% of average earnings including supplements.

Solidarity allowance: The allowance is equal to 30% of the

minimum wage for unqualified labor plus 10% of the insured’s

average annual salary in the last 5 years plus 1% of the

insured’s average annual salary in the last 5 years for each year

of contributions.

Contributions refund: If ineligible for the old-age pension but

has at least 4 quarters of contributions, a refund of

contributions plus 2% interest per year.

Benefit adjustment: Benefit increases are proportional to any

rise in the legal minimum wage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 80% of the old-age pension that would

have been payable if the insured person had worked until

pensionable age.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to rises in

the legal minimum wage.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s average earnings,

payable to an unemployed widow(er); 15% if employed. The

pension is paid regardless of age.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s average earnings

each for the first two orphans and 10% for each other orphan;

20% for each full orphan.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s average

earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Legislation provides general

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 89

Madagascar

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1963, with 1967, 1969, 1994, and 1999

amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances,

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Sickness benefits: No benefits are provided. (The labor

code requires employers to provide certain medical services to

employees.)

Maternity benefits: Six months of insured employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: None. (The labor code requires employers

to provide certain medical services to employees.)

Maternity benefit: 50% of earnings. The benefit is payable

for 6 weeks before and 8 weeks (up to 11 weeks in case of

complications) after the expected date of childbirth.

If the insured is ineligible for maternity benefit, the employer

pays 50% of earnings for up to 14 weeks of maternity leave.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Working women receive reimbursement for the cost of medical

care during pregnancy and childbirth, up to a maximum of

25,000 francs. (The labor code requires employers to provide

certain medical services to employees.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

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 Labor and Social Legislation provides general

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1925.

Current law: 1963, with 1969, 1994, and 1999 amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, merchant seamen, the clergy, students,

apprentices, presidents and directors of private companies,

managers of limited companies, employed taxi drivers, tobacco

growers, members of workers’ cooperatives, and convict labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None; lump-sum contributions for

apprentices and domestic workers.

Employer: 1.25% of payroll; 1% of payroll for salaried casual

agricultural workers.

Government: None.

The maximum earnings for contribution purposes are 8 times

the legal monthly minimum wage.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

2/3 of earnings up to 6,000 francs a day. The benefit is payable

from the day after the onset of disability until full recovery or

the award of permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 100% of the annual wage, if

totally disabled.

Partial disability: Average earnings multiplied by 0.5 of 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 above

50%. A lump sum is payable if the assessed degree of

disability is less than 10%.

The minimum and maximum benefits are established by

formula.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the insured’s

pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical and surgical care, hospitalization, medicines,

appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.
90 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Madagascar

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s average earnings,

payable to a widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s average earnings

each for the first two orphans and 10% for each other orphan;

20% for each full orphan.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of the insured’s

average earnings each, up to a maximum of 30%.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s average

earnings.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 100,000 francs.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Legislation provides general

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1963, with 1967, 1969, 1994, and 1999

amendments.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons, the clergy, students, apprentices,

presidents and directors of private companies, managers of

limited companies, employed taxi drivers, and certain

categories of seamen.

Unemployed workers are eligible for a maximum of 6 months

under certain conditions.

Resident of Madagascar or France.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2.25% of payroll. (Contributions also finance

maternity benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.)

Government: None.

The maximum earnings for contribution purposes are 8 times

the monthly legal minimum wage.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 14 (age 18 if

an apprentice; age 21 if a student, disabled, or an unmarried

daughter caring for children). The parent must have 6 months

of employment and be currently working 20 days or 134 hours

a month, or be a widow(er) of a beneficiary.

Prenatal allowance: Must undergo prescribed medical

examinations before childbirth.

Birth grant: Must undergo prescribed medical examinations

after childbirth.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 4,000 francs a month for the first child,

3,000 francs for the second, 2,000 francs for the third,

1,000 francs for the fourth, and 500 francs each for the fifth

and subsequent children.

Prenatal allowance: 2,100 francs a month for 9 months,

payable as a lump sum.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 25,200 francs for each birth,

payable in two installments.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Legislation provides general

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 91

Malawi

Malawi

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 85.72 kwacha.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

Special system for public-sector employees only.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

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 (worker’s compensation).

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Casual workers, family workers, and members of

the armed forces.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost met through the direct provision of

benefits or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

A percentage of earnings based on the schedule in law. The

benefit is payable after a 3-day waiting period until full

recovery or certification of permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum of 54 months’ earnings, if totally disabled.

The minimum benefit is 54 times the minimum monthly wage.

Partial disability: A lump sum proportionate to the assessed

degree of disability, according to the schedule in law.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum of 42 months’ earnings, less

any disability benefit paid to the insured, is payable to

dependents.

The minimum benefit is 42 times the minimum monthly wage.

A reduced benefit is paid if the survivor was only partially

dependent.

Funeral grant (if no surviving dependent): If there is no

surviving dependent, the cost of the burial is paid by the

employer.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training enforces the law.

Employers may insure work injury liability with private

insurance companies.
92 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Mali

Mali

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Note: This information is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1961.

Current laws: 1962 and 1986 (old-age and survivors).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.6% of earnings.

Employer: 5.4% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with at least 10 years of

contributions. Retirement from all gainful activity is necessary.

Early pension: Age 50, with a 5% reduction for each year that

the pension is taken before age 55. The pension is not reduced

if the insured person is deemed incapable of work.

The pension is payable abroad if there is a reciprocal

agreement. Otherwise, the insured’s contributions are

refunded at retirement or upon permanent departure from the

country.

Disability pension: At least 5 years of coverage and a 2/3 loss

in earning capacity. The disability is reviewed every 6 months.

At age 50, the benefit is converted to an early old-age pension.

Survivor pension: The insured person was a pensioner or

met the pension requirements at the time of death. The

widow(er) must have been married to the insured for at least

2 years. Children must qualify for family allowance benefits.

Survivor allowance: Payable to the insured’s widow if the

insured had at least 10 years of coverage.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: An annual benefit of 1/60 of average

monthly earnings in the last 5 years before retirement times the

number of months of insurance coverage.

The minimum pension is 60% of the minimum wage.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted automatically for

cost-of-living changes.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: An annual benefit of 1/60 of average

monthly earnings in the last 5 years before the onset of

disability times the number of months of insurance coverage.

The minimum pension is 60% of the minimum wage.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted automatically for

cost-of-living changes.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension, payable to a

widow(er) of any age.

Orphan’s pension: 10% of the insured’s pension for each

dependent orphan under age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice; age 21

if a student or disabled).

The maximum orphan’s pension is 50% of the insured’s

pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted automatically for

cost-of-living changes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Public Service provides

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the

National Social Insurance Institute administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1962.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2% of payroll. Maternity benefits only.

Government: None.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 93

Mali

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are provided.

Cash maternity benefits: Nine months of insured

employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

(Employers are required to provide paid sick leave for

employees.)

Maternity benefit: 100% of earnings, payable for 6 weeks

before and 8 weeks (11 weeks in the case of complications)

after the expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Working women receive necessary medical care during

pregnancy and childbirth.

Employers are required to provide certain medical services and

medicines to their employees and their dependents, in part

through a joint interemployer medical services program

operated by the National Social Insurance Institute.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

The wife of an insured person receives the same maternity care

as an insured woman. (Some maternity and child health and

welfare services are provided under Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health, Solidarity, and Aged Persons provides

general supervision.

National Social Insurance Institute administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current law: 1962.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, members of cooperatives, and apprentices.

Special systems for public-sector employees and seamen.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

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

degree of risk.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

100% of earnings, payable from the day following the onset of

disability until full recovery or certification of permanent

disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: For total disability, 100% of

average earnings.

Partial disability: 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 above 50%.

The maximum pension is 900,000 CFA francs a year.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization,

medicines, appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings, payable to

the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s earnings each for the

first and second orphan and 10% for each additional orphan

(20% for each full orphan) under age 14 (age 18 if an

apprentice; age 21 if a student or disabled).

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of the insured’s

earnings each, up to a maximum of 30%.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s

earnings.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Public Service provides

general supervision.

National Social Insurance Institute administers contributions

and benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 1962.

Type of program: Employment-related system.
94 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Mali

Coverage

Employees with one or more children.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 8% of payroll.

Government: Subsidies to cover any deficits.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 14 (age 18 if

an apprentice; age 21 if a student or disabled). Evidence of

receiving pediatric care for preschool children is necessary.

The parent must have had 9 consecutive months of

employment and be currently working 18 days a month (or be

the widow(er) of a beneficiary).

Prenatal allowance: Subject to medical examinations and care

specified in law.

Birth grant: Subject to medical examinations and care

specified in law.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 880 CFA francs a month for each child.

Prenatal allowance: 4,089 CFA francs.

Birth grant: 5,450 CFA francs for each birth, payable in three

installments.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Public Service provides

general supervision.

National Social Insurance Institute administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 95

Mauritania

Mauritania

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 276.96 ouguiyas.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965.

Current law: 1967.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons and technical college students.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of earnings.

Employer: 2% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 50,000 ouguiyas.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men) or 55 (women) with 20 years

of insurance and 60 months of contributions in the last

10 years (including those made under the previous nonpublic

program). The pensionable age is reduced by 5 years if

prematurely aged. Retirement from gainful employment is

necessary. The pension is payable abroad if there is a

reciprocal agreement.

Disability pension: The permanent loss of 2/3 of earning

capacity with 5 years of insurance and 6 months of

contributions in the last 12 months. There is no qualifying

period if the disability is due to a nonoccupational accident.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner, met the

pension requirements, or had 180 months of contributions at

the time of death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 20% of average earnings during the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1.33% of earnings for

each 12-month period of insurance beyond 180.

The minimum pension is 60% of the highest minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings.

Dependent supplement: Benefits for dependent children are

provided under Family Allowances, below.

Old-age settlement: If the insured person does not meet the

conditions for a pension, 1 month’s wages for each year of

insurance coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Periodic adjustment of pensions to costof-living changes.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 20% of average earnings during the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1.33% of earnings for

each 12-month period of insurance beyond 180 months. A

6-month period is credited for each year that the claim is made

before age 60 (men) or 55 (women).

The minimum pension is 60% of the highest minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.

Dependent supplement: Benefits for dependent children are

provided under Family Allowances, below.

Benefit adjustment: Periodic adjustment of pensions to costof-living changes.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s accrued pension is

payable to a widow if aged 50 or disabled or to a dependent

disabled widower.

Survivor settlement: If the insured person did not meet the

qualifying conditions for a pension, the widow receives a

lump-sum grant equal to 1 month of the insured’s pension for

each 6 months of insurance.

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan under age 14 (age 21 if student; no limit if disabled);

40% for each full orphan.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Benefit adjustment: Periodic adjustment of pensions to costof-living changes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, Youth, and Sports provides

general supervision.

National Social Security Fund, managed by a tripartite board,

administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1952 (cash maternity benefits) and 1963 (medical

benefits).

Current laws: 1967 (cash maternity benefits) and 1976

(medical benefits).
96 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Mauritania

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity

and medical benefits.

Coverage

Cash maternity benefits: Employed women.

Medical benefits: Employed persons covered under the labor

code and their dependents.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

50,000 ouguiyas.

