Social Security Programs

Throughout the World:

Africa, 2009

Social Security Administration

Office of Retirement and Disability Policy

Office of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics

500 E Street, SW, 8th Floor

Washington, DC 20254

SSA Publication No. 13-11803

Released: August 2009

Preface

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

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

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

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

region.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(ISSA). Founded in 1927, the ISSA is a 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 a country’s 

social security system.

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

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

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

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

report. Members of the ISSA’s Social Security Observatory 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 January 2009, or the last date for which information has been received.

Barbara Kritzer managed the preparation of this report with assistance from John Jankowski. 

Staff of the Division of Information Resources edited the report and prepared the print and Web 

versions for publication.

Your suggestions and comments on this report are welcome. Any suggestions, comments, 

or 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

Social Security Observatory

Case postale 1

4 route des Morillons

CH-1211 Geneva 22

Switzerland

E-mail: issaisd@ilo.org

Fax: +41-22-799-8509

This report and other publications are available at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/policy. For 

additional copies, please e-mail op.publications@ssa.gov.

Manuel de la Puente

Associate Commissioner

for Research, Evaluation, and Statistics

August 2009

Contents

Guide to Reading the Country Summaries

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

Types of Programs

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

Universal................................................................................................................................ 3

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

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

Format of Country Summaries

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

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

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

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

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

Tables

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

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

3. Demographic and other statistics related to social security, 2009................................... 21

4. Contribution rates for social security programs, 2009..................................................... 23

Country Summaries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Equatorial Guinea............................... 82

Ethiopia............................................... 85

Gabon.................................................. 87

Gambia................................................ 92

Ghana.................................................. 95

Guinea................................................. 98

Kenya .................................................. 103

Liberia................................................. 106

Libya ................................................... 108

Madagascar......................................... 112

Malawi ................................................ 117

Mali..................................................... 118

Mauritania........................................... 123

Mauritius............................................. 127

Morocco.............................................. 132

Niger ................................................... 136

Nigeria ................................................ 140

Rwanda ............................................... 143

São Tomé and Principe ....................... 146

Senegal................................................ 149

Seychelles ........................................... 154

Sierra Leone........................................ 159

South Africa........................................ 162

Sudan .................................................. 167

Swaziland............................................ 169

Tanzania.............................................. 171

Togo .................................................... 175

Tunisia................................................. 180

Uganda ................................................ 186

Zambia ................................................ 188

Zimbabwe ........................................... 191

SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 1

This third issue in the current four-volume series 

of Social Security Programs Throughout the World

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

Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas, are 

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

Each volume highlights features of social security 

programs in the particular region.

This guide serves as an overview of programs in 

all regions. A few political jurisdictions have been 

excluded because they have no social security system 

or have issued no information regarding their social 

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

may also be excluded.

In this volume on Africa, the data reported are 

based on laws and regulations in force in January 2009 

or on the last date for which information has been 

received.1

 Information for each country on types of 

social security programs, types of mandatory systems 

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

shown in Tables 1–4 beginning on page 17.

The country summaries show each system’s major 

features. Separate programs in the public sector and 

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

been described in any detail. 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.

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.

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 that responded to the survey, see page 2.) Important sources of published information include the ISSA Documentation Service; 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 Organisation 

for Economic Co-operation and Development, the 

World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the 

United Nations Development Programme. 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 

Guide to Reading

the Country Summaries
2 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

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.

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 employment-related as well as other social security programs. 

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

total wages paid to insured workers, 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.)

Countries in Africa that Responded to the

Social Security Programs Throughout the World Survey

Benin

Botswana

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Central African Republic

Chad

Congo (Brazzaville)

Congo (Kinshasa)

Côte d’Ivoire

Ethiopia

Gabon

Gambia

Ghana

Guinea

Kenya

Liberia

Madagascar

Malawi

Mali

Mauritius

Morocco

Niger

Nigeria

Rwanda

São Tomé and Principe

Senegal

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

South Africa

Sudan

Swaziland

Tanzania

Togo

Tunisia

Uganda

Zambia

Zimbabwe
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 3

Universal

Universal 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 

include old-age pensions for persons over a certain 

age; pensions for workers with disabilities, 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. Meanstested 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 those delivered, 

mainly through financial services providers (mandatory individual accounts, mandatory occupational 

pensions, and mandatory private insurance), publicly 

operated provident funds, and employer-liability 

systems.

Programs Delivered by Financial Services 

Providers

Mandatory individual account. Applies to a program 

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

person’s individual account managed by a contracted 

public or private fund manager. The mandate to 

establish membership in a scheme and the option to 

choose a fund manager lie with the individual. The 

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

the contingencies of retirement, disability, ill health, 

or unemployment. It may also be possible for eligible 

survivors to access the accumulated capital in the case 

of the insured’s death.

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

fees for the management of the individual account and 

usually purchase a separate policy for disability and 

survivors insurance.

Mandatory occupational pension. Applies to a program 

where employers are mandated by law to provide 

occupational pension schemes financed by employer, 

and in some cases, employee contributions. Benefits 

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

Mandatory private insurance. Applies to a program 

where individuals are mandated by law to purchase 

insurance directly from a private insurance company.

Provident Funds. These funds, which exist primarily 

in developing countries, are essentially compulsory 

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

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

single, publicly managed fund for later repayment to 

the worker when defined contingencies occur. Typically, benefits are paid in 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 
4 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

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 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 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 long-term 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 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 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 5

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 steps toward creating a social 

security system have commonly been to cover wage 

and salary workers against loss of income due to work 

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

In a number of developing countries, particularly 

in those that were once British colonies, this initial 

step has come via the institutional form of provident 

funds. Most provident funds provide coverage for 

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

worker’s earnings or the size of the 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 oldage, disability, and survivor programs can come from 

three possible sources:

• A percentage of covered wages or salaries paid by 

the worker,

• A percentage of covered payroll paid by the 

employer, and

• A government contribution.

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

systems) are 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, 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.
6 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Old-age benefits generally become payable 

between ages 60 and 65. In some countries, length-ofservice benefits are payable at any age after a certain 

period of employment, most commonly between 30 

and 40 years. In recent years, several countries have 

increased the age limit for entitlement, in part because 

of budgetary constraints arising as a consequence of 

demographic aging.

Many programs require the same pensionable age 

for women as for men. Others permit women to draw 

a full pension at an earlier age, even though women 

generally have a longer life expectancy. Although the 

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

there is now an emerging international trend toward 

equalizing the statutory retirement age.

Many programs offer optional retirement before 

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

before the statutory retirement age. Some countries 

pay a full pension before the regular retirement age 

if the applicant meets one or more of the following 

conditions: work in an especially arduous, unhealthy, 

or hazardous occupation (for example, underground 

mining); involuntary unemployment for a period near 

retirement age; physical or mental exhaustion (as 

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

programs award old-age pensions to workers who are 

older than the statutory retirement age but who cannot 

satisfy the regular length-of-coverage requirement. 

Other programs provide increments to workers who 

have continued in employment beyond the normal 

retirement age.

Universal old-age pension systems usually do not 

require a minimum period of covered employment or 

contributions. However, most prescribe a minimum 

period of prior residence.

Some old-age pension systems credit periods 

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

awarded for reasons such as disability, involuntary 

unemployment, military service, education, child 

rearing, or training. Other systems disregard these 

periods and may proportionately reduce 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 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.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 7

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

contributions plus accrued interest. In programs that 

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

an expected lifespan (programmed withdrawals), or a 

combination of the two (deferred annuity).

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 

has a disability. 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 objective 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 Benefits. 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 persons with total 

disabilities, 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 Benefits. 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 
8 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

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 have a disability.

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 has a disability. 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 orphans with disabilities 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 split 

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 selfgoverning, headed by a tripartite board that includes 

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

of workers and employers only or of workers and the 

government. Where coverage is organized separately 

for different occupations, or for wage earners and 

salaried employees or self-employed workers, each 

program usually has a separate institution or fund. In 

a few cases, the administration of 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 shortterm 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.)

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.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 9

Benefits designed to assist in the provision of 

long-term 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.

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. 
10 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

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 newborn 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 based on 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 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, 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 11

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.

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.
12 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Coverage. Work injury programs commonly cover 

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

industrialized nations cover practically all employees. 

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

power-driven machinery. Some programs also exclude 

employees of small enterprises.

Source of Funds. Work injury 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 

lump-sum 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 widower with a 

disability; and to orphans below specified age limits. If 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 13

the benefit is not exhausted by the immediate survivors’ claims, dependent parents or other relatives may 

be eligible for 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 onethird to one-half of the worker’s average earnings for 

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

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

is commonly placed on the combined total of survivor 

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 countries 

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; other countries provide mandatory individual severance accounts, providing total benefits equal 

to the value of accumulated capital in the individual 

account. In addition, employers in many instances are 

required to pay lump-sum severance indemnities to 

discharged workers.