Cash maternity benefits are financed under Family Allowances,

below.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash maternity benefits: 12 months of insurance and

54 days of employment in the last 3 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Maternity benefit: 100% of earnings is payable for up to

14 weeks, including 8 weeks following the date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Employers are required to provide medical services for their

employees and their dependents through the employer medical

service program, or through the joint interemployer medical

service program for firms with fewer than 750 workers.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Same as for the insured person. Some maternity and child

health and welfare services are also provided under Family

Allowances, below.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, Youth, and Sports provides

general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current law: 1967.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 3% of payroll; 2.5% if the employer provides

medical care and temporary disability benefits.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 50,000 ouguiyas.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

2/3 of earnings. The benefit is payable from the day following

the onset of disability until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 85% of earnings, if totally

disabled.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension

proportionate to the assessed degree of disability; if the

assessed degree of disability is under 15%, a lump sum of

3 years’ pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical and surgical care, hospitalization, house calls,

medicines, appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 20% of the insured’s earnings, payable to

a widow or a disabled widower.

Orphan’s pension: 10% of insured’s earnings for each

orphan; 15% for each full orphan. (Orphans are also entitled to

benefits under Family Allowances, below.)

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of earnings

each.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Funeral grant: Thirty days’ earnings.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 97

Mauritania

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, Youth, and Sports provides

general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers contributions and

benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 1967.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons with one or more children.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 8% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

50,000 ouguiyas.

The above employer contributions also finance cash maternity

benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 14 (age 21 if

an apprentice, a student, or disabled). The parent must be

currently working 18 days a month or be the widow of a

beneficiary.

Prenatal allowance grant: Must undergo prescribed medical

examinations.

Birth grant: Must undergo prescribed medical examinations.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 300 ouguiyas a month for each child.

Prenatal allowance: 240 ouguiyas for each month of

pregnancy. The allowance is paid in three installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 2,880 ouguiyas for each of the first

three births.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, Youth, and Sports provides

general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
98 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Mauritius

Mauritius

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

28.95 rupees (Rs).

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1951.

Current law: 1976 (national pensions), with amendments.

Type of program: Dual noncontributory and social insurance

system.

Coverage

Basic pension (noncontributory): All residents aged 60 or

older.

Earnings-related pension (contributory): All employees

older than age 18.

Voluntary affiliation under the earnings-related program for

those not covered compulsorily, including the 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 (noncontributory): None.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): 3% of earnings.

(The self-employed and nonemployed persons may contribute

voluntarily.)

Employer

Basic pension (noncontributory): None.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): 6% of payroll;

10.5% for millers and large employers in the sugar industry.

The above employer contributions also finance work injury

benefits.

Government

Universal pension (noncontributory): Total cost.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): Any deficit.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

Rs975.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

Rs6,435.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Basic pension (noncontributory): Age 60 with 12 years of

residence after age 18 for Mauritian nationals. There is no

residence qualification if aged 70 or older. Noncitizens must

have lived in the country for 15 years since age 40, including

the 3 years immediately prior to the date of claim. The basic

pension is not income-tested or retirement-tested.

Earnings-related pension (contributory): Age 60 and insured.

Disability pension

Basic disability pension (noncontributory): Between ages 15

and 60, insured, and assessed by a medical board as 60%

disabled for at least 12 months. There is no residence

requirement for Mauritian nationals. Noncitizens must satisfy

a residence requirement.

Earnings-related pension (contributory): The insured person

is assessed as 60% disabled for at least 12 months.

Survivor pension

Basic widow’s pension (noncontributory): The pension is paid

to a widow under age 60. Noncitizen widows must have

5 years of residence during the 10 years preceding the claim

and must have been resident during the year preceding the

claim. Entitlement to the pension ceases on remarriage.

Earnings-related widow’s pension (contributory): The

widow’s spouse met the requirements for a pension or was a

pensioner at the time of death.

Earnings-related orphan’s pension (contributory): Paid to an

orphan under age 15 (age 18 if in full-time education) if either of

the deceased parents had paid contributions.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension

Basic pension (noncontributory): The value of the pension

increases with age. For ages 60 to 89, Rs1,700 a month; for

ages 90 to 99, Rs6,400; and if aged 100 or older, Rs7,300.

Enhanced basic pension: An additional Rs1,205 is payable if

blind or 100% disabled or in need of the constant care and

attention of another person.

Earnings-related 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.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for cost-of-living

changes.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 99

Mauritius

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension

Basic disability pension (noncontributory): Rs1,700 a month.

Carer’s allowance: Rs1,045 a month, if receiving the basic

disability pension and in need of the constant care and

attention of another person.

Child allowance: Allowances are paid for the first three

children. Children must be under age 15 (age 20 if in full-time

education). The allowance is Rs555 a month for a child under

age 10 and Rs595 if aged 10 or older.

Earnings-related disability pension (social insurance): 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 of pension points is set by the government.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for cost-of-living

changes.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension

Basic widow’s pension (noncontributory): Rs1,700 a month.

Child allowance: Allowances are paid for the first three

children of widows under age 60. Children must be under

age 15 (age 20 if in full-time education). The allowance is

Rs555 a month for a child under age 10 and Rs595 if aged 10 or

older. The allowance continues even if the child’s mother

remarries.

Orphan’s pension (noncontributory): Rs725 a month up to

age 15 (age 20 if in full-time education).

Guardian allowance (noncontributory): Rs320 a month to the

person looking after an orphan.

Earnings-related widow’s pension: 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 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 insured’s pension.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum equal to 12 months’

widow’s pension is payable on remarriage.

Earnings-related orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s

pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for cost-of-living

changes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security and National Solidarity provides

general supervision.

National Pensions Board, composed of government, employer,

and employee representatives, advises the Minister of Social

Security.

Ministry of Finance is responsible for the investment of

surplus assets of the National Pensions Fund.

Sickness and Maternity

Note: This information is from 1999.

Regulatory Framework

The 1975 labor law requires employers to provide up to 21 days

of paid sick leave to employees.

The 1975 labor law requires employers to provide 12 weeks of

paid maternity leave (6 weeks before and 6 weeks after the

expected date of childbirth) to employees.

Medical services are available free to the population at

government dispensaries and hospitals. (Some mother and

child health services are also provided under family

allowances.)

Financial assistance is provided to needy persons.

Work Injury

Note: This information is from 1999.

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1931.

Current law: 1976.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and

Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

Benefit is paid from the third week at 80% of earnings. (The

employer pays 100% of earnings for the first 2 weeks.)

Constant-attendance allowance: Rs325 a month for an insured

worker with a total temporary disability who requires the

constant attendance of another person.
100 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Mauritius

Permanent Disability Benefits

For total disability, 80% of monthly insurable earnings. (An

option of a lump-sum payment is available for totally disabled

workers aged 52 to 60. The lump sum is calculated as the

degree of disability times average annual earnings times 8.)

Partial disability: 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 as the degree of

disability times average annual earnings times 8.

Constant-attendance allowance: Rs325 a month for an insured

worker with a 100% disability who requires the constant

attendance of another person.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical and surgical care, hospitalization, medicines,

appliances, and transportation. The cost of private clinical

expenses not exceeding Rs4,000.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s earnings is payable

to a widow; to a widower if 60% permanently disabled.

Orphan’s pension: 7.5% of the insured’s monthly insurable

earnings for each orphan.

Dependent’s pension: If there is no surviving spouse, a

dependent person living in the insured’s household receives

Rs325 a month.

Funeral grant: A lump sum covering the cost of burial, if there

are no dependents.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security and National Solidarity administers

the program.

Unemployment

Note: This information is from 1999.

Regulatory Framework

Under the 1993 Unemployment Hardship Relief Act, household

heads who are under age 60 receive means-tested benefits after

30 days of registered unemployment.

Family Allowances

Note: This information is from 1999.

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1961.

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Needy families with three or more children.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: Total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: Children must be under age 15. Annual

family income is income-tested.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances (income-tested): A monthly benefit for

families with three or more children under age 15.

Some mother and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security and National Solidarity administers

the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 101

Morocco

Morocco

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 10.15 dirhams.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current laws: 1972 and 1981 (agricultural and forestry

workers).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employees and apprentices in industry, commerce, agriculture,

forestry, and cooperatives; artisans; and some high-income

categories of the self-employed.

Exclusions: Some categories of the self-employed.

Voluntary coverage for persons leaving covered employment.

Special systems for civil servants and for certain other

categories of employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.96% of earnings.

Employer: 7.93% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 55 for miners with 5 years or

more of underground work) and 3,240 days of insurance

coverage. Retirement from employment is necessary.

Disability pension: Total loss of earning capacity with

1,080 days of insurance coverage including 108 days in the last

year. There is no minimum qualifying period for a disability

resulting from a nonoccupational accident.

Survivor pension: The insured person met the contribution

requirements for the disability pension or was a pensioner at

the time of death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 50% of average covered earnings during

the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1% of earnings

for every 216 days of insurance in excess of 3,240.

The minimum pension is 500 dirhams.

The maximum pension is 70% of average earnings.

Benefit adjustment: Periodic adjustment of benefits.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 50% of average covered earnings during

the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1% of earnings

for every 216 days of insurance in excess of 3,240.

The minimum pension is 500 dirhams.

The maximum pension is 70% of average earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 10% of earnings.

Benefit adjustment: Periodic adjustment of benefits.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension, payable to a

widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan under age 12 (age 18 if an apprentice; age 21 if a

student; no limit if disabled); 50% for each full orphan.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Funeral grant: 10,000 dirhams.

Benefit adjustment: Periodic adjustment of benefits.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, Employment, and

Vocational Training provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current laws: 1972, 1981, and 1992.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash benefits

only.

Coverage

Employees and apprentices in industry, commerce, agriculture,

forestry, and cooperatives; artisans; and some high-income

categories of the self-employed.

Exclusions: Some categories of the self-employed.

Voluntary coverage for persons leaving covered employment.

Special systems for civil servants and for certain other

categories of employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 0.33% of earnings.

Employer: 0.67% of payroll.

Government: None.
102 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Morocco

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: For the first claim to benefit,

54 days of contributions in the previous 6-month period of

insurance coverage; 6 days of contributions for subsequent

claims.

There is no minimum qualifying period for a nonoccupational

accident.

Cash maternity benefits: 54 days of contributions during the

last 10 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 2/3 of the average daily salary. The benefit

is payable from the first day of incapacity for up to 52 weeks

within a 24-month period after the onset of the incapacity.

The minimum benefit is 2/3 of the minimum wage.

Maternity benefit: 100% of average daily earnings. The

benefit is payable for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after the

expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

None.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

None. (For in-kind medical benefits for children, see Family

Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, Employment, and

Vocational Training provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1927.

Current law: 1963.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally

involving insurance system with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost met through the direct provision of

benefits or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

The minimum annual earnings for benefit purposes are

16,474 dirhams.

The maximum annual earnings for benefit purposes are

65,507 dirhams.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of covered earnings during the first 28 days of disability;

thereafter, 2/3 of earnings. The benefit is payable from the day

after the onset of disability until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 100% of average earnings, if

totally disabled.

Partial disability: 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 above 50%. A lump-sum payment is

made for an assessed degree of disability below 10%.

The minimum pension is 16,474 dirhams.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the disability

pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical, surgical, and hospital care; medicines; and

transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings to a widow

under age 60; 50% if aged 60 or older.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of average earnings for each of the

first two orphans under 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.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the insured’s

earnings.

Funeral grant: The employer pays the full cost of the burial.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 103

Morocco

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, Employment, and

Vocational Training provides general supervision and enforces

the law through its Work Accident Service.

Courts award benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1942 and 1959.

Current law: 1972.

Type of Program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees and apprentices in industry, commerce, and

cooperatives; some high-income categories of the selfemployed; and social insurance beneficiaries with one or more

children.

Exclusions: Agricultural and forestry workers.

Special systems for civil servants and for certain other

categories of employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 7.5% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must reside in the country and

be under 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 insured person

must have 108 days of contributions during the previous

6 months of insurance coverage, with earnings of at least

80 dirhams a month. Allowances may be paid for a full year if

the insured person had earnings of at least 960 dirhams during

the previous year.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 150 dirhams a month for each of the first

three children; 36 dirhams a month for each additional child up

to the sixth.

Medical benefits: The cost of medical services up to

300 dirhams a year for the first child.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, Employment, and

Vocational Training provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Employers may pay allowances provided by the National

Social Security Fund directly to their employees.
104 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Niger

Niger

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1967, with 1998 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, technical students, and apprentices.

Voluntary coverage for persons with at least 6 months of

previous coverage.

Special system for most public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1.6% of earnings.

Employer: 2.4% of payroll.

Government: None.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 18,898 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 250,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 58 for covered public-sector

workers); age 55 if prematurely aged, with 20 years of coverage

and 60 months of contributions during the last 10 years. Half

the coverage period under the previous nonpublic program is

credited. Retirement from employment is necessary.

Old-age settlement: Age 60 (age 58 for covered public-sector

workers); age 55 if prematurely aged and ineligible for an oldage pension.

Disability pension: Loss of 2/3 of earning capacity with

5 years of coverage including 6 months of contributions in the

last year. A 6-month coverage period is credited for each year

that a claim is made before age 60 (age 58 for covered publicsector workers). Half the coverage period under the previous

nonpublic program is credited.

There is no qualifying period for a nonoccupational accident;

for occupational accidents, see Work Injury, below.

Survivor pension: The insured met the qualifying conditions

for the old-age pension or disability pension, was a pensioner

at the time of death, or had 180 months of contributions.

Survivor settlement: The insured person did not meet the

qualifying conditions for a survivor pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 20% of average earnings during the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus an increment of 1.33%

of earnings for each 12-month period of contributions beyond

180.

The minimum pension is 60% of the minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum equal to 1 month’s wage for

each year of coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 20% of average earnings during the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus an increment of 1.33%

of earnings for every 12-month period of contributions beyond

180.

The minimum pension is 60% of the legal minimum wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the disability

pension.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension is payable to

a widow or to a dependent disabled widower. The widow’s

entitlement ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan (40% for each full orphan) under age 14 (age 21 if a

student or disabled).

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum equal to 1 month of the

insured’s pension for each 6-month period of coverage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, and Employment

provides general supervision.

Managed by a council and a director, the National Social

Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1965.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 105

Niger

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances,

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Sickness benefit: No benefits are provided. (The labor code

requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: Six months of covered employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: None. (The labor code requires employers

to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: 50% of earnings, or 100% (with the

employer paying half) for women with at least 2 years of

service in a firm. The benefit is payable for up to 6 weeks

before and 8 weeks after the expected date of childbirth.

Maternity grant: A lump sum of 10,000 CFA francs is paid in

three installments 4 months apart following each birth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

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 Benefits

None. (Some child health and welfare services are provided

under Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, and Employment

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current law: 1965.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, technical students, apprentices, members

of production cooperatives, managers and directors of

commercial enterprises, and prison labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

250,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of average earnings for the first 28 days; thereafter, 66.6%.

The benefit is payable from the day following the onset of

disability until full recovery or certification of permanent

disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 100% of average monthly

earnings, if totally disabled.

Partial disability: Average earnings multiplied by 0.5 times the

assessed degree of incapacity for the portion of disability

between 10% and 50% and by 1.5 times the assessed degree of

incapacity for the portion of disability above 50%.

The minimum annual wage for benefit calculation purposes is

318,000 CFA francs.

The maximum annual wage for benefit calculation purposes is

3,922,000 CFA francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the insured’s

pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical and surgical care, hospitalization, medicines,

appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s earnings for each of

the first two orphans and 10% for each other orphan; 20% for

each full orphan.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of the insured’s

earnings each, up to a maximum of 30%.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of earnings.

Funeral grant: A lump sum equal to 15 days of the insured’s

earnings.
106 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Niger

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, and Employment

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers contributions and

benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 1965.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees and social insurance beneficiaries with one or more

children.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 11% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

250,000 CFA francs.

The above employer contributions also finance maternity

benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: Child must be at least 1 year old or under

age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice; age 21 if a student or disabled).

The parent must either have 6 months of employment and be

currently working 18 days a month or be the widow(er) of a

beneficiary.

Prenatal allowance: The mother and child must undergo

medical care as prescribed in law.

Birth grant: The mother and child must undergo medical care

as prescribed in law.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowance: 1,000 CFA francs a month for each child.

Prenatal allowance: 1,000 CFA francs for each month of

pregnancy.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 10,000 CFA francs for each of the

first three births.

Some maternal and child health and welfare services are also

provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, and Employment

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 107

Nigeria

Nigeria

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 124.85 naira.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1961 (provident fund).

Current law: 1993 (social insurance), implemented in July

1994.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employees of firms with 5 or more workers.

Exclusions: Civil servants, diplomats, noncitizens covered by

an equivalent program in another country, self-employed

persons, and the clergy.

Voluntary coverage for some excluded categories of worker

under specified conditions.

Special system for pensionable public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.5% of gross salary. (Gross salary includes

basic salary and housing and transport allowances.)

Employer: 6.5% of gross salary. (Gross salary includes basic

salary and housing and transport allowances.)

Government: None.

The maximum annual earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 48,000 naira.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with 120 months of contributions.

Retirement from regular employment is necessary.

Retirement grant: Age 60 with at least 12 months of

contributions. Retirement from regular employment is

necessary.

Disability pension: Permanently disabled with 36 months of

contributions including 12 consecutive months.

Disability grant: Permanently disabled with at least 12 months

of contributions.

Survivor pension: The insured person was eligible for the

disability pension or old-age pension at the time of death.

Survivor grant: The insured person was eligible for the

disability or retirement grant at the time of death.

Funeral grant: The insured person was receiving the

disability or retirement pension or had 60 months of

contributions.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 30% of average monthly insurable earnings

plus 1.5% of those earnings for each 12-month period of paid

or credited contributions exceeding 120 months of

contributions.

The minimum pension is 4,400 naira a month (80% of the

national minimum wage).

The maximum pension is 65% of average monthly

contributions.

Retirement grant: A lump sum equal to the final month’s

contributions multiplied by the number of months of

contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 30% of average monthly insurable

earnings increased by 1.5% for each 12-month period of

contributions exceeding 36 months’ contributions up to age 60.

The minimum pension is 40% of final average contributions or

80% of the national minimum wage.

Disability grant: A lump sum equal to the month’s

contributions immediately prior to the onset of disability

multiplied by the number of months of contributions.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 100% of the insured’s pension. The

pension is payable to a surviving spouse or to other

dependent relatives.

Survivors grant: 100% of the insured’s retirement grant or

disability grant.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 2,000 naira.

Administrative Organization

Federal Ministry of Labor and Productivity provides general

supervision.

Managed by a board of directors and a management

committee, the Social Insurance Trust Fund administers the

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1961 (provident fund), not

implemented.

Type of program: Provident fund system. Cash sickness

benefit only.

The labor code requires employers to provide employees with

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.
108 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Nigeria

Coverage

Employees of firms with 5 or more workers. (Not implemented.)

Exclusions: Casual workers, noncitizens covered by an

equivalent program in another country, and self-employed

persons. (Not implemented.)

Special system for public-sector employees.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

None. (Limited free medical care is available to the population

via public dispensaries and hospitals.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

None. (Limited free medical care is available to the population

via public dispensaries and hospitals.)

Administrative Organization

Federal Ministry of Labor and Productivity provides general

supervision.

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; nonmanual employees (including federal and

state public-sector employees) earning 1,600 naira a year or

less.

Exclusions: Agricultural or handicraft employees of

commercial enterprises normally employing fewer than

10 workers, casual workers, and family workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost met through the direct provision of

benefits or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

100% of salary for 6 months, 50% for next 3 months, and 25%

for the following 15 months.

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum of 54 months’ earnings, if totally disabled.

Constant-attendance supplement: 25% of the permanent

disability benefit.

Partial disability: A lump sum proportionate to the degree of

disability, according to the schedule in law.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical care, hospitalization, medicines, appliances, and

transportation.

Survivor Benefits

A lump sum of 42 months’ earnings, less any temporary

disability benefit paid to the deceased. Courts determine how

the lump sum is divided among the survivors.

Administrative Organization

Federal Ministry of Labor and Productivity enforces the law.

Courts participate in the adjudication of benefit claims and

settle disputed benefit claims.

Employers may insure the assessed liability with private

insurance companies.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

For insured persons who contributed to an individual account

under the previous provident fund system, the 1961 provident

fund legislation permits limited cash drawdowns after 1 year of

unemployment.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 109

Rwanda

Rwanda

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 510.87 francs.

Note: This information is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1974.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage for nonsalaried persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3% of earnings; 6% if voluntarily covered.

Employer: 3% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (lower if prematurely aged) with

20 years of insurance coverage and 60 months of contributions

during the last 10 years. (Transitionally, older workers are

given credits for years prior to 1957.)

Retirement from employment is necessary.

Old-age settlement: Age 55 (lower if prematurely aged) with

at least 12 months of insurance coverage and ineligible for the

old-age pension.

Disability pension: A loss of 2/3 of earning capacity with

5 years of insurance coverage and 6 months of contributions

during the last 12 months. There is no minimum qualifying

period for a nonoccupational accident.

Survivor pension: The insured person met the qualifying

conditions for an old-age pension or disability pension, was a

pensioner, or had 180 months of insurance coverage at the time

of death.

Survivor settlement: The insured person was ineligible for a

pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 30% of average earnings during the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1% for each 12-month

period of insurance coverage beyond 180 months.

The minimum pension is 50% of the legal minimum wage.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum equal to average monthly

earnings during the last 3 to 5 years.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for changes in the

cost-of-living index.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 30% of average earnings during the last

3 or 5 years (whichever is higher), plus 1% for each 12-month

period of insurance coverage beyond 180 months (for each

year that a claim is made before the insured person reaches

age 55, the insured person is credited with a 6-month coverage

period).

The minimum pension is 50% of the legal minimum wage.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for changes in the

cost-of-living index.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension, payable to

the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan under age 18 (age 25 if student; no limit if disabled);

40% for a full orphan.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum equal to 1 month’s pension

for each 6-month period of insurance coverage, if ineligible for

a pension.

Orphans’ settlement: A lump sum equal to 50% of the

survivor settlement, payable to the widow(er).

The maximum orphan’s settlement is twice the settlement for

the widow(er).

Surviving parent pension (in the absence of the above):

25% of the insured’s pension. Also payable to adoptive

parents.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted for changes in the

cost-of-living index.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Service and Labor provides general

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and director, the Social Fund

administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided.