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

persons, regardless of the type of industry. Coverage 

under the remaining programs is limited to workers 

in industry and commerce. A few exclude salaried 

employees earning more than a 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 self-employed, for example, may be 

eligible for a government-subsidized 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 
14 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

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.

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, long-term unemployed workers may also be obliged to undertake employment 

retraining programs. Some countries also provide the 

unemployed with access to educational placements. 

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

educational placement, 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 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 15

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. Governments may grant tax and other 

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

anticipation of periods of seasonal unemployment.

Family Allowances

The general purpose of family allowance programs is 

to provide additional income for families with young 

children 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 employmentrelated programs continue to pay family allowances 

to insured persons with dependent children in their 

care when they retire or are temporarily off the job 

and receiving sickness, unemployment, work injury, 

disability, or other 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 children with disabilities, 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 
16 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

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 employers, 

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

might have on inducing employers to discriminate in 

hiring workers with children.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 17

Table 1.

Types of social security programs

Country

Old age,

disability,

and

survivors

Sickness and maternity

Work

injury Unemployment

Family 

allowances

Cash

benefits

for both

Cash

benefits plus

medical care a

Algeria X X X X X X

Benin X b c X d X

Botswana e d d X d c

Burkina Faso X b X X d X

Burundi X d d X d X

Cameroon X b X X d X

Cape Verde X X X X d X

Central African Republic X b X X d X

Chad X b c X d X

Congo (Brazzaville) X b X X d X

Congo (Kinshasa) X d c X d X

Côte d’Ivoire X b X X d X

Egypt X X X X X d

Equatorial Guinea X X X X d X

Ethiopia X d d X d d

Gabon X b X X d X

Gambia X d d X d d

Ghana X d c X d d

Guinea X X f X X d X

Kenya X d g X d d

Liberia X d d X d d

Libya X X X X d c

Madagascar X b X X d X

Malawi d d g X d d

Mali X b X X d X

Mauritania X b X X d X

Mauritius X d g X X X

Morocco X X X X d X

Niger X b X X d X

Nigeria X d g X c d

Rwanda X d d X d d

(Continued)
18 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Table 1.

Types of social security programs—Continued

Country

Old age,

disability,

and

survivors

Sickness and maternity

Work

injury Unemployment

Family 

allowances

Cash

benefits

for both

Cash

benefits plus

medical care a

São Tomé and Principe X X c X d d

Senegal h b X X d X

Seychelles X X c X c d

Sierra Leone X d d X d d

South Africa X i X c X X X

Sudan X d d X d d

Swaziland X d d X d d

Tanzania X b X X d d

Togo X b c X d X

Tunisia X X X X X X

Uganda X d d X d d

Zambia X d g X d d

Zimbabwe X d g X d d

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

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

b. Maternity benefits only.

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

d. Has no program or information is not available.

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

f. Maternity benefits are financed under Family Allowances.

g. Medical benefits only.

h. Old-age and survivor benefits only.

i. Old-age and disability benefits only, with survivor benefits provided under Unemployment.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 19

Table 2.

Types of mandatory systems for retirement income

Country

FlatrateEarningsrelatedMeanstestedFlat-rate

universal

Provident

funds

Occupational 

retirement 

schemes

Individual 

retirement 

schemes

Algeria X

Benin X

Botswana X

Burkina Faso X

Burundi X

Cameroon X

Cape Verde X

Central African Republic X

Chad X

Congo (Brazzaville) X

Congo (Kinshasa) X

Côte d’Ivoire X

Egypt X

Equatorial Guinea X

Ethiopia X

Gabon X

Gambia X X

Ghana X

Guinea X

Kenya X

Liberia X X

Libya X

Madagascar X

Malawi a

Mali X

Mauritania X

Mauritius X X b

Morocco X

Niger X

Nigeria X

Rwanda X

(Continued)
20 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Table 2.

Types of mandatory systems for retirement income—Continued

Country

FlatrateEarningsrelatedMeanstestedFlat-rate

universal

Provident

funds

Occupational 

retirement 

schemes

Individual 

retirement 

schemes

São Tomé and Principe X

Senegal X

Seychelles X X

Sierra Leone X

South Africa X

Sudan X

Swaziland X X

Tanzania 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 one based on years of service or residence but independent of earnings. It 

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

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

employers, or both.

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

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

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

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

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. Benefits increase with age.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 21

Table 3.

Demographic and other statistics related to social security, 2009

Country

Total 

population 

(millions)

Percentage

65 or

older

Dependency 

ratio a

Life

expectancy

at birth (years)

Statutory

pensionable

age

Early

pensionable

age b

GDP

per

capita

Men Women Men Women Men Women (US$)

Algeria 35.4 4.7 46.3 71.9 75.0 60 55 50 45 7,062

Benin 9.2 3.3 85.8 62.0 64.5 60 60 c c 1,141

Botswana 2.0 3.9 58.2 55.9 54.7 65 65 c c 12,387

Burkina Faso 16.3 2.0 93.9 53.1 55.9 55 55 c c 1,213

Burundi 8.5 2.8 68.7 50.7 54.0 60 60 c c 699

Cameroon 20.0 3.6 79.6 52.0 53.4 60 60 50 50 2,299

Cape Verde 0.51 4.1 65.5 69.6 74.9 65 60 c c 5,803

Central African 

Republic 4.5 3.9 79.3 47.2 50.0 60 60 c c 1,224

Chad 11.5 2.8 93.9 48.7 51.3 60 60 55 55 1,427

Congo 

(Brazzaville) 3.8 3.8 78.6 53.5 55.5 60 60 c c 1,262

Congo 

(Kinshasa) 67.8 2.6 96.2 47.2 50.4 65 60 c c 714

Côte d’Ivoire 21.6 3.9 79.6 58.4 61.0 55 55 50 50 1,648

Egypt 84.5 4.6 58.1 69.3 73.0 60 60 c c 4,337

Equatorial

Guinea 0.69 2.8 77.5 50.9 53.3 60 60 c c 7,874

Ethiopia 85.0 3.2 86.5 55.7 58.6 60 60 55 55 1,055

Gabon 1.5 4.3 66.4 61.5 63.5 55 55 c c 6,954

Gambia 1.8 2.9 81.6 55.7 59.2 60 60 45 45 1,921

Ghana 24.3 3.7 71.8 57.1 59.0 60 60 55 55 2,480

Guinea 10.3 3.3 84.9 58.1 62.2 55 55 50 50 2,316

Kenya 40.9 2.6 83.3 56.3 57.5 60 60 c c 1,240

Liberia 4.1 3.1 83.9 58.7 61.5 60 60 c c 3,442

Libya 6.5 4.4 52.6 72.7 77.9 65 60 c c 10,335

Madagascar 20.1 3.0 83.6 60.6 64.0 60 55 c c 923

Malawi 15.7 3.1 96.2 55.5 56.9 d d d d 667

Mali 13.3 2.3 86.5 49.5 50.9 58 58 53 53 1,033

Mauritania 3.4 2.7 72.1 56.2 60.3 60 55 c c 2,234

Mauritius 1.3 7.5 42.1 68.4 76.0 60 60 c c 12,715

Morocco 32.4 5.4 50.2 70.2 74.8 60 60 55 55 4,555

Niger 15.9 2.0 108.8 52.9 54.8 60 60 c c 781

Nigeria 158.3 3.1 83.5 48.6 49.7 50 50 c c 1,128

Rwanda 10.3 2.5 81.2 50.0 53.9 55 55 c c 1,206

(Continued)
22 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Table 3.

Demographic and other statistics related to social security, 2009—Continued

Country

Total 

population 

(millions)

Percentage

65 or

older

Dependency 

ratio a

Life

expectancy

at birth (years)

Statutory

pensionable

age

Early

pensionable

age b

GDP

per

capita

Men Women Men Women Men Women (US$)

São Tomé and 

Principe

0.17 3.9 79.3 64.6 68.6 62 57 c c 2,178

Senegal 12.9 2.4 84.2 55.5 58.8 55 55 53 53 1,792

Seychelles 0.09 7.1 42.7 68.3 77.9 63 63 c c 16,106

Sierra Leone 5.8 1.8 82.9 47.6 50.3 60 60 55 55 806

South Africa 50.5 4.6 53.6 51.8 53.8 61 60 c c 11,110

Sudan 43.2 3.7 73.4 58.3 61.4 60 60 50 50 2,083

Swaziland 1.2 3.4 72.9 49.7 47.6 50 50 c c 4,824

Tanzania 45.0 3.1 91.8 57.4 59.1 60 60 55 55 744

Togo 6.8 3.6 75.8 62.3 65.7 60 60 c c 1,506

Tunisia 10.4 6.7 42.0 72.6 77.1 60 60 50 50 8,371

Uganda 33.8 2.5 105.1 54.6 56.4 55 55 c c 1,454

Zambia 13.3 3.0 97.0 48.7 50.0 55 55 50 50 1,023

Zimbabwe 12.6 4.1 77.3 50.4 49.8 60 60 c c 2,038

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

The 2008 Revision Population Database, available at http://esa.un.org/unpp (2009); Human Development Report 2007/2008, 

prepared for the United Nations Development Programme (Gordonsville VA: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007); U.S. Central 

Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook, 2009 (Washington D.C.: Central Intelligence Agency, 2009).