The labor code requires employers to pay 100% of wages for

sickness benefit for up to 30 days.
110 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Rwanda

The labor code requires employers to pay 100% of wages for

maternity benefit for up to 2 months.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949 (private sector).

Current law: 1974.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

75% of the average daily earnings received by the worker

during the 3 months preceding the onset of disability. The

benefit is payable until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 85% of the insured’s average

monthly earnings in the 3 months preceding the onset of

disability, if totally disabled.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the insured’s

pension.

Partial disability: For an assessed disability of 15% or more, a

percentage of the full pension proportionate to the assessed

degree of incapacity; a lump sum of 3 years’ pension if the

assessed disability is less than 15%.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, laboratory services,

medicines, hospitalization, dental care, transportation, and

appliances.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s average daily

earnings, payable to a widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s earnings for each

orphan under age 18 (age 25 if a student; no limit if disabled);

20% for a full orphan.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s total

disability pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum equal to 100 times the legal

minimum wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Service and Labor provides general

supervision.

Social Fund administers contributions and benefits.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 111

São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé and Principe

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 9,111.61 dobras.

Note: This information is from 1993.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1979 and 1990 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Domestic workers.

Voluntary program for the self-employed.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of earnings.

Employer: 6% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 62 (men) or 57 (women) with

120 months of contributions.

Retirement is not necessary.

Disability pension: Permanent incapacity for all work, or at

least a 2/3 incapacity for usual work, with at least 60 months of

contributions.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner or eligible for

a pension at the time of death, with at least 60 months of

recorded earnings.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 35% of average earnings in the best 5 years

out of the last 10 calendar years, plus 1% for each year of

coverage up to 25 years and 2% for each year of coverage

beyond 25.

Deferred pension: The pension is increased by 3% for each

year of coverage after the normal retirement age.

The minimum pension is 30% of the national minimum wage.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are indexed to wage increases.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 30% of average earnings in the best

5 years out of the last 10, plus 1% for each year of coverage

beyond 10.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are indexed to wage increases.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 60% of the insured’s pension is paid for

one dependent, 80% for two, and 100% for three or more. The

pension is payable to a widow(er), children under age 18 (no

limit if disabled), and dependent parents.

Funeral grant: A lump sum 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.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1979 and 1990 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash benefits

only.

Medical care is provided under the public health program.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons and domestic workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age,

Disability, and Survivors.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and

Survivors.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability,

and Survivors.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: Currently employed with 60 days of

contributions paid prior to the onset of illness.

Cash maternity benefits: At least 10 months of paid

coverage before the expected date of childbirth.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 60% of average earnings in the last

2 months, payable after a 3-day waiting period for up to

12 months.

Maternity benefit: 100% of average earnings in the last

12 months, payable for 30 days before and 30 days (45 days for

multiple births) after the expected date of childbirth.

Special leave: To care for a sick child under age 3 for up to

6 months; renewable for a further 6 months.
112 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

São Tomé and Principe

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 and current laws: 1979 and 1990 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusion: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured 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 benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

100% of base earnings during the first 30 days and 90% of

earnings up to the 360th day; thereafter, 75% of earnings.

The maximum duration is 24 months.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Social Security provides general

supervision.

National Institute of Social Security administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 113

Senegal

Senegal

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1975 (conversion of the 1958

nonstatutory program).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including domestic workers, seasonal

workers, and day workers.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4.8% of earnings; management personnel

contribute an additional 2% for supplementary benefits.

Employer: 7.2% of payroll; management personnel contribute

an additional 3% of earnings up to 600,000 CFA francs a month

for supplementary benefits.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 200,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with 1 year of contributions.

Retirement from employment is necessary.

Early pension: A reduced pension is payable from age 53.

Means-tested allowance: If ineligible for the old-age

pension, the allowance is payable at age 55 to persons born

before 1922 with at least 10 years of employment as a domestic

worker.

Disability pension: Incapable of work and at least age 53 with

1 year of contributions.

Survivor pension: The insured person was a pensioner or

met the contribution requirements for a pension at the time of

death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: About 1.33% of base earnings times the

number of years of insurance coverage, according to a point

system. The maximum number of years for benefit calculation

purposes is 30. Periods of employment completed before the

implementation of the current program are credited toward

insurance coverage if the insured person has at least 10 years

of covered employment before or after the program began.

(Credited employment periods are given for periods of

incapacity for work.)

Early pension: The old-age pension is reduced by 5% for each

year the pension is awarded before age 55.

Child’s supplement: 5% of the insured’s pension for each

dependent child under age 18.

The maximum supplement is 15% of the insured’s pension.

Means-tested allowance: A variable cash benefit.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: About 1.33% of base earnings times the

number of years of insurance coverage, according to a point

system. The maximum number of years for benefit calculation

purposes is 30. Periods of employment completed before the

implementation of the current program are credited toward

insurance coverage if the insured person has at least 10 years

of covered employment before or after the program began.

(Credited employment periods are given for periods of

incapacity for work.)

Child’s supplement: 5% of the insured’s pension for each

dependent child under age 18.

The maximum supplement is 15% of the insured’s pension.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The pension is payable to a widow

aged 50 or to a widower aged 55 or disabled. The pension is

50% of the insured’s pension if the survivor is aged 50 or older

(payable up to 5 years earlier with a 5% reduction per year) or

caring for two dependent children under age 18.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the insured’s pension for each full

orphan under age 18.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Jobs Training provides general

supervision.

Managed by a joint employer/employee board, the Social

Security Retirement Institute of Senegal administers the

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1952 (cash maternity benefits) and 1975 (medical

benefits).

Current laws: 1973 (cash maternity benefits) and 1975

(medical benefits).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity

and medical benefits.
114 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Senegal

Coverage

Cash maternity benefits: Nonemployed women married to an

insured employee, unmarried employed women, or married

employed women whose husband is not in paid employment.

Medical benefits: Employed persons and their dependents.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Cash maternity benefits: None.

Medical benefits: Up to 3% of earnings; rates vary according

to the health institute.

Employer

Cash maternity benefits: None. (See source of funds under

Family Allowances, below.)

Medical benefits: Up to 3% of payroll; rates vary according to

the health institute.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

60,000 CFA francs. Contribution rates vary according to the

health institute.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash maternity benefits: Employed at least 18 working days

or 120 working hours a month for 3 consecutive months.

Medical benefits: Two months of contributions.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Cash maternity benefit: 100% of earnings. The benefit is

payable for up to 6 weeks before and 8 weeks (up to 11 weeks

in case of complications) after the expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Partial payment of health costs, including hospitalization,

pharmaceuticals, and doctor’s visits. The amount of payment

depends on the availability of funds and is determined by the

health institutes’ administrative council. There is no limit to

duration.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Same as for the insured person. (Also see Family Allowances,

below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Jobs Training provides general

supervision.

Social Security Fund in the Ministry of Labor and Jobs

Training administers the maternity benefit program.

Health institutes administer the medical benefits program. The

law requires the participation of companies with over

100 employees; smaller firms may group together in order to

join a health institute.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current laws: 1973 and 1991.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, apprentices, trainees, and technical

students (except those attending technical universities).

Voluntary insurance for certain categories of employees not

covered above.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 1%, 3%, or 5% of payroll, according to the

assessed degree of risk; the average contribution is 2.5%.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit

purposes are 60,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of earnings for the first 28 days; 66.6% from the 29th day

until full recovery or certification of permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 100% of average earnings in

the 12 months before the onset of disability, if totally disabled.

Partial disability: Average earnings 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 above

50%.

The minimum pension is 70% of the minimum salary.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the insured’s

pension.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted to cost-of-living

and wage changes.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical and surgical expenses, hospitalization, medicines,

appliances, rehabilitation, and transportation.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 115

Senegal

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the insured’s earnings for one

orphan, 30% for two, 40% for three, and 10% for each

additional orphan.

Dependent parents and grandparents: 10% of earnings

each, up to a maximum of 30% of the insured’s earnings.

The maximum survivor pension is 85% of the annual base

salary.

Funeral grant: A lump sum covering the cost of the burial, up

to a specified maximum.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted to changes in the

minimum wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Jobs Training provides general

supervision.

Social Security Fund administers contributions and benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current laws: 1973 and 1991.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees and social insurance beneficiaries with one or more

children.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 7% of payroll. (Contributions also finance cash

maternity benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.)

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

60,000 CFA francs.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be older than age 2 and

younger than age 15 (age 18 if an apprentice or 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 or be the widow of a beneficiary.

Prenatal allowance: Awarded during the 9 months of

pregnancy, without limit on the number of children. The

mother must have regular medical examinations as prescribed

in law.

Maternity allowance: Awarded until the child reaches age 2.

Eligibility is conditional upon regular medical examinations for

the mother and the child, as prescribed in law.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,600 CFA francs a month for each of the

first six children.

Prenatal allowance: 1,600 CFA francs for the 9 months of

pregnancy. The allowance is paid in three installments

3 months apart.

Maternity allowance: 1,600 CFA francs a month from the date

of the child’s birth up to the child’s second birthday.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Employment provides general

supervision.

Social Security Fund administers the program.
116 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Seychelles

Seychelles

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 5.61 rupees (Rs).

Note: This information is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1971 (provident fund); abolished in 1978 and

replaced in 1979 (social security fund).

Current laws: 1987 (social security fund) and 1990

(Seychelles pension scheme supplements the social security

fund).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Social security fund: Employed persons, the self-employed,

nonemployed persons with unearned income, and publicsector employees.

Seychelles pension scheme: All full-time workers (25 hours

a week or more); the self-employed, part-time workers, and the

unemployed may join voluntarily.

Source of Fund s

Insured person

Social security fund: 5% of earnings; the self-employed

contribute through the tax system.

Seychelles pension scheme: Voluntary contributions of at

least 10 rupees; there is no maximum contribution.

Employer

Social security fund: 10% on the first Rs1,000 of monthly

wages, 20% on the second Rs1,000, 35% on the next Rs8,000,

and 40% on wages in excess of Rs10,000.

Seychelles pension scheme: Rs50 a month for each full-time

employee.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Social security fund: Age 63 with 5 years of residence

immediately preceding the date of retirement. (The residency

requirement may be waived by the Minister of Finance under

special circumstances.)

Seychelles pension scheme: Age 63 with 5 years of residence

immediately preceding the date of retirement. (The residency

requirement may be waived by the Minister of Finance under

special circumstances.)

Disability pension

Social security fund: A loss of 3/4 of earning capacity with

5 years of residence. 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.)

Seychelles pension scheme: Payable after receiving the

social security fund disability pension for 6 months.

Exclusions: Persons earning more than the subsistence level

as set by the social security fund.

Survivor pension

Social security fund: Five years of residence.

Seychelles pension scheme: Five years of residence.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension (social security fund): Rs1,100 a month.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed and adjusted each

year for cost-of-living changes.

Old-age pension (Seychelles pension scheme): Benefits

are based on the value of the insured’s voluntary

contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension (social security fund): Rs1,050 a month.

Partial disability: The full pension is reduced according to the

value of earnings. The pension is payable after receiving

sickness benefit for 6 months until retirement age.

Disability pension (Seychelles pension scheme): Benefits

are based on the value of the insured’s voluntary

contributions.

Dependent supplements: Rs400 for an adult and Rs350 for

each child.