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

GDP = gross domestic product.

a. Population aged 14 or younger 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. No statutory old-age pension system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 23

Table 4.

Contribution rates for social security programs, 2009 (in percent)

Country

Old age, disability, and survivors All social security programs a

Insured

person Employer Total

Insured

person Employer Total

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

Benin 3.6 6.4 10 3.6 16.4 20

Botswana 0 0 0 e 0 0 f 0 e

Burkina Faso g 5.5 5.5 11 5.5 19.5 25

Burundi g 2.6 3.9 6.5 2.6 6.9 h 9.5

Cameroon g 2.8 4.2 7 2.8 12.95 15.75

Cape Verde g 3 7 10 7 16 23

Central African Republic g 4 3 7 4 18 22

Chad g 2 4 6 2 12.5 14.5

Congo (Brazzaville) g 4 8 12 4 20.28 24.28

Congo (Kinshasa) 3.5 3.5 7 3.5 9 12.5

Côte d’Ivoire g 3.2 4.8 8 3.2 12.55 15.75

Egypt b,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 i 6 i 10 i 4 6 10

Gabon g 2.5 5 7.5 2.5 20.1 22.6

Gambia g 5 10 15 5 11 16

Ghana 5 i 12.5 i 17.5 i 5 12.5 f 17.5

Guinea 2.5 4 6.5 5 18 23

Kenya 5 5 10 5 5 f 10

Liberia 3 3 6 3 4.75 7.75

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

Madagascar g 1 9.5 10.5 1 13 14

Malawi 0 k 0 k 0 k 0 0 f 0

Mali g 3.6 5.4 9 3.6 16.4 20

Mauritania b,g 1 2 3 1 15 16

Mauritius g 3 i 6 i 9 i 4 6 10 l

Morocco g 3.96 7.93 11.89 6.29 18 f 24.29

Niger g 1.6 2.4 4 1.6 15.4 17

Nigeria 7.5 7.5 15 7.5 7.5 f 15

Rwanda g 3 3 6 3 5 8

(Continued)
24 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Table 4.

Contribution rates for social security programs, 2009 (in percent)—Continued

Country

Old age, disability, and survivors All social security programs a

Insured

person Employer Total

Insured

person Employer Total

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

Senegal g 5.6 8.4 14 8.6 20.9 29.5

Seychelles 2.5 i,m 20 i,m 22.5 i 2.5 20 22.5

Sierra Leone 5 10 15 5 10 f 15

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

Sudan 8 17 25 8 19 27

Swaziland g 5 5 10 5 5 f 10

Tanzania 10 i 10 i 20 i 10 10 20

Togo 4 8 12 4 16.5 20.5

Tunisia 4.74 7.76 12.5 8.8 15.45 24.25 o

Uganda 5 10 15 5 10 f 15

Zambia g 5 5 10 5 5 f 10

Zimbabwe 4 4 8 4 4 f 8

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 2 years old.

c. Contributions finance old-age benefits only.

d. A lump sum contribution is also paid for unemployment benefits.

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

f. Employers pay the total cost of work injury benefits.

g. Contributions are submitted to a ceiling on some benefits.

h. Employers pay the total cost of family allowances.

i. Also includes the contribution rates for other programs.

j. Employers pay the total cost of maternity benefits.

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

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

m. Plus a flat-rate contribution.

n. Government pays the total cost of family allowances.

o. Social Security Fund pays the total cost of unemployment benefits.
Country

Summaries

SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 27

Algeria

Algeria

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 69.87 dinars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

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

and 1999 amendments; and 1994 (early pension).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All persons employed under a labor contract, household 

workers, actors, and certain categories of fishermen and 

apprentices with earnings at least equal to half the legal 

minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars. 

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for armed forces personnel and selfemployed persons.

Source of Funds

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

the early pension).

The insured person’s contributions finance old-age benefits 

only. Disability benefits, survivor benefits, and the death 

grant are financed under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

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

early pension).

The employer’s contributions finance old-age benefits only. 

Disability benefits, survivor benefits, and the death grant 

are financed under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Government: None; the government subsidizes the minimum pension.

Qualifying Conditions

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

at least 15 years of coverage; age 55 (women) with at least 

10 years of coverage; regardless of age (men and women) 

with at least 32 years of contributions. Employment must 

cease.

Workers who do not have the required number of years of 

coverage at the normal retirement age can continue to work 

for up to 5 years to meet the qualifying conditions.

Persons employed in arduous or unhealthy work can retire 

before the normal retirement age. The normal retirement 

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

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

up to 3 years. The normal retirement age for veterans with 

a disability (age 55) is reduced, according to the assessed 

degree of disability.

Paid at any age for workers with a total disability who do 

not meet the disability pension qualifying conditions.

Partial pension: Age 50 with at least 20 years of contributions (men) and age 45 with at least 14 years of contributions (women) and voluntarily retired from employment.

Early pension: Age 50 (men) and age 45 (women) with 

at least 20 years of contributions. The insured must be 

involuntarily unemployed due to economic factors such 

as downsizing or business closure, must have worked at 

least 3 of the last 10 years with the employer, and must 

not receive income from any professional activity. The 

employer must pay a lump-sum contribution, calculated 

according to the number of years that the insured retires 

before the normal retirement age.

Dependent spouse’s supplement: Paid for a dependent 

spouse whose income is less than the minimum old-age 

pension (12,000 dinars).

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Retirement settlement: Age 60 or older with at least 

5 years or 20 quarters of coverage and does not meet the 

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension.

All old-age benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal agreement.

Disability pension: The total disability pension is paid if 

the insured is assessed with a total loss of working capacity. 

The insured must be currently covered with at least 60 days 

of employment in the last 12 months or 180 days in the last 

3 years.

Partial disability: The insured must be assessed with a loss 

of earning capacity of at least 50%.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

All disability benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal agreement.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or met 

the qualifying conditions for a pension.

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

100 hours) of insured employment in the 3 months before 

death.

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

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

not greater than half the legal minimum wage, age 21 if a 
28 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Algeria

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

and dependent parents with income less than the minimum 

old-age pension.

All survivor benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal agreement.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 2.5% of average monthly earnings in the 5 years before retirement or 

the best 5 years of the total professional career (whichever 

amount is greater) multiplied by the number of years of 

coverage, up to 80%.

For pension calculation purposes, each covered year or 

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

respectively. The pension is paid monthly.

The minimum pension is equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 15 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

Dependent spouse’s supplement (regular pension): 

1,250 dinars is paid.

Constant-attendance supplement (regular pension): 40% of 

the insured’s pension is paid. The minimum supplement is 

2,470.34 dinars.

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

that the pension is awarded before the normal retirement 

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

the pensioner reaches the normal retirement age, at which 

time it is recalculated based on the number of years the 

pension was awarded before the normal retirement age and 

the insured’s total coverage period.

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

that the pension is awarded before the normal retirement 

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

the pensioner reaches the normal retirement age, at which 

time it is recalculated based on the number of years the 

pension was awarded before the normal retirement age and 

the insured’s total coverage period.

The minimum early pension is equal to 75% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

Dependent spouse’s supplement (early pension): 12.5% of 

the legal monthly minimum wage is paid.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

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

of average monthly earnings in the 5 years before retirement or the best 5 years of the total professional career 

(whichever amount is greater) multiplied by the number of 

years of coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in May.

Permanent Disability Benefits

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

professional career (whichever amount is greater).

At the normal retirement age, the disability pension ceases 

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

amount.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension is 

paid.

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

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

The minimum pension is equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in May.

Survivor Benefits

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

old-age or disability pension the deceased received or 

would have been entitled to receive; 50% if there are other 

survivors. If there is more than one widow, the pension is 

split equally.

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

pension the deceased received or would have been entitled 

to receive is paid for one other survivor; 40% divided 

equally if there is more than one survivor.

If there is no surviving spouse, 45% of the old-age or disability pension the deceased received or would have been 

entitled to receive is paid to a full orphan and 30% is paid 

to a dependent parent.

All survivor benefits combined must not be less than the 

legal monthly minimum wage.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 90% (100% 

if the deceased’s pension was less than the legal minimum 

monthly wage) of the pension the deceased received or 

would have been entitled to receive.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in May.

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

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

The minimum death grant is equal to 12 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

National Retirement Fund (http://www.cnr-dz.com) administers the old-age program for salaried employees.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 29

Algeria

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnas.org.dz) 

administers the disability and survivors program for salaried employees.

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

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

program for nonwage earners.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 1983, implemented in 1984.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Cash and medical benefits: All employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Medical benefits only: Persons receiving an unemployment benefit, persons receiving the early pension, national 

liberation war pensioners, persons with an assessed degree 

of disability of at least 50%, unemployed students, and their 

respective dependents; the dependents of certain categories 

of prisoners.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1.5% of gross earnings.

The insured person’s contributions also finance disability 

benefits, survivor benefits, and the death grant under Old 

Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 12.5% of gross payroll.

The employer’s contributions also finance disability benefits, survivor benefits, and the death grant under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

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

6 months of benefits, the insured must have been employed 

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

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

beyond 6 months, the insured must have been employed 

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

180 days in the last 3 years.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

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

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

before the pregnancy began.

Medical benefits: The insured must have at least 15 days 

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

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

400 hours) of employment in the last 12 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 50% of the daily 

wage (100% for an extended illness or hospitalization) 

for the first 15 days; thereafter, 100% of the daily wage 

from the 16th day up to 3 years (4 years under certain 

circumstances).

The minimum daily wage is equal to 8 times the legal 

hourly minimum wage.

The legal hourly minimum wage is 69.23 dinars.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of earnings. The benefit is paid for up to 14 weeks, including up to 

6 weeks before the expected date of childbirth.

The minimum daily wage is equal to 8 times the legal 

hourly minimum wage.

The legal hourly minimum wage is 69.23 dinars.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medicines, laboratory services, ophthalmologic and 

optician services, some dental care (including prostheses), 

functional and vocational rehabilitation, prostheses, thermal and specialized cures, and transportation.

Full medical care in government hospitals is provided free 

and for an unlimited duration for certain categories of sickness; some categories may require cost sharing.

Cost sharing: Medical expenses are reimbursed at 80% 

(100% for insured persons with chronic diseases, work 

injury beneficiaries with an assessed degree of disability of 

more than 50%, and old-age pensioners or disability pensioners with income less than the legal minimum wage).

The legal monthly minimum wage is equal to 

12,000 dinars.

Maternity benefits are reimbursed at 100%; hospital 

charges are limited to 8 days.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medicines, laboratory services, ophthalmologic and 

optician services, some dental care (including prostheses), 

functional and vocational rehabilitation, prostheses, thermal and specialized cures, and transportation.

Full medical care in government hospitals is provided free 

and for an unlimited duration for certain categories of sickness; some categories may require cost sharing.
30 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Algeria

Cost sharing: Medical expenses are reimbursed at 80% 

(100% for persons with chronic diseases, work injury beneficiaries with an assessed degree of disability of more than 

50%, and old-age pensioners or disability pensioners with 

income less than the legal minimum wage).

The legal monthly minimum wage is equal to 

12,000 dinars.

Maternity benefits are reimbursed at 100%; hospital 

charges are limited to 8 days.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnas.org.dz) 

administers the program for salaried employees.

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

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

earners.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1919.

Current law: 1983, implemented in 1984.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employed persons, apprentices, students (including 

those in technical schools), trainees, persons undergoing 

medical or vocational rehabilitation, some kinds of voluntary workers, wards of juvenile courts, and prisoners working in prison workshops.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

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

wage contribute 2% of the pension.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1% of gross payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

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

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

The minimum daily wage is equal to 8 times the legal minimum hourly wage.

The legal minimum hourly wage is 69.23 dinars.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: The pension is equal to 

average earnings in the last 12 months multiplied by the 

assessed degree of disability.

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

less than 10%.

The annual earnings for pension calculation purposes must 

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

wage.

The legal minimum hourly wage is 69.23 dinars.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the pension is paid.

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

pension is paid to injured foreign workers who leave the 

country.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medicines, laboratory services, ophthalmologic and 

optician services, some dental care, prostheses, functional 

and vocational rehabilitation, thermal and specialized 

cures, and transportation.

There is no limit to duration.

Survivor Benefits

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

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

the 12 months before the date of the accident resulting in 

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

pension is split equally.

Eligible survivors are a widow of any age; children younger 

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

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

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

dependent parents with income less than the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

Survivors of foreign workers are eligible for benefits if 

they reside in Algeria or are covered under a reciprocal 

agreement.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 31

Algeria

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

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

there is more than one eligible survivor.

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

All survivor benefits combined must not be less than the 

legal monthly minimum wage.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 90% (100% 

if the deceased’s pension was less than the legal minimum 

monthly wage) of the pension the deceased received or 

would have been entitled to receive.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

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

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

The minimum death grant is equal to 12 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnas.org.dz) 

administers the program.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1994.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 0.5% of gross earnings; contributions are 

paid on unemployment benefits.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

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

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

12 years) if the employee worked for the employer for more 

than 3 years.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefit: The insured must be involuntarily 

unemployed; must have at least 3 years of contributions, 

including the 6 months before unemployment; must not 

receive income from any professional activity; must have 

been looking for work for at least 3 months; and must 

reside in Algeria. The previous employer must have paid all 

required social security contributions.

Unemployment Benefits

The benefit is calculated according to a reference salary that 

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

earnings in the last 12 months and the legal monthly minimum wage. The benefit is paid for 2 months for each year of 

contributions, up to 36 months.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

The minimum duration of benefit entitlement is 12 months.

The total duration of benefit entitlement is split into four 

equal periods and the benefit declines over the four periods. 

The monthly benefit is equal to 100% of the reference salary during the first period, 80% during the second period, 

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

period.

The minimum monthly benefit is equal to 70% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The maximum monthly benefit is equal to three times the 

legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

Nonworking spouse’s supplement: If the insured receives 

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

500 dinars a month is paid for a nonworking spouse.

Unemployment beneficiaries and their dependents are eligible for sickness, maternity, and family benefits (entitlement 

may continue for up to 12 months after the unemployment 

benefit ceases). Periods during which the unemployment 

benefit has been paid are credited for old-age, disability, 

and survivor pension calculation purposes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

National Unemployment Insurance Fund (http://www.cnac

.dz) administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1941, with 1994 amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Nonagricultural employees and social insurance 

beneficiaries.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.
32 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Algeria

Special systems for public-sector employees and employees 

of certain agricultural cooperatives.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 25% of the cost of family allowances for 

employees.

Government: 75% of the cost of family allowances for 

employees; the total cost of family allowances for social 

insurance beneficiaries.

Qualifying Conditions

Family benefits: The child must be younger than age 17 

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

insured must earn at least half the legal monthly minimum wage; have a disability or illness; or be receiving an 

unemployment benefit, early retirement benefit, or old-age 

pension.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 12,000 dinars.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: If 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. If family earnings exceed 15,000 dinars a month, the 

benefit is 300 dinars a month for each child.

School allowance: Paid for children older than age 6. 

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

benefit is 800 dinars a year for each of the first five children 

and 400 dinars for each additional child. If family earnings 

exceed 15,000 dinars a month, the benefit is 400 dinars 

for each child. The school allowance is paid once a year in 

addition to family allowances.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnas.org.dz) 

administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 33

Benin

Benin

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1970.

Current law: 2003 (social security), with 2007 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons; managers of companies (under certain 

conditions).

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

cooperative members, informal sector workers, apprentices, 

interns, and students at technical schools.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.6% of gross earnings. Voluntarily 

insured persons contribute 10% of the last gross salary 

earned while in compulsory insured employment.

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

wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

Contributions may be reimbursed for pensioners aged 60 to 

65 who begin new covered employment or for foreign workers who leave the national territory.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6.4% of gross payroll.

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

wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 180 months of coverage. Retirement from covered employment is necessary.

A month of coverage corresponds to any month in which 

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

employment, including periods for which cash maternity or 

work injury benefits are paid.

The old-age pension is suspended if the pensioner begins 

new covered employment.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Paid at age 60 if the insured is ineligible for the old-age pension, but has at least 12 months of 

coverage.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of earning capacity of at least 66.7% and have at 

least 60 months of coverage, including at least 6 months 

in the 12 months before the disability began (the coverage 

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

accident).

A month of coverage corresponds to any month in which 

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

employment, including periods for which cash maternity or 

work injury benefits are paid.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

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

180 months of coverage.

A month of coverage corresponds to any month in which 

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

employment, including periods for which cash maternity or 

work injury benefits are paid.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor settlement: The deceased was ineligible for a 

pension and had less than 180 months of coverage.

Eligible survivors include a widow who was married at 

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

or who had a child with the deceased; a disabled or dependent widower who was married to the deceased at least 

a year before the insured’s death; and a dependent child 

younger than age 19 (age 22 if an apprentice, a student, or 

disabled).

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the first 15 years 

of coverage. The pension is increased by 2% of average 

monthly earnings for each 12-month period of coverage 
34 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Benin

exceeding 180 months, up to 80% of the insured’s earnings 

(wage increases above 10% a year during the last 10 years 

are not taken into account in the calculation).

Average monthly earnings are equal to 1/60 of the earnings 

used for contribution calculation purposes in the last five 

years of coverage.

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

minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

The maximum pension is set periodically by a Decree of 

the Council of Ministers.