The disability pension and dependent supplements cannot

exceed 80% of previous earnings.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension (social security fund): Rs825 a month for

1 year if the widow is aged 45 or older or has a dependent child

under age 15 (over age 15 if a student). The pension is also

payable to a dependent widower.

Orphan’s pension: Rs500 a month.

Funeral grant: Rs1,500. If death occurs before retirement, a

lump sum equal to 50% of the compulsory contributions paid

to the social security fund and 100% of voluntary contributions paid to the Seychelles pension scheme. If death occurs

after retirement, the grant equals the old-age pension.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 117

Seychelles

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1979.

Current law: 1987.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash sickness

and maternity benefits only. (Medical services are available in

government dispensaries and hospitals under the National

Health Plan.)

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured 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: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: There is no

minimum qualifying period.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The employer pays the full salary for the

first 2 months and is reimbursed 80% of the amount paid or

Rs2,000, whichever is less; thereafter, the social security fund

pays Rs825 a month for up to 6 months.

Dependent allowance: Rs400 for an adult and Rs350 for each

child.

Maternity benefit: The employer pays the full salary 2 weeks

before and 8 weeks after the expected date of childbirth and is

reimbursed 80% of the amount paid or Rs2,000, whichever is

less. Any prolonged illness as a result of pregnancy is paid as

sickness benefit at Rs825 a month for up to 6 months.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1970 (employer liability).

Current law: 1987.

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.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and

Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

Rs825 a month, payable for up to 130 working days.

Dependent allowance: Rs400 for an adult and Rs350 for each

child.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: Rs825 a month if totally

disabled, payable after receiving temporary disability benefit

for 6 months until retirement age.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit proportionate

to the assessed degree of incapacity, according to the

schedule in law.

Court award: Compensation for incapacity for work is shared

equally between the employer and the social security fund.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization,

medicines, appliances, and transportation as provided under

the employment benefit legislation.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance administers the program.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

The 1980 Full Employment Scheme provides daily subsistence

wages for registered unemployed persons who work on

government-approved projects.
118 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 2,190 leones.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 2001 (social security and national

insurance), implemented in 2002.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employees in the public and private sectors.

The self-employed can be covered on a voluntary basis.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of earnings; the self-employed contribute

15% of income.

Employer: 10% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men and women) with at least

15 years of insurance coverage.

Disability pension: Total incapacity for any work and

younger than age 60 with at least 5 years of contributions of

which 12 months’ contributions were paid in the 3 years

preceding the onset of disability. The disability must be

assessed by a medical board.

Survivor pension: The insured person met the qualifying

conditions or was receiving an old-age pension or disability

pension or had at least 5 years of contributions of which

12 months were paid in the 3 years preceding death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is calculated on the basis of

30% of the insured’s average earnings for the first 15 years of

coverage, plus 2% of the insured’s average earnings for each

additional 12-month period.

Periods of employment before the introduction of the new

scheme may be credited.

The minimum pension is not less than 50% of the minimum

wage.

The maximum pension is 80% of the insured’s average

earnings.

Early pension: A reduced pension is payable from age 55. The

pension is reduced by 4% for each year that the pension is

taken before age 60.

Deferred pension: The insured person can continue working

after age 60. The maximum number of insurable years is 40.

Old-age gratuity: A lump sum equal to 12 months’ pension is

payable to each person who is entitled to an old-age pension

on retirement.

Retirement grant: If the insured person is of pensionable age

but has insufficient contributions to qualify for an early

retirement pension, a grant equal to 1.5 times the insured’s

average monthly earnings for each 12-month period of

contributions is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted annually according

to trust fund income.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is calculated on the basis of

30% of the insured’s average earnings for the first 15 years of

coverage, plus 2% of the insured’s average earnings for each

additional 12-month period. A 6-month credit period is

awarded for every year that the claim is made before the

insured person is age 60.

The minimum disability pension is not less than 50% of the

minimum wage.

Disability grant: If the insured person is not entitled to a

pension, a grant equal to 1.5 times the insured’s average

monthly earnings for each 12-month period of contributions is

paid.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted annually according

to trust fund income.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 40% of the insured’s pension is payable to

a widow(er). In the case of more than one widow, the pension

is shared equally. The widow’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 60% of the insured’s pension for an

orphan up to age 18 (age 23 if in full-time education; no limit if

disabled).

Other eligible survivors (in the absence of the above): A

lump sum equal to 12 months’ pension is payable to a parent

who is employed or is receiving a pension; 24 months’ pension

to a parent who is not employed or receiving a pension.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor grant: If the qualifying conditions for a survivor

pension are not met, a grant equal to 1.5 times the insured’s

average monthly earnings for each 12-month period of

contributions is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted annually according

to trust fund income.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 119

Sierra Leone

Administrative Organization

National Social Security and Insurance Trust administers the

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

There are no statutory benefits.

Employers provide medical care for employees and dependents

through collective agreements.

Work Injury

Note: This information is from 1999.

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1939.

Current law: 1960.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally

involving compulsory insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Agricultural employees on plantations with fewer

than 25 workers, domestic servants, casual workers,

homeworkers, and family labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost, met through direct provision of benefits

or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: An approved annual contribution.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

Two-thirds of earnings.

The minimum monthly benefit is 15 leones.

The benefit is payable after a 3-day waiting period for up to

96 months. The benefit is sometimes paid as a lump sum and

calculated according to the expected duration of payment.

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum of 48 months’ earnings, if totally disabled.

The minimum benefit is 150 leones.

The maximum benefit is 2,000 leones.

Constant-attendance supplement: Up to 25% of the ordinary

benefit.

Partial disability: A percentage of 56 months’ earnings up to

2,400 leones, proportionate to the assessed degree of

incapacity.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical, dental, and surgical care; hospitalization; medicines;

appliances; and transportation up to a maximum cost of

50 leones.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum of 42 months of the insured’s

earnings (minus any disability benefits paid).

The maximum benefit is 1,600 leones.

The benefit is payable to the insured’s dependents or, if none,

to survivors who were partially dependent on the insured.

Funeral grant (if there are no eligible survivors): A lump

sum covering the cost of the burial, from a minimum of

100 leones up to a maximum of 250 leones.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Welfare, and Sports enforces the law.

Employers may insure the liability with private insurance

companies.
120 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

South Africa

South Africa

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 8.55 rand.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1928 (old age), 1936 (blindness), and 1946

(disability).

Current law: 1992 (social assistance), with amendments.

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Citizens of limited means.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: Total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension (means-tested): Age 65 (men) or age 60

(women) and a resident citizen at the time of the application.

War veteran grant (means-tested): Age 60 or disabled and a

resident citizen at the time of the application. Eligibility is

restricted to veterans of the Second World War and the Korean

War.

Disability grant (means-tested): If incapable of providing

adequate self-support for more than 6 months, payable from

age 18 to age 64 (men) or 59 (women). If suffering from a

terminal illness, the grant is payable from age 35. Must be a

resident citizen at the time of the application.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension (means-tested): Up to 640 rand a month

(married couples may receive double the amount) plus 130 rand

a month for frail and chronically ill pensioners requiring fulltime care.

War veteran grant (means-tested): Up to 658 rand a month

plus 130 rand a month for frail and chronically ill veterans

requiring full-time care.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability grant (means-tested): Up to 640 rand a month

(married couples may receive double the amount) plus 130 rand

a month for those requiring full-time care.

Administrative Organization

National and provincial offices of the Department of Social

Development administer the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

Type of program: Social assistance system. Medical benefits

only.

Cash sickness and maternity benefits are payable under

Unemployment to eligible insured workers.

Coverage

Sickness and maternity benefits: All employees. (Domestic

workers and seasonal workers are covered from April 1, 2003.)

Exclusions: Government employees and employees who work

less than 24 hours a month; foreigners who enter the country

for the purpose of fulfilling an employment contract and who

are required by law to leave the country upon the termination

of the contract.

Medical benefits: Old-age pensioners and disability

pensioners.

Source of Funds

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: See source of funds

for Unemployment, below.

Medical benefits: See source of funds for Old Age, Disability,

and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefit: Thirteen weeks of contributions

during the 52 weeks preceding the onset of illness or

unemployed or drawing no more than 1/3 of the regular wage.

Cash maternity benefit: Thirteen weeks of contributions

during the 52 weeks preceding the expected date of childbirth

(if adopting a child, 18 weeks of contributions during the

52 weeks preceding the date of adoption) or unemployed or

earning no more than 1/3 of the regular wage.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 45% of weekly earnings. The benefit is

payable for 26 weeks after a waiting period of 4 to 6 weeks.

Maternity benefit: 45% of weekly earnings. The benefit is

payable from 18 weeks before and 8 weeks after the expected

date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

All pensioners are entitled to subsidized medical care at

provincial hospitals. Benefits include hospitalization and

medication.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 121

South Africa

Administrative Organization

Department of Labor provides general supervision.

Managed by a bipartite board, local unemployment benefit

committees, and claims officers, the Unemployment Insurance

Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1914.

Current law: 1993.

Type of program: 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.

Employer: Total cost met through the payment of insurance

premiums. The cost of premiums varies with the assessed

degree of risk.

Government: None. (Contributions for government

employees.)

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period

for payments, but more than 3 days of incapacity for work is

required to qualify for a temporary disability benefit.

Occupational disease benefits: For 28 listed diseases (plus

some unlisted diseases), the date of diagnosis is the date of

onset of the disease.

Temporary Disability Benefits

75% of earnings up to a monthly maximum of 9,321 rand is

payable for up to 12 months if totally disabled. The payment

of benefit may be extended up to 24 months (longer in special

cases) after further evaluation of the disability.

Partial disability: A proportion of earnings as determined by

the Compensation Commissioner’s Office is payable for up to

12 months (may be extended up to 24 months after further

evaluation of the disability).

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 75% of earnings up to a

monthly maximum of 9,321 rand, if totally disabled.

The minimum monthly benefit is 1,019.25 rand.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit proportionate

to the assessed degree of disability. For an assessed degree of

disability greater than 30%, the benefit is paid as a monthly

pension.

For an assessed degree of disability of 30% or less, the benefit

is paid as a lump sum of 15 times monthly earnings.

The minimum lump sum is 20,385 rand.

The maximum lump sum is 104,445 rand.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, and hospital care and

appliances. Benefits are normally provided for a maximum of

2 years but may be extended in special cases.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 40% of the insured’s pension (based on

the permanent total disability pension equivalent) plus a lump

sum of 18,642 rand. The pension is payable to a widow or to a

disabled widower.

Orphan’s benefit: 20% of the insured’s pension (based on the

permanent total disability pension equivalent) for each orphan

under age 18 (no age limit if disabled).

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Funeral grant: The lesser of 7,395 rand or the actual cost of

the funeral, at the Commissioner’s discretion.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labor, Human Resources, provides general

supervision.

Compensation Commissioner’s Office administers the program,

including claims decisions and the management of funds from

which benefits are paid.

Employers must normally insure the assessed liability with a

public compensation fund, but in certain instances may insure

with an employers’ mutual association licensed by the Minister

of Labor.

Government and some local authorities are individually liable.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1937.

Current laws: 1966, with amendments; 2001, implemented in

2002; and 2002.

Type of program: Compulsory insurance system.