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

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 10 years multiplied by the number of 12-month periods of coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the first 15 years 

of coverage. The pension is increased by 2% of average 

monthly earnings for each 12-month period of coverage 

exceeding 180 months, up to 80% of the insured’s earnings 

(wage increases above 10% a year during the last 10 years 

are not taken into account in the calculation). For each 

year that the pension is awarded before the insured reaches 

age 60, the insured is credited with a 6-month coverage 

period.

Average monthly earnings are equal to 1/60 of the earnings 

for contribution calculation purposes made during the last 

five years of coverage.

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

minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

The maximum pension is set periodically by a Decree of 

the Council of Ministers.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the pension is 

paid.

The disability pension ceases at age 60 and is replaced by 

an old-age pension of the same value.

The insured may receive two or more pensions. The total 

amount received is calculated based on 100% of the higher 

pension plus 50% of the other pension(s).

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 40% of the pension the deceased 

received or would have been entitled to receive is paid to 

the widow(er). If there is more than one widow, the pension 

is split equally. A disabled or dependent widower is eligible 

to receive a pension on behalf of his first deceased spouse 

only.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

6 months of pension.

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

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

full orphan who is an only child. The amount paid may be 

recalculated if the number of eligible orphans changes.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 80% of the 

deceased’s pension.

An eligible survivor may receive survivor benefits under 

the work injury program. The total amount received is calculated based on 100% of the work injury survivor pension 

plus the portion of the nonwork injury survivor pension that 

exceeds this amount.

Survivor settlement: One month of the pension the 

deceased would have been entitled to with at least 

180 months of coverage is paid for each 6-month period 

of coverage. The settlement is split equally between the 

eligible spouse and orphans. In the absence of an eligible 

spouse and orphans, the settlement is paid to the deceased’s 

parents.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Administration provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

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

with 2007 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity 

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women; managers of companies under certain 

conditions.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

cooperative members, informal sector workers, apprentices, 

interns, and students at technical schools.

Special system for civil servants.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 35

Benin

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 0.2% of gross payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purpose 

are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

6 months of coverage.

A month of coverage corresponds to any month in which 

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

employment, including periods for which cash maternity or 

work injury benefits are paid.

Benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The 

1998 labor code requires employers to provide paid sick 

leave.)

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

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

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

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

extended for up to 4 weeks in the event of complications 

arising from childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (The 1998 labor code 

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

medical services for employees.)

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (The 1998 labor code 

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

medical services for employees’ dependents. Eligible 

dependents are the spouse and dependent children.)

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

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Administration provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current law: 2003 (social security), with 2007 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, managers of companies (under certain 

conditions), apprentices, interns, students at technical 

schools, cooperative members, nonsalaried managers of 

cooperatives and their assistants, local authority employees, 

and some civil servants on secondment.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

and informal sector workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

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

assessed risk.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution purpose 

are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 66.7% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the last month before the month in which the 

disability began.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

The benefit is paid from the day after the disability began, 

up to 12 months; thereafter, the benefit paid is based on the 
36 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Benin

insured’s yearly earnings in the year before the disability 

began, up to 10 times the legal minimum wage multiplied 

by 1.4, according to the assessed degree of disability. The 

benefit is paid until full recovery or certification of permanent disability.

The disability is assessed by an approved doctor.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured has a total 

disability, the pension is equal to 100% of the insured’s 

annual earnings in the year before the disability began, up 

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

portion of earnings between this limit and 10 times the 

legal minimum wage.

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability of 

at least 20%, the pension is equal to the insured’s annual 

earnings in the year before the disability began multiplied 

by 0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability between 1% and 50% and by 1.5 times the 

assessed degree of disability for the portion greater than 

50%.

The minimum monthly earnings for pension calculation 

purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage 

multiplied by 1.4.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of earnings are paid.

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

quarterly.

The disability is assessed by an approved doctor.

The insured may receive two or more pensions. The total 

amount received is calculated based on 100% of the higher 

pension plus 50% of the other pension(s).

Disability allowance: For an assessed degree of disability 

of less than 20%, a lump sum is paid equal to 5 years of 

pension, according to the assessed degree of disability.

The disability is assessed by an approved doctor.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, medicines, appliances, prostheses, rehabilitation, and 

transportation.

Survivor Benefits

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

into account for the calculation of the permanent disability 

pension are paid to a spouse who married the deceased 

before the disability began (a divorced spouse who received 

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

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

the pension is split equally.

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

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

6 months of pension.

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

into account for the calculation of the permanent disability 

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

for each additional orphan.

Eligible orphans are dependent children younger than 

age 19 (age 22 if an apprentice, a student, or disabled). 

An orphan receiving the pension may not receive family 

allowances.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

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

for the calculation of the permanent disability pension.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of 

the permanent disability pension the deceased received or 

would have been entitled to receive; otherwise, the pensions 

are reduced proportionately.

An eligible survivor may receive survivor benefits under 

the old-age, disability, and survivors program. The total 

amount received is calculated based on 100% of the work 

injury survivor pension plus the portion of the nonwork 

injury survivor pension that exceeds this amount.

Funeral grant: Funeral costs are reimbursed up to five 

times the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the financial resources of the 

system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Administration provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 2003 (social security), with 2007 amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 37

Benin

Coverage

Employed persons, managers of companies (under certain 

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

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

cooperative members, informal sector workers, apprentices, 

interns, and students at technical schools.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8.8% of gross payroll.

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

wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 31,625 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 15 

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

must have at least 6 months of coverage and be currently 

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

including periods for which cash maternity or work injury 

benefits are paid.

The child must not receive an orphan’s pension.

If one of the parents receives family allowances from the 

special system for civil servants, only the higher benefit is 

paid.

Prenatal allowance: The pregnant woman must undergo 

prescribed medical examinations. The pregnant spouse of 

an insured worker is also eligible.

Benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Family Allowance Benefits

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

each child from the first day of the month of birth.

Prenatal allowance: 500 CFA francs a month is paid for 

9 months.

Some maternity, child health, and welfare services are also 

provided.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Administration provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.
38 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Botswana

Botswana

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 7.55 pula.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1996 (universal pension and orphan 

care).

Type of program: Universal old-age pension and orphan 

care benefit system.

Note: Botswana does not yet have national social security 

legislation.

Coverage

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

older.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Orphan care benefit: All orphaned citizens of Botswana 

younger than age 18.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

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

Botswana.

Disability benefit: No statutory benefits are provided; cash 

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

below).

Orphan care benefit: Provided for the loss of one parent (single parent) or both parents (married couple); a 

social orphan whose parents’ whereabouts are not known. 

The child must be younger than age 18 and residing in 

Botswana.

Old-Age Benefits

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

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability benefit: No statutory benefits are provided; cash 

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

below).

Survivor Benefits

Orphan care benefit: A monthly food basket equal to 

216.60 pula; a school uniform, transportation fees, sports 

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

other payments as required. The benefits are received by 

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

the head of the family (guardian) for younger siblings.

Administrative Organization

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

.gov.bw) provides general supervision and administers the 

program.

Social Benefits Division, Department of Social Services, 

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

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided.

The amended 1982 Employment Act provides for up to 

14 days of paid sick leave a year.

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

employees. The maternity benefit is equal to at least 25% 

of wages or 0.5 pula for each day of absence, whichever is 

greater, and is paid for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after the 

expected date of childbirth; may be extended for an additional 2 weeks in the event of complications arising from 

pregnancy or childbirth.

The 1982 Employment Act requires employers in designated areas to provide certain medical services to employees and their dependents, including transportation to the 

nearest hospital.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1936.

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

1998.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 39

Botswana

Coverage

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

Exclusions: Casual workers, family labor, and selfemployed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is 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 the insured’s earnings is paid for up to 6 months; 

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

total of 24 months with the approval of the Commissioner 

for Workmen’s Compensation. The benefit is paid after a 

7-day waiting period until full recovery or certification of 

permanent disability.

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

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, a lump sum is paid equal to 

60 months of the insured’s earnings minus the value of any 

temporary disability benefits paid previously to the insured.

The minimum benefit is 16,000 pula.

The maximum benefit is 250,000 pula.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, up 

to 25% of the permanent disability benefit is paid.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability, as determined by the schedule in law.

The maximum partial disability benefit is 200,000 pula.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical and surgical care, hospitalization, and medicines 

are provided by the employer, up to 75,000 pula; the costs 

of prostheses, up to 10,000 pula; and transportation costs, 

up to 1,500 pula.

Survivor Benefits

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

insured’s earnings is paid to dependent survivors minus the 

value of any temporary disability benefits previously paid 

to the deceased.

The minimum benefit is 8,000 pula.

The maximum benefit is 20,000 pula.

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

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid up to 100 pula. (The 

amount is deducted from the survivor benefit.)

Administrative Organization

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

.bw) enforces the law.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided.

Under the amended 1984 Employment Order, employees 

with 60 months of continuous employment are entitled to a 

severance benefit from their employer.