Coverage

All employees except government employees. (Domestic

workers and seasonal workers are covered from April 1, 2003.)
122 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

South Africa

Exclusions: Government employees and employees who work

less than 24 hours a month. Foreigners who enter the country

for the purpose of fulfilling an employment contract and who

are required by law to leave the country upon the termination

of the contract.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of earnings.

Employer: 1% of the insured’s earnings.

Government: 25% of total employee and employer

contributions up to a maximum of 7 million rand a year.

Unemployment contributions also finance cash sickness and

maternity benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefit: Entitlement to benefit increases

at a rate of 1 day’s benefit for every 6 completed days of

employment, up to a maximum of 238 days in the 4-year period

immediately preceding the date of application for benefit. 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 caused by illness or

pregnancy. Unemployment is not due to the refusal of suitable

work and training.

Survivor benefit: The surviving spouse or a life-partner of the

insured person must apply for the benefit within 6 months of

the insured’s death. In cases of no surviving spouse or lifepartner, the benefit is paid to a dependent child. The child

must be less than age 21; age 25 if a student and totally or

largely dependent on the insured.

Unemployment Benefits

The benefit is payable on a sliding scale of between 30.78%

and 58.64% of previous earnings depending on the period of

service and level of remuneration.

Survivor benefit: The benefit is payable on a sliding scale of

between 30.78% and 58.64% of previous earnings depending

on the period of service and level of remuneration. The benefit

is payable for up to 26 weeks.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labor 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: 1992 (social assistance), with 1997 amendment.

Type of program: Social assistance.

Coverage

Low-income persons caring for children under age 18.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: Total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Foster child grant (means-tested): A court order indicating

the foster care status of the child.

Child support grant (means-tested): For the primary care

giver of a child or children aged 1 to 6. (The age limit is to be

raised gradually to age 14 by 2005.)

Care dependency grant (means-tested): For a parent or

foster parent of a child aged 1 to 18 who requires permanent

care because of a severe mental or physical disability. The

child must be cared for at home.

Family Allowance Benefits

Foster child grant (means-tested): Up to 470 rand a month.

Child support grant (means-tested): Up to 140 rand a month

for each child for up to six children.

Care dependency grant (means-tested): Up to 640 rand a

month.

Administrative Organization

National and provincial offices of the Department of Social

Development administer the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 123

Sudan

Sudan

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 260 dinars.

Note: This information is from 1997.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1974.

Current law: 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employees of firms and agricultural establishments with five or

more workers. Applies throughout most of the country.

Exclusions: Domestic servants, homeworkers, family labor, and

the self-employed.

Special system for public-sector employees and the armed

forces.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 8% of monthly wages.

Employer: 17% of monthly payroll.

Government: None.

(Insured persons may receive credit for previous years of

service by paying an additional lump sum in accordance with

the schedule in law.)

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men) or 55 (women); earlier for

those engaged in arduous work, with 12 years of contributions.

Early pension: A reduced early pension is payable from age 45

with 12 years of contributions.

Old-age settlement: For an insured person at retirement age

who is not eligible for a pension.

Disability pension: Permanent total incapacity. There is no

minimum qualifying period.

Survivor pension: The insured person was a pensioner at the

time of death. There is no minimum qualifying period.

Survivor settlement: The insured person was not eligible for

a pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 1/50 of average monthly earnings.

The maximum pension is 75% of earnings.

The pensioner can take part of the pension as a lump-sum

benefit, without interest.

Reduced pension: The pension is reduced by 20% for persons

aged 45 to 49, 15% for ages 50 to 54, and 10% for ages 55 to 59.

Old-age settlement: A lump-sum refund of all the employer

and employee contributions, plus any benefit accrued prior to

1990.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 50% of the previous year’s average

monthly earnings.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s average monthly

earnings in the preceding year or 100% of the old-age pension,

whichever is higher. The pension is payable to a widow (if

there is more than one widow, the pension is divided equally)

or dependent widower, to orphans under age 18 (age 26 if a

student; no limit if disabled or an unmarried daughter), and

parents. Full orphans receive 100% of the pension.

A lump sum equal to 42 months’ pension or 42 months’

earnings is paid if the insured was not a pensioner at the time

of death. In the absence of a surviving widow, orphans, or

parents, the lump sum is payable to dependent brothers and

sisters.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is payable if the insured

person was not eligible for a pension.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Manpower provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite governing board and director, the

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current law: 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Family labor, members of the armed forces,

members of the police force, and prison labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2% of monthly payroll.

Government: None.
124 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Sudan

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The assessed degree of disability multiplied by 80% of the

monthly wage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 80% of the current wage, if

totally disabled.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit proportionate

to the assessed degree of loss of working capacity.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical treatment and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 80% of the previous year’s average

monthly wage, payable to a widow, a dependent widower,

orphans (under age 18 or disabled), an unmarried daughter, and

parents.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Administrative Reform provides general

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Medical care is provided by public health services.

Transportation is provided by the employer.

Employers must insure the assessed liability with private

insurance companies.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 125

Swaziland

Swaziland

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 8.55 lilangeni.

Note: This information is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1974.

Type of program: Provident fund system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Casual employees, domestic servants, and

noncitizens.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of earnings.

Employer: 5% of payroll.

Government: None.

A ceiling is placed on the maximum monthly earnings for

contribution and benefit purposes.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefit: Age 50, age 45 and retired from regular

salaried employment, or any age if emigrating permanently.

Disability benefit: Permanent total incapacity for any work, or

permanent partial incapacity and an inability to earn a

reasonable livelihood.

Survivor benefit: The death of the fund member prior to

retirement.

There is provision for reciprocal agreements with other

countries operating a provident fund.

Old-Age Benefits

Total employer and employee contributions, plus at least 3%

interest per year. The benefit may be paid as a lump sum or

converted to an annuity providing periodic payments.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Total employer and employee contributions, plus at least 3%

interest per year. The benefit may be paid as a lump sum or

converted to an annuity providing periodic payments.

Survivor Benefits

Total employer and employee contributions, plus at least 3%

interest per year. The benefit may be paid as a lump sum or

converted to an annuity providing periodic payments. The

benefit is payable to a widow, other dependents, or other

persons designated by the fund member.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director, the National

Provident Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1963.

Current law: 1983.

Type of program: Compulsory insurance with a private

carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Domestic servants, shepherds, family labor, and

casual workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost, met through the cost of insurance

premiums.

Government: None, except as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

75% of earnings, payable after a 3-day waiting period until full

recovery or certification of permanent disability, up to a

maximum of 24 months. (The benefit is sometimes paid as a

lump sum calculated according to the expected duration of the

disability.)

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum of 54 months’ earnings, if totally disabled.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit proportionate

to the loss of working capacity.

Constant-attendance allowance: 25% of the permanent

disability benefit.
126 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Swaziland

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include the limited cost of medical treatment expenses,

the limited cost of appliances, and limited transportation costs.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum of 48 months’ earnings, minus

any permanent disability benefits paid to the insured.

The full benefit is payable to dependent survivors; a reduced

benefit is paid to survivors who were partially dependent on

the insured.

Funeral grant: A lump sum covering the cost of the funeral,

up to a maximum.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labor enforces the law.

Employers must insure the assessed liability with a private

insurance company.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 127

Tanzania

Tanzania

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 970 shillings.

Note: Information on the provident fund is from 1999.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1964 (provident fund).

Current laws: 1975 (provident fund) and 1978 (parastatal

pensions), with 2001 amendment.

Type of program: Separate provident fund and social

insurance systems.

Coverage

Provident fund: Employees in the public and private sectors.

Exclusion: Domestic employees.

Social insurance: All employees from parastatal

organizations, government agencies, private companies, and

self-employed persons including informal workers.

Source of Funds

Provident fund

Insured person: 10% of wages.

Employer: 10% of payroll.

Government: None.

Social insurance

Insured person: 5% or 10% of wages.

Employer: 10% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Provident Fund

Old-age benefit: Age 55 and retired from regular employment.

The full benefit is also payable at any age to workers

emigrating permanently. Benefit is payable to workers under

age 55 who are unemployed or have been in noncontributory

employment for at least 6 months.

Disability benefit: Permanent incapacity for any work due to a

physical or mental disability.

Survivor benefit: The death of the insured worker before

retirement or emigration.

Social insurance

Old-age pension: Age 55 with at least 10 years of

contributions.

Old-age gratuity: Age 55 and entitled to an old-age pension or

if the insured person ceases employment for reasons other

than dismissal or medical grounds and does not meet the

qualifying conditions for an old-age pension.

Disability benefit: Permanent incapacity for any work due to a

physical or mental disability.

Disability settlement: Permanent incapacity for any work due

to a physical or mental disability and the insured person does

not meet the qualifying conditions for the disability pension.

Survivor benefit: Paid to the insured’s estate if the insured has

at least 10 years of contributions.

Death benefit: Paid to the legal representative of an insured

person who dies while in service.

Education benefit: Paid to meet part of the education costs of

the children of an insured person who dies in service. The

benefit is payable for up to four children and covers costs for

nursery, primary, and secondary education.

Survivor settlement: Paid to the insured’s estate if the insured

did not meet the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Provident fund

Old-age benefit: A lump sum equal to total employee and

employer contributions, plus accrued interest. For a worker

under age 55 who is unemployed or who has been in

noncontributory employment for at least 6 months, 1/3 of the

total benefit is payable after 6 months and the remaining 2/3

after 12 months. The benefit is payable in full to workers who

retire from employment to live in a village.

Social insurance

Old-age pension: A monthly pension. The pension is

guaranteed for 3 years.

Old-age gratuity: A lump sum equal to the insured’s and the

employer’s total contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Provident fund

Disability benefit: A lump sum equal to the insured’s and the

employer’s total contributions, plus accrued interest.

Social insurance

Disability benefit: A monthly pension.

Disability settlement: A lump sum equal to the insured’s and

the employer’s total contributions.

Survivor Benefits

Provident fund

Survivor benefit: A lump sum equal to the insured’s and the

employer’s total contributions, plus accrued interest. The

benefit is payable to surviving relatives or other heirs.
128 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Tanzania

Social insurance

Survivor benefit: A monthly pension.

Death benefit: A lump sum.

Education benefit: The benefit varies according to family

circumstances.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum.

Administrative Organization

Provident fund

Ministry of Labor and Youth Development provides general

supervision.

Managed by a director general, the National Provident Fund

administers the program.

Social insurance

Ministry of Finance provides general supervision of the

Parastatal Pensions Fund.

Board of trustees administers the Parastatal Pensions Fund.

Director general is responsible for the day-to-day operation of

the Parastatal Pensions Fund.

Sickness and Maternity

Note: This information is from 1999.

Regulatory Framework

Subsidized medical care is available in government clinics and

hospitals. Some private companies offer their employees free

medical care at their clinics or in private hospitals.

Work Injury

Note: This information is from 1999.

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1948, with 1966 and 1983 amendments.

Type of program: Compulsory insurance with a private

carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost, met through the payment of insurance

premiums. The cost of insurance premiums varies according to

the assessed risk.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of earnings is payable after a 3-day waiting period for up

to 96 months.

Permanent Disability Benefits

If totally disabled, a lump sum of 54 months’ earnings.

The maximum pension is 108,000 shillings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the permanent

disability benefit.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit proportionate

to the assessed degree of disability, according to the schedule

in law.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, hospital, and nursing care;

the cost of medicines up to 6,000 shillings; the cost of

appliances up to 3,000 shillings; and the cost of transportation

up to 1,750 shillings.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum equal to 41 months’ earnings

minus any disability benefits paid. The full benefit is payable

to dependent survivors or, if there are none, a reduced amount

is payable to partial dependents.