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

.bw) enforces the law.

Commissioner of Labor and Social Security provides 

supervision.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

Botswana provides monthly cash benefits (61 pula) and 

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

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

children younger than age 18 with a terminally ill parent; 

or orphans or abandoned children younger than age 18 not 

covered by the orphan care program.
40 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, self-employed persons, and apprentices.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for 

at least 6 consecutive months is possible if the coverage 

begins within 5 years of the end of compulsory insurance.

Exclusions: Temporary workers.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5.5% of covered earnings. (Voluntarily 

insured persons contribute 11% of declared earnings.)

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

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The last adjustment 

was made in 2003.)

Self-employed person: 11% of declared earnings.

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

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The last adjustment 

was made in 2003.)

Employer: 5.5% of covered payroll.

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

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The last adjustment 

was made in 2003.)

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

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

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

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

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

A month of coverage is any month in which the insured 

worked for at least 18 days in covered employment. Retirement from gainful employment is necessary.

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

paid from age 55.

Child’s supplement: Paid for each of the first six dependent 

children.

The pension is payable abroad.

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

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

180 months of coverage. Retirement from gainful employment is necessary.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

permanent loss of earning capacity for any work of least 

66.7% and have at least 5 years of coverage, including at 

least 6 months in the last year. There is no minimum qualifying period for a disability that is the result of a nonoccupational accident. The insured must be younger than the 

normal retirement age.

Constant-attendance allowance: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Child’s supplement: Paid for each of the first six dependent 

children.

The pension is payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying conditions for the old-age pension or disability pension, was a 

pensioner, or had at least 180 months of coverage at the 

time of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er) and orphans younger 

than age 16 (age 19 if an apprentice, age 22 if a student or 

disabled) or parents (if the deceased was unmarried and 

without children).

The pension ceases on remarriage.

An orphan receiving the pension may not receive family 

allowances.

The pension is payable abroad.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 41

Burkina Faso

Survivor settlement: Paid if the deceased had less than 

180 months of coverage and did not meet the qualifying 

conditions for a disability pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 2% of the 

insured’s average monthly covered earnings for each year 

of coverage, up to 80%.

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

minimum wage.

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

Child’s supplement: 2,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each of the first six dependent children.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 20% 

of the insured’s average monthly covered earnings in 

the 5 best years of coverage for each 6-month period of 

coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the financial resources of the system. (The 

last adjustment was made in 2009.)

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 2% of the 

insured’s average monthly covered earnings in the 5 best 

years of coverage for each year of coverage, up to 80%. For 

each year that a claim is made before the insured reaches 

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

period.

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

minimum wage.

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

Constant-attendance allowance: 50% of the pension is paid.

Child’s supplement: 2,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each of the first six dependent children.

The disability pension ceases at the normal retirement age 

and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same value, 

including the value of any constant-attendance allowance 

and child supplements.

The insured may receive disability benefits under the work 

injury program. The total amount received is calculated 

based on 100% of the work injury disability pension plus 

the portion of the nonwork injury disability pension that 

exceeds this amount.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the financial resources of the system. (The 

last adjustment was made in 2009.)

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 50% of the pension the deceased received or would have been entitled to 

receive. If there is more than one widow, the pension is split 

equally.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Orphan’s pension: 50% of the deceased’s pension is split 

equally among eligible orphans. The pension amount paid 

to each orphan is not recalculated if the number of eligible 

orphans changes.

The value of the orphan’s pension must not be less than the 

value of family allowances.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Dependent parent’s pension (in the absence of other 

survivors): Each eligible parent receives 25% of the 

deceased’s pension.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

An eligible survivor may also receive survivor benefits 

under the work injury program. The total amount received 

is calculated based on 100% of the work injury survivor 

pension plus the portion of the nonwork injury survivor 

pension that exceeds this amount.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 20% 

of the deceased’s average monthly covered earnings in 

the 5 best years of coverage for each 6-month period of 

coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the financial resources of the system. (The 

last adjustment was made in 2009.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Youth (http://www.emploi.gov.bf) 

provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance and Budget (http://www.finances.gov

.bf) provides financial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.bf) administers the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1981 (maternity benefit) and 2006 (social 

security).
42 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Burkina Faso

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity 

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Exclusions: Self-employed women.

Special system for civil servants (cash maternity benefits 

only).

Voluntary private health insurance programs are available.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: The woman must have at least 

3 months of covered employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s last gross earnings (of which the National Social 

Security Fund pays a sum equal to 100% of covered earnings and the employer pays the remainder). The benefit is 

paid for 14 weeks, including at least 4 weeks before the 

expected date of childbirth; may be extended for up to 

3 additional weeks in the event of complications arising 

from pregnancy or childbirth. The full benefit for the period 

after childbirth is paid for a stillborn child.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to the legal minimum wage.

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The last adjustment was 

made in 2007.)

Some maternity services are provided under Family Allowances, below.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Working women receive free medical care during pregnancy and childbirth. (Additional benefits for mothers are 

provided under Family Allowances, below.)

The labor code requires employers to provide certain medical services.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

The spouse of an insured man receives free medical care 

during pregnancy and childbirth.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children under Family Allowances, below.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Youth (http://www.emploi.gov.bf) 

provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance and Budget (http://www.finances.gov

.bf) provides financial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.bf) administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including temporary workers, members of cooperatives, students in training centers, and 

apprentices.

Exclusions: Civil servants and self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7% of covered payroll.

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

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The last adjustment 

was made in 2003.)

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 43

Burkina Faso

Temporary Disability Benefits

Temporary disability benefit: The benefit is equal to 

66.7% of the insured’s average daily earnings in the 90 days 

before the month in which the disability began. The benefit 

is paid from the day after the disability began until full 

recovery or certification of permanent disability.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to the legal minimum wage.

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The last adjustment was 

made in 2003.)

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the monthly pension is equal to 85% 

of the insured’s monthly average earnings in the 3 months 

before the disability began.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to the legal minimum wage.

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The last adjustment was 

made in 2003.)

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

50% of the pension is paid.

The pension may be paid partially as a lump sum after 5 to 

7 years, subject to conditions.

Partial disability: If the insured is assessed with a disability of at least 15%, a percentage of the full pension is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability.

The pension is paid quarterly; monthly if the assessed 

degree of disability is at least 75%.

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

sum equal to 3 years of disability pension is paid according 

to the assessed degree of disability.

The insured may receive disability benefits under the oldage, disability, and survivors program. The total amount 

received is calculated based on 100% of the work injury 

disability pension plus the portion of the nonwork injury 

disability pension that exceeds this amount.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the financial resources of the system. (The 

last adjustment was made in 2009.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, and dental care; hospitalization; medicines; X-rays; laboratory services; rehabilitation; retraining; appliances; and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 months.

Eligible survivors are a widow who was married to the 

deceased for at least 1 year (or who has a child or is pregnant by the deceased) or a dependent, disabled widower. If 

there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally.

Orphan’s pension: 40% of the deceased’s average monthly 

earnings in the last 3 months is split equally among eligible 

orphans. The pension amount paid to each orphan is not 

recalculated if the number of eligible orphans changes.

Eligible orphans must be younger than age 16 (age 19 if an 

apprentice, age 22 if a student or disabled).

An orphan receiving the pension may not receive family 

allowances.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: 10% of 

the deceased’s average monthly earnings in the 3 months 

before the disability began is split equally among eligible 

dependent parents and grandparents.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 months; 

otherwise, the pensions are reduced proportionately.

An eligible survivor may receive survivor benefits under 

the old-age, disability, and survivors program. The total 

amount received is calculated based on 100% of the work 

injury survivor pension plus the portion of the nonwork 

injury survivor pension that exceeds this amount.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to the value of 

15 days of maximum earnings for contribution calculation 

purposes (300,000 CFA francs).

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in wages and the legal minimum wage, 

depending on the financial resources of the system. (The 

last adjustment was made in 2009.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Youth (http://www.emploi.gov.bf) 

provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance and Budget (http://www.finances.gov

.bf) provides financial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.bf) administers the 

program.
44 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Burkina Faso

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons and social insurance beneficiaries.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7% of covered payroll.

The employer’s contributions also finance maternity benefits, above.

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

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

(The last adjustment was made in 2007.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs. (The last adjustment 

was made in 2003.)

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: Any deficit; contributes as an employer for 

public-sector employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

(age 19 if an apprentice, age 22 if a student or disabled). 

The parent (or guardian) must have at least 3 months of covered employment based on 18 days or 120 hours a month 

of work. The allowance is also paid to a pensioner or to an 

unemployed person for the first 6 months of unemployment.

The child must not receive an orphan’s pension.

If a parent is also entitled to family allowances from the 

special system for civil servants, only the higher benefit 

award is paid.

Prenatal allowance: A parent must have at least 3 months 

of covered employment based on at least 18 days or 

120 hours a month of work. The mother must undergo prescribed medical examinations. The full benefit is paid if the 

claim is made in the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Family Allowance Benefits

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

each of the first six children.

Prenatal allowance: 1,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

up to 9 months. The allowance is paid in three equal parts.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers, children, and pensioners.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted depending on the 

financial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was 

made in 2006.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Youth (http://www.emploi.gov.bf) 

provides technical supervision.

Ministry of Finance and Budget (http://www.finances.gov

.bf) provides financial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.bf) administers the 

program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 45

Burundi

Burundi

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1,200 francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 2002 (pensions).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers covered by the labor code, military 

personnel, and contract workers from the civil service and 

public utility commission.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.6% of monthly earnings; 3.8% if in 

arduous work. The voluntarily insured contribute 6.5% of 

monthly earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 150,000 francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3.9% of monthly payroll; 5.7% of monthly payroll on behalf of employees in arduous work.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 150,000 francs.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

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

age 45 if in arduous work) with at least 15 years of coverage. Retirement is not necessary.

Old-age settlement: Paid to an insured person aged 60 or 

older who does not meet the qualifying conditions for an 

old-age pension.

Disability pension: Paid if the insured is assessed with a 

loss of physical or mental capacity of at least 66.7% and has 

at least 3 years of coverage, including 6 months of contributions in the last 12 months.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured requires 

the constant attendance of others to perform daily functions.

Survivor pension: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased qualified for a pension, was a pensioner, or had at 

least 180 months of coverage at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er); unmarried orphans 

younger than age 16 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student, no age limit if disabled); and parents in the absence 

of a surviving spouse and children.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Survivor settlement: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased did not meet the qualifying conditions for a 

pension.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er); unmarried orphans 

younger than age 16 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student, no age limit if disabled); and parents in the absence 

of a surviving spouse and child.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) plus 2% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

180 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

national legal minimum wage. The highest national legal 

minimum monthly wage is 4,000 francs.

The national legal minimum wage is adjusted by ministerial ordinance. (The last adjustment was in 1988.)

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

The insured can receive the old-age pension and one or 

more survivor pensions at the same time. If the insured is 

entitled to the old-age pension and the work injury permanent disability benefit, the full amount of the higher pension 

and half the amount of the lower pension is paid. If the 

insured is prematurely aged, the combined receipt of the 

old-age pension before age 60 and the disability pension is 

not allowed.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system. (The last adjustment was in 2003.)

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

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) multiplied by the number of 

12-month periods of contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) plus 2% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 180 months. One 6-month contribution period is 

credited for each year that the insured is younger than the 
46 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Burundi

pensionable age at the time of the claim. The disability pension is normally awarded temporarily.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

national legal minimum wage. The highest national legal 

monthly minimum wage is 4,000 francs.

The national legal minimum wage is adjusted by ministerial ordinance. (The last adjustment was in 1988.)

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the disability pension is paid.

The insured can receive the disability pension and one or 

more survivor pensions at the same time. If the insured is 

entitled to the disability pension and the work injury permanent disability pension, only the highest pension is paid. 

If the insured is prematurely aged, the combined receipt of 

the disability pension and the old-age pension before age 60 

is not allowed.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living if the award is permanent or 

the insured is aged 60 or older, depending on the financial 

resources of the system. (The last adjustment was in 2003.)

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 

50% of the deceased’s pension.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 25% of 

the deceased’s pension; 40% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension (in the 

absence of other eligible survivors): Each dependent parent or grandparent receives 25% of the deceased’s pension.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension.

The survivor can receive a survivor pension and an old-age 

pension or disability pension at the same time.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system. (The last adjustment was in 2003.)

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to a 

percentage of the old-age pension the deceased would have 

received at the pensionable age.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Social Security Institute administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

The labor code (1993) requires employers to pay 66.7% 

of wages for sick leave for up to 3 months each calendar 

year and to provide medical care for workers and their 

dependents.

The labor code (1993) requires employers to pay 50% of 

wages for maternity leave of up to 12 weeks (14 weeks 

in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or 

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

the woman has at least 6 months of service during the year 

before the expected date of childbirth.

The 1984 provision established a medical assistance program to provide medical, surgical, maternity, hospitalization, dental, and pharmaceutical services to the low-income 

population.

The 1980 law (health insurance) provides for medical benefits for civil servants and members of the armed forces.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 2002 (pensions).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers covered by the labor code, including 

agricultural workers, apprentices, trainees, and military and 

police personnel.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of covered monthly payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution and benefit calculation purposes are 80,000 francs.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 66.7% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings up to a maximum. The benefit is paid from the 

31st day after the disability began (from the 2nd day for a 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 47

Burundi

commuting accident or if the costs of the accident are met 

by the employer) for the total period of incapacity for work, 

up to 6 months from the date of the accident. The insured’s 

salary is suspended while receiving benefits.

The average daily earnings for benefit calculation purposes 

are based on earnings in the 3 calendar months before the 

month in which the accident occurred.

The minimum benefit is equal to the regional minimum 

wage (between 105 francs and 160 francs per day).

The minimum wage is adjusted by ministerial ordinance. 

(The last adjustment was in 1988.)

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings up to a maximum.

The pension may be paid as a lump sum after 5 years, subject to conditions.

The average earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

based on earnings in the 3 calendar months before the 

month in which the accident occurred.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is 

at least 15%, a percentage of the full disability pension is 

paid according to the assessed degree of disability. If the 

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

of 3 years of pension is paid according to the assessed 

degree of disability.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

50% of the disability pension is paid.

If the insured is entitled to receive the old-age pension 

and the work injury permanent disability benefit, the full 

amount of the higher pension and half the amount of the 

lower pension is paid. If the insured is entitled to both the 

nonwork injury disability pension and the work injury permanent disability pension, only the highest pension is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system. (The last adjustment was in 2003.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits: Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, laboratory services, medicines, 

dental care, transportation, physiotherapy, eyeglasses, and 

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 

50% of the pension the deceased would have received if 

assessed with a permanent total disability.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum of 6 months of pension 

is paid to the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 16 

(age 21 if a student, no age limit if disabled) receives 20% 

of the pension the deceased would have received if assessed 

with a permanent total disability; 40% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension (in the 

absence of other eligible survivors): Each dependent 

parent or grandparent receives 20% of the pension the 

deceased would have received if assessed with a permanent 

total disability.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the pension the deceased would have received if assessed 

with a permanent total disability.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the financial resources of the 

system. (The last adjustment was made in 2003.)

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 30 times the deceased’s 

average daily earnings is paid, up to a maximum.

The average earnings for benefit calculation purposes 

are based on the earnings the deceased received in the 

3 calendar months before the month in which the accident 

occurred.

The minimum grant is 60,000 francs.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions 

and 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 (family benefits).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Salaried workers covered by the labor code and apprentices.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.
48 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Burundi

Employer: The total cost.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be unmarried and 

younger than age 16 (age 21 if a student or an apprentice, no 

age limit if disabled). The wife must not be in paid employment. To receive the full benefit, the insured must work at 

least 4 hours a day.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: Specified monthly benefits are paid for 

the wife and for each child. Benefits are reduced by 50% if 

the insured works less than 4 hours a day.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Employers pay the benefits directly to employees.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 49

Cameroon

Cameroon

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1969 (pensions), implemented in 

1974, with 1984 and 1990 amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Voluntary insurance for previously covered workers (not yet 

implemented).

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.8% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 300,000 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4.2% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 300,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 20 years of coverage and at least 180 months of contributions, including 

at least 60 months in the last 10 years. Retirement from 

employment is necessary.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Early pension: Age 50 with at least 20 years of coverage and at least 180 months of contributions, including 

60 months in the last 10 years.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age grant: Age 60 (age 50 for early retirement) and 

ineligible for the old-age pension, with at least 12 months of 

contributions.

Disability pension: The insured must be younger than 

age 60, have an assessed loss of earning capacity of at 

least 66.7%, and have at least 5 years of coverage, including at least 6 months of contributions in the last year. No 

contributions are required if the disability is the result of a 

nonwork-related accident.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

The disability pension ceases at the normal retirement age 

and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same value, 

including the value of any constant-attendance supplement.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or met 

the pension requirements at the time of death or had at least 

180 months of coverage.

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

younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or disabled), and dependent parents.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Survivor grant: The deceased met the requirements for the 

old-age grant.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of average 

monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever amount 

is greater) plus 1% of average monthly earnings for each 

12-month period of contributions exceeding 180 months.

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

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

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

Early pension: Calculated in the same way as the old-age 

pension.

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

average monthly earnings multiplied by the number of 

12-month periods of coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of average 

monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever amount 

is greater) plus 1% of average monthly earnings for each 

12-month period of contributions exceeding 180 months. 