The maximum benefit is 83,000 shillings.

Funeral grant: A grant of up to 500 shillings is provided if

there is no eligible survivor.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Youth Development enforces the law,

approves settlements, and pays benefits.

Employers must insure the assessed liability with private

insurance companies.

Unemployment

Note: This information is from 1999.

Regulatory Framework

There are no statutory benefits. (The labor code requires

employers to pay a severance indemnity to employees with a

period of continuous service of 3 or more months.)
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 129

Togo

Togo

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

628.89 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1968.

Current law: 1973.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, members of cooperatives, apprentices, and

students.

Special systems for civil servants and employees of stateowned enterprises.

Supplementary retirement scheme for managerial staff of

semipublic companies.

Voluntary insurance is available to persons with 6 months of

previous social security coverage.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of earnings.

Employer: 8% of payroll; contributions are reduced to 7.4%

of payroll if 5% of the employer’s workforce is assessed as

disabled.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if prematurely aged) or

30 years of actual coverage. Must have a minimum of 10 years

of contributions. Retirement from employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Aged 55 or older, retired from

employment, and ineligible for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: Loss of 2/3 of earning capacity with

5 years of insurance coverage and 6 months of contributions in

the last year. There is no qualifying period for

nonoccupational disabilities.

Survivor pension: The insured person met the pension

requirements or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 20% of average monthly earnings during

the last 5 years, plus 1.33% of earnings for every 12 months of

contributions beyond 180 months.

The minimum pension is 80% of the legal minimum wage.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum equal to 1 month’s wages

for each year of insurance coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Adjusted periodically for cost-of-living

changes.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 20% of average monthly earnings during

the last 5 years, plus 1.33% of earnings for every 12 months of

contributions beyond 180 months. (For each year that he or

she is under age 55 at the time of the claim, the insured is

credited with a 6-month contribution period.)

The minimum pension is 80% of the legal minimum wage.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the insured’s

pension.

Benefit adjustment: Adjusted periodically for cost-of-living

changes.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s pension, payable to a

widow if aged 40 or older or disabled or to a dependent

disabled widower.

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan under age 16 (age 18 if an apprentice; age 21 if a

student or disabled); 40% for each full orphan.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Survivor settlement: If ineligible for a pension, a lump sum

equal to 1 month’s basic pension for each 6-month period of

insurance coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Adjusted periodically for cost-of-living

changes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of 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: 1956.

Current law: 1973.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.
130 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Togo

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Sickness benefits: No benefits are provided. (The labor

code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Cash maternity benefits: Twelve months of insurance

coverage before the expected date of childbirth.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefits: None. (The labor code requires

employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: 100% of average daily earnings. (The

employer pays half of the value of the benefit.) The benefit is

payable for up to 8 weeks before the expected date of

childbirth and 6 weeks after; may be extended for up to 3 weeks

in case of complications.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

None. (The labor code requires employers to provide certain

medical services.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

None. (Some maternity and child health care and welfare

services are provided under Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1964.

Current law: 1973.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, members of cooperatives, apprentices, and

students.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 2.5% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

2/3 of average daily earnings, plus family allowances (see

Family Allowances, below). Benefit is payable from the day

after the onset of disability until full recovery or certification of

permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 85% of average earnings, if

totally disabled.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension

proportionate to the assessed degree of disability; a lump sum

of 3 years’ pension is paid if the assessed disability is less than

20%.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the disability

pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical, dental, and surgical care; hospitalization; medicines;

appliances; transportation; and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the insured’s earnings. The

pension is payable to a widow or to a dependent disabled

widower.

Orphan’s pension: 10% of the insured’s earnings for each

orphan; 15% for each full orphan under age 16 (age 18 if an

apprentice; age 21 if a student or disabled).

Dependent parents: 10% of the insured’s earnings each.

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s full

permanent disability pension.

Funeral grant: Equal to 30 days of the insured’s average

earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers contributions and

benefits.

Employers must insure liability with the National Social

Security Fund.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1973.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 131

Togo

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees with one or more children; pensioners caring for

dependent children.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: 6% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under age 16 (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 (or receiving a

social insurance benefit).

Prenatal allowance: Must undergo prescribed medical

examinations.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 2,000 CFA francs a month for each of the

first six children.

Prenatal allowance: 500 CFA francs a month for up to

9 months, paid in three 3-month installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 6,000 CFA francs for each of the

first three births.

Some maternity and child health care and welfare services are

also provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Employers may pay benefits directly to their employees.
132 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Tunisia

Tunisia

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 1.33 dinars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current laws: 1960 (nonagricultural income earners),

implemented in 1974; 1981 (agricultural income earners); 1985

(civil servants); 1989 (improved agricultural scheme); 1995

(self-employed); 2002 (low-income earners); and 2002 (artists

and intellectuals).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Wage earners in the private sector, agricultural workers,

farmers, the self-employed, fishermen, domestic workers, some

categories of low-income earners, artists, and intellectuals.

Voluntary coverage for Tunisian workers employed abroad

who are not covered by the host country or by a reciprocal

agreement.

Special scheme for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.68% of earnings.

Employer: 7.37% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with 120 months of contributions

(age 50 with at least 180 months of contributions if prematurely

aged because of arduous work, involuntarily unemployed for

6 months, or the mother of three children). Retirement from

insured employment is necessary.

Early pension: From age 50 with at least 360 months of

contributions.

Partial pension: Workers with between 60 and 119 months of

contributions qualify for a proportionately reduced pension.

Old-age allowance: A lump sum for workers aged 60 or older

with fewer than 60 months of contributions.

Disability pension: The permanent loss of at least 2/3 of

earning capacity and with at least 60 months of contributions.

Survivor pension: The insured person met the pension

requirements or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Death grant: The insured person had 50 days of employment

during the last 2 quarters or 80 days during the last 4 quarters.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 40% of average earnings in the last

10 years, plus 0.5% for every 3-month period of contributions

beyond 120 months.

The minimum pension is 2/3 of the minimum guaranteed

monthly wage (SMIG).

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings up to a ceiling of

6 times the SMIG.

Early pension: 0.5% reduction for each quarter that the

pension is awarded before age 60.

Partial pension: The pension is proportionate to the number of

contributions.

The minimum partial pension is 50% of the SMIG.

Old-age allowance: A lump-sum payment.

The minimum guaranteed monthly wage (SMIG) is 188 dinars.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 50% of average earnings in the last

10 years, plus 0.5% for every 3-month period of contributions

beyond 180 months.

The minimum pension is 2/3 of the minimum guaranteed

monthly wage (SMIG).

The maximum pension is 80% of earnings up to a ceiling of

6 times the SMIG.

Constant-attendance supplement: 20% of the disability

pension.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 75% of the insured’s pension is paid to a

widow(er) without a dependent child; 70%, with one

dependent child; 50%, with two or more.

Orphan’s pension: 30% of the insured’s pension for each

orphan under age 16 (age 21 if a student; age 25 if a student

without a scholarship; no age limit if disabled or for an

unmarried daughter without income).

The maximum survivor pension is 100% of the insured’s

pension.

Death grant: Based on the last 3 or 5 years (whichever is

higher), a lump sum equal to 12 times the monthly average

wage, plus 8.4% for each year of contributions. The death

grant is reduced by 50% for the death of a pensioner; the

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

monthly average wage must not be more than 6 times the

minimum guaranteed monthly wage (SMIG).

Supplement for dependent children: 10% of the grant for each

dependent child.

The maximum death grant is 18 months’ earnings.

Death allowance: In the case of the death of a dependent

spouse or child, a lump sum equal to between 10 and 90 days

of the insured’s sickness benefit is paid.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 133

Tunisia

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program through

regional offices.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1960.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Cash and medical benefits: Private-sector employees,

agricultural workers, farmers, the self-employed, fishermen,

students, and trainees.

Medical benefits only: Pensioners, domestic workers, and

some categories of low-income earners and their dependents

(including aged parents).

Voluntary coverage for Tunisian workers employed abroad

who are not covered by the host country or by a reciprocal

agreement.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.08% of earnings.

Employer: 4.17% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefits: 50 days of insured

employment during the last 2 calendar quarters or 80 days

during the last 4 quarters. Long-term sickness (over 180 days)

must be certified by the medical commission.

Hospital care: 50 days of insured employment during the last

2 calendar quarters or 80 days during the last 4 quarters.

Cash maternity benefits: 80 days of insured employment

during the last 4 quarters.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: 2/3 of average daily earnings up to a

ceiling of twice the minimum guaranteed monthly wage

(SMIG); 50% after 3 years. The benefit is payable after a 5-day

waiting period; there is no waiting period for hospitalization,

recognized long-term illnesses, and nonwork-related accidents.

Maternity benefit: 2/3 of earnings is payable for 30 days (may

be extended for a further 15 days).

Workers’ Medical Benefits

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.

Benefits include medical care, hospitalization, surgery,

specialist care, laboratory services, kidney dialysis, appliances,

spa treatment, and medicines.

Pensioners receive free medical care in government hospitals

and National Social Security Fund clinics.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Same as for the insured person.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program through

regional offices.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1921.

Current law: 1994, with 1995 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All salaried employees, including domestic servants.

Voluntary coverage for the self-employed.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: From 0.4% to 4.0%, according to the assessed

degree of risk.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

2/3 of earnings. The benefit is payable after a 3-day waiting

period until full recovery or certification of permanent

disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: Average earnings multiplied

by 0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for the portion of

disability between 15% and 50% and by 1.5 for the portion
134 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Tunisia

above 50%; a lump sum is paid for an assessed disability of

between 5% and 15%.

Constant-attendance supplement: 25% of average earnings.

The minimum pension is equal to the minimum guaranteed

monthly wage (SMIG).

Workers’ Medical Benefits

All necessary medical and surgical care, hospitalization,

medicines, and appliances, up to a specified maximum amount.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the insured’s earnings is payable

to a widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the insured’s earnings for one

orphan (30% for two; 40% for three or more) under age 16

(age 21 if attending secondary or professional school; age 25 if

in higher studies; no age limit if disabled or for an unmarried

daughter without income). 50% for one full orphan; 60% for

two; 70% for three; and 80% for four or more.

Other eligible survivors (in the absence of the above):

Dependent grandchildren, parents, and grandparents.

The maximum survivor pension is 80% of the insured’s

earnings.

Funeral grant: One month’s earnings, but no higher than the

minimum guaranteed monthly wage (SMIG).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program through

regional offices.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1982.

Current law: 1996, implemented in 1997, with 2002 amendment.

Type of program: Unemployment assistance.

Coverage

All nonagricultural salaried employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: None.

The National Social Security Fund pays benefits according to

available reserves.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefits: Twelve quarters of contributions

paid to any program administered by the National Social

Security Fund. Ineligible for an old-age pension or a disability

pension. Registered at an employment office. Involuntarily

unemployed.

Unemployment Benefits

Equal to the minimum guaranteed monthly wage (SMIG). The

benefit is payable for 6 months.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1944.

Current laws: 1960 and 1980 (family supplement).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Private-sector employees, certain categories of fishermen,

agricultural cooperative workers, employees of farms

employing 30 or more workers, students under age 28, and

trainees of any age.