For each year that a claim is made before the insured 

reaches age 60, the insured is credited with a 6-month 

insurance period.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the disability pension is paid.
50 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Cameroon

Survivor Benefits

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

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

the pension is split equally.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 15% of 

the deceased’s old-age pension; 25% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s pension: Each eligible parent 

receives 10% of the deceased’s old-age pension.

Other eligible survivors: In the absence of a surviving 

widow(er), child, or dependent parent, the pension is split 

equally among other relatives.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s old-age pension.

Survivor grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 30% of average monthly earnings multiplied by the number of 6-month 

periods of contributions.

If there is more than one survivor, the grant is split equally.

Funeral grant: In the absence of eligible survivors, the cost 

of the funeral is paid.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, the 

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

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.

Exclusions: Self-employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are provided. (The labor code requires employers to provide some 

paid sick leave.)

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

6 consecutive months of employment and be in insured 

employment on 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: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

last monthly earnings and is paid for 4 weeks before and 

10 weeks after the expected date of childbirth; may be 

extended to 13 weeks after childbirth in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Insured women and the spouses of insured men receive 

1,400 CFA francs toward childbirth expenses and 

200 CFA francs for each prenatal examination and for pediatric care examinations for up to 6 months.

Some free medical care is provided by government health 

facilities.

The labor code requires employers to provide certain medical services.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits for dependents: No statutory benefits 

are provided.

Some health care and welfare services are provided to 

mothers and children under Family Allowances, below.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, the 

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1944.

Current law: 1977 (work injury).

Type of program: Social insurance system.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 51

Cameroon

Coverage

Employed persons, apprentices, seamen, technical students, 

and persons in training.

Exclusions: Civil servants.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons (not yet 

implemented).

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1.75%, 2.5%, or 5% of gross payroll, according 

to the assessed degree of risk.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 66.7% of average monthly earnings 

in the 3 months before the disability began. The benefit is 

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

The daily earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

subject to a maximum.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 85% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the 3 months before 

the disability began.

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

(28,216 CFA francs).

The monthly earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

subject to a maximum.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

the legal minimum wage of the insured’s sector of activity 

is paid.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is at 

least 20%, a percentage of the full pension is paid according to the assessed degree of disability; if the assessed 

degree of disability is less than 20%, a lump sum is paid 

equal to 10 years of partial disability pension.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

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

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 85% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 months.

The pension is split among the eligible survivors according 

to the schedule in law. Eligible survivors are a surviving 

spouse, children younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a full-time student or disabled), and dependent parents.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial is paid.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, the 

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1967, with 1995 amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for apprentices with families.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7% of covered payroll; 5.65% (agriculture); 

3.7% (private schools).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 300,000 CFA francs.

The employer’s contributions also finance maternity benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 14 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a full-time student or 

disabled). The parent must be working at least 18 days or 

120 hours a month.

Benefits continue to be paid during periods of work-related 

disability, for a 6-month period of sick leave, a 14-week 

period of maternity leave, a 3-month period of involuntarily 

unemployment, and during statutory vacation periods.
52 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Cameroon

Allowances are also paid to old-age pensioners who retire 

with dependent children and to eligible survivors with 

dependent children.

Prenatal allowance: The pregnant woman must undergo 

two prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: The mother and child must undergo a prescribed medical examination.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,800 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child. The allowance is paid quarterly.

Prenatal allowance: 1,800 CFA francs a month is paid for 

9 months. The allowance is paid in two equal installments: 

during the 3rd or 4th month of pregnancy and during the 

7th or 8th month of pregnancy.

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

Some health care and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, the 

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 53

Cape Verde

Cape Verde

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 79.86 escudos.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 2003 (self-employed persons), with amendments; 2004 (employed persons), with amendments; and 

2007 (labor code).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private and public sectors (including civil servants first employed after December 31, 2005); 

and certain business owners, employees of cooperatives, 

and self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants (first employed before 

January 1, 2006), central bank employees, and municipal 

agents (first employed before January 1, 2008); and certain 

business owners, employees of cooperatives, and selfemployed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3% of gross monthly earnings.

Self-employed person: 10% of gross monthly earnings.

Employer: 7% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

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

least 15 years of contributions.

The pension is payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured must have at least 5 years 

of contributions and be assessed with a disability of at least 

66.7% or a loss of earning capacity of at least 33.3%.

The pension is payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or had at 

least 36 months of contributions.

Eligible survivors include a widow older than age 50 or 

disabled, a widower older than age 55, and children younger 

than age 15 (age 24 if a student, no age limit if disabled).

A temporary survivor pension is paid for up to 5 years to 

a widow younger than age 50 and a widower younger than 

age 55.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

The pension is payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The monthly pension is equal to 2% of 

the insured’s annual average earnings plus an annual coefficient adjusted for changes in the cost of living for each 

12-month period of coverage.

The annual average earnings for benefit calculation purposes are based on the 120 best-paid months in the last 

15 years of contributions.

The minimum monthly pension is 4,620 escudos.

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

average monthly earnings.

Benefit adjustment: The minimum monthly pension is 

adjusted periodically by decree. (The last adjustment was 

made in 2006.) Pensions are adjusted annually according to 

changes in the average salary of public servants.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The monthly pension is equal to 2% of 

the insured’s annual average earnings plus an annual coefficient adjusted for changes in the cost of living for each 

12-month period of coverage.

The annual average earnings for benefit calculation purposes are based on the 120 best-paid months in the last 

15 years of contributions.

The minimum monthly pension is 4,620 escudos.

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

average monthly earnings.

Benefit adjustment: The minimum monthly pension is 

adjusted periodically by decree. (The last adjustment was 

made in 2006.) Pensions are adjusted annually according to 

changes in the average salary of public servants.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The monthly pension is equal to 50% of 

the deceased’s pension.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan receives 25% of the 

deceased’s pension a month; 50% for each full orphan.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s monthly pension; otherwise, the pensions are 

reduced proportionately.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted annually according to changes in the average salary of public servants.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Solidarity (http://www.mtfs.gov.cv) 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Institute (http://www.inps.cv) 

administers the program.
54 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Cape Verde

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1976.

Current laws: 2003 (self-employed persons), with amendments; 2004 (employed persons), with amendments; and 

2007 (labor code).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private and public sectors.

Voluntary coverage for cash benefits for business owners, 

employees of cooperatives, and self-employed persons.

Business owners, employees of cooperatives, self-employed 

persons, pensioners, and recipients of social insurance benefits are covered for medical benefits.

Special systems provide cash benefits for civil servants and 

certain business owners, employees of cooperatives, and 

self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of gross monthly earnings.

Self-employed person: None for medical benefits. Voluntary contributors pay 8% of gross monthly earnings for 

cash benefits.

Employer: 4% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: The insured must 

have at least 4 months of contributions.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 70% of the 

insured’s last monthly earnings or average earnings in the 

last 4 months (whichever amount is greater). The benefit 

is paid for up to 1,095 days. The employer pays 100% of 

earnings for the first 3 days. If the sickness lasts longer than 

30 days, the insured is required to undergo medical examinations by a medical board.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 90% of the 

insured’s last monthly earnings or average earnings in the 

last 4 months, whichever is higher. The benefit is paid for 

up to 60 days. (A nursing allowance is paid under Family 

Allowances, below.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, laboratory services, doctor’s consultations at 

home, medicines, prostheses, and dental care.

Cost sharing: Insured persons pays 15%, 25%, 45%, or 50% 

of the cost of medicines, according to the schedule in law; 

pensioners pay 5%, 15%, 40%, or 45%. Medicines are free 

for low-income pensioners. Insured persons and pensioners pay 30% to 50% of the cost of dental care and 20%, 

25%, 30%, or 40% of the cost of prostheses and appliances. 

Low-income pensioners receive a 15% discount on the total 

cost paid by insured persons and pensioners for dental care, 

prostheses, and appliances.

A daily lump sum of 1,000 escudos (1,500 escudos for lowincome pensioners) is paid for transportation costs and living expenses; 1,500 escudos (3,000 escudos for low-income 

pensioners) when receiving care abroad. A daily lump sum 

is also paid for an authorized accompanying person.

Low-income pensioners are pensioners who earn less than 

2.5 times the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 13,410 escudos.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, laboratory services, doctor’s consultations at 

home, medicines, prostheses, and dental care.

Eligible dependents are children up to age 18 or receiving family allowances, dependent parents, and dependent 

grandparents.

Cost sharing: The dependents of insure persons pay 15%, 

25%, 45%, or 50% of the cost of medicines, according to 

the schedule in law; the dependents of a pensioner pay 5%, 

15%, 40%, or 45%. Medicines are free for dependents of 

low-income pensioners. The dependents of insured persons and pensioners pay 30% to 50% of the cost of dental 

care and 20%, 25%, 30%, or 40% of the cost of prostheses 

and appliances. The dependents of low-income pensioners 

receive a 15% discount on the total cost paid by the dependents of insured persons and pensioners for dental care, 

prostheses, and appliances.

A daily lump sum of 1,000 escudos (1,500 escudos for lowincome