Exclusion: Domestic workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1.98% of earnings.

Employer: 3.97% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be under 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).

Supplement for a family with a nonworking spouse: Children

must be eligible for the family allowance.

Parental leave: Awarded within the first 7 days after the birth.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 18% of the insured’s earnings for the first

child, 16% for the second, and 14% for the third.

The maximum earnings for benefit purposes are 122 dinars a

quarter.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 135

Tunisia

Supplement for a family with a nonworking spouse:

9,375 dinars a quarter for the first child, 18,750 dinars a quarter

for two children, and 23,475 dinars a quarter for three children.

Parental leave: One day of paid leave.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program through

regional offices.
136 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Uganda

Uganda

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals 1,830 shillings.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1967.

Current law: 1985.

Type of program: Provident fund system.

Coverage

Employees of firms with five or more workers.

Exclusions: Temporary employees and employees in exempted

employment.

Voluntary affiliation for those not compulsorily covered.

Special systems for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of earnings.

Employer: 10% of payroll.

Government: None.

There is no earnings limit for contribution purposes.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefit: Age 55; age 50 if retired from full-time

employment.

Disability benefit: Total incapacity for any work or permanent

partial incapacity causing inability to earn a reasonable

livelihood.

Survivor benefit: The death of the fund member prior to

retirement.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age benefit: A lump sum equal to total employee and

employer contributions, plus accrued interest.

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum equal to total employee and employer

contributions, plus accrued interest.

Survivor Benefits

A lump sum equal to total employee and employer

contributions, plus accrued interest. The lump sum is payable

to the spouse and children or, if none, to other dependent

relatives.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development provides

general supervision.

Managed by a managing director, the National Social Security

Fund administers the program.

The tripartite governing body is the board of directors

consisting of the managing director, the chairman, and other

members appointed by the Minister of Gender, Labor, and

Social Development.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1946.

Current law: 2000.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving

compulsory insurance with a specified insurer.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusion: Active members of the armed forces.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost, normally met through insurance

premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: For a permanent incapacity or an

incapacity lasting for at least 3 consecutive days preventing

the insured person from earning full wages.

Temporary Disability Benefits

A lump-sum benefit or periodic payments. The benefit amount

depends on the circumstances of the accident, the degree of

disability, loss of earnings, and the probable duration of the

disability. The benefit is payable for up to 96 months; may be

extended if the disability is assessed as ongoing by a medical

practitioner.

Permanent Disability Benefits

A lump sum equal to 60 months’ earnings, if totally disabled.

The benefit is paid up to a maximum.

Constant-attendance supplement: 25% of the benefit, but no

lower than a predetermined minimum.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit proportionate

to the assessed degree of disability, according to the schedule

in law.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 137

Uganda

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, and nursing care;

hospitalization; and medicines.

Survivor Benefits

A lump sum equal to 60 months’ earnings, minus one-half of

any disability benefits paid to the insured before death for the

same accident. The benefit is paid up to a maximum.

The full benefit is payable to dependent survivors; if none, the

employer pays expenses related to medical aid provided to the

deceased and the burial expenses.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development enforces

the law, approves settlements, and pays benefits from money

deposited with it by employers.

Employers insure the assessed liability with private insurance

companies.
138 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Zambia

Zambia

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

4,500 kwacha (K).

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965 (provident fund).

Current law: 1996 (pension scheme).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural workers, domestic

servants in urban areas, apprentices, and all employees who

joined the Public Service and Local Authorities on or after

February 1, 2000.

Exclusions: Workers under age 15 or older than age 55, as well

as those earning less than K15,000.

Voluntary affiliation for the self-employed and other categories

of worker in the informal sector.

Special system for public-sector and local government

employees who joined before February 1, 2000.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of earnings.

Employer: 5% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum earnings for contribution purposes are 4 times

national average earnings.

All of the above contributions also finance funeral grants.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with at least 180 contributions and

retired from regular employment.

Disability pension: Permanent incapacity for any work due to

a physical or mental disability with at least 60 contributions,

including 12 in the 36 months preceding the onset of disability.

Survivor pension: The death of an insured person with at

least 60 contributions or who was receiving the old-age

pension or the disability pension.

Lump-sum benefit: For those who do not meet the eligibility

criteria for a pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: A monthly pension equal to the insured’s

average indexed monthly earnings times the accrual rate and

multiplied by the number of contributions (months).

Lump-sum benefit (old age): The total indexed employee and

employer contributions plus accrued interest.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: Compensation for lost work-years plus

the greater of the monthly calculated pension or a minimum

pension.

Lump-sum benefit (disability): The total indexed employee

and employer contributions plus accrued interest.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: If the insured was employed at the time of

death, the pension is equal to the compensation for lost workyears plus the greater of the monthly calculated pension or a

minimum pension. If the insured was receiving an old-age or

disability pension, the pension is converted to a survivor

pension. The pension is payable to the spouse or dependent

children up to age 18; age 25 if in full-time education.

Funeral grant: Equal to 10 times the minimum pension, payable

to the survivor.

Lump-sum benefit (survivor): The total indexed employee

and employer contributions plus accrued interest.

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 administers

the program through two regional offices and 22 district

offices.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1973.

Current law: 1994.

Type of program: Medical benefits only.

There is no statutory provision for cash sickness and

maternity benefits. Individuals who qualified for maternity

benefits under the repealed provident fund act can claim

maternity benefits under the repealed act.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical care is available to all citizens in government

hospitals, clinics, and rural health centers in exchange for

modest fees. Fee-paying medical services have been

introduced in selected medical institutions.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 139

Zambia

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: Compulsory insurance with a public carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons, including casual workers, domestic

servants, and apprentices.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost met through contributions fixed

annually according to the assessed degree of risk.

Government: None; except on behalf of all nonpensionable

government employees.

The maximum annual earnings for contribution purposes are

K3,000,000.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

50% of insurable earnings up to a maximum of K250,000 a

month.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: 50% of insurable earnings at

the onset of disability up to a maximum of K250,000 a month

times the assessed degree of disability.

Partial disability: A lump sum for a total benefit payment of

less than K31,000 or if the assessed degree of disability is

below 11%.

Benefit adjustment: Periodic adjustment of pensions for costof-living changes.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits are determined by the Minister through a

statutory body.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 80% of the insured’s disability pension,

payable to a widow or a disabled widower.

Orphan’s pension: 15% for the first orphan (30% for a full

orphan) and 5% for each additional orphan (10% for each

additional full orphan) under age 18. The pension is payable

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 insured.

Benefit adjustment: Periodic adjustment of pension for costof-living changes.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial or an amount prescribed

by the Minister.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general

supervision.

Managed by a board and a commissioner, the Worker’s

Compensation Fund administers contributions and benefits.
140 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2003

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Exchange rate: U.S.$1.00 equals

1,605 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.

Coverage

Compulsory coverage for all employed persons between ages

16 and 65 who are citizens or residents of Zimbabwe.

Note: Universal coverage is to be achieved in phases. The

first completed phase provided coverage to employees in all

sectors with the exception of domestic workers and civil

servants. The second completed phase provided coverage to

civil servants. The third phase will cover domestic workers,

and the fourth phase will cover self-employed workers and

informal-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3% of earnings.

Employer: 3% of payroll.

Government: None.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution purposes are

Z$18,000.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 55 for arduous employment)

with at least 10 years of contributions. If aged 49 or older as of

October 1994, up to 7 years of contributions may be credited.

Deferred retirement: Up to age 65.

Retirement grant: The insured has between 1 and 10 years of

contributions.

Disability pension: The insured is declared disabled and

permanently incapable of work by a medical doctor and has at

least 1 year of contributions. The disability must not be work

related.

Disability grant: The insured has less than 1 year of

contributions.

Survivor benefit: The insured was receiving, or met the

qualifying conditions for, the old-age pension or disability

pension at the time of death and had not reached retirement

age.

Survivor grant: The insured met the qualifying conditions for

the retirement grant or disability grant.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: 3% of monthly insurable earnings

multiplied by the number of years of contributions up to

30 years, plus an additional 2.25% of monthly insurable

earnings multiplied by the number of years of contributions

over 30 years.

Retirement grant: A lump sum equal to 1/12 of annual

insurable earnings times the number of years of contributions

up to 10 years.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 2.25% of average insurable earnings

multiplied by the number of years of contributions up to

10 years, plus 3% of monthly insurable earnings multiplied by

the number of years of contributions from 10 years up to

30 years, plus an additional 2.25% of monthly insurable

earnings multiplied by the number of years of contributions

over 30 years.

Disability grant: A lump sum equal to 1/12 of insurable

earnings times the number of months of contributions.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 3% of monthly insurable earnings

multiplied by the number of years of contributions up to

30 years, plus an additional 2.25% of yearly insurable earnings

multiplied by the number of years over 30 years.

Survivor grant: A lump sum of 40% of the insured’s

entitlement to a retirement or disability grant 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 of Z$4,500. The insured person

must have contributed for a minimum of 1 year.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Social Welfare provides

general supervision.

National Social Security Authority administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

The labor relations act requires employers to provide a

maternity benefit. The maternity benefit is 100% of wages for

45 days before and 45 days after the expected date of

childbirth.

A health care program operates for low-paid workers. The

program covers about 75% of the population. Free primary

health care is provided to those with certified monthly earnings

of less than Z$400.

Government and mission hospitals serve rural areas;

government and private hospitals and doctors are available in

urban areas.
SSPTW: Africa, 2003 ♦ 141

Zimbabwe

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

Current laws: 1990 and 1998 (accident prevention and

worker’s compensation).

Type of program: Employer-liability system.

Coverage

All employed persons in the private sector.

Exclusion: Domestic workers.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Employer: Total cost met through the payment of insurance

premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

100% of monthly earnings (up to Z$7,000) for the first 30 days.

Thereafter, periodic payments equal to 80% of monthly

earnings up to and including Z$1,050, plus 60% of monthly

earnings over Z$1,050 up to and including Z$1,400, plus 50%

of monthly earnings over Z$1,400 up to and including Z$3,500,

plus 40% of monthly earnings over Z$3,500 up to and

including Z$7,000. The benefit is payable for up to 18 months.

The monthly earnings for benefit calculation purposes were

revised to Z$12,000 in April 2003 and backdated to January

2003.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If over 75% disabled, 80% of

monthly earnings up to and including Z$1,050, plus 60% of

monthly earnings over Z$1,050 up to and including Z$1,400,

plus 50% of monthly earnings over Z$1,400 up to and

including Z$3,500, plus 40% of monthly earnings over Z$3,500

up to and including Z$7,000.

For a disability of 75% or less, the base pension is multiplied

by the assessed degree of disability.

Children’s supplement: The first child receives 12.5% of the

insured’s pension, 5% each for the second to the fifth child,

and 1% each for subsequent children.

Partial disability: If the monthly pension is less than Z$300, a

lump sum is payable.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical charges, including appliances, transportation, and

drugs up to Z$2,000; the amount can be raised depending on

circumstances.

Severely disabled persons are provided with rehabilitation

services.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 66.6% of the insured’s pension is payable

to a dependent widow(er). The children’s supplement is

payable until age 19 or until the child is self-supporting,

whichever is earlier.

Funeral grant: Burial expenses up to Z$4,500. (The grant will

increase by 50% from July 2003.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Social Welfare provides

general supervision.

National Social Security Authority administers the program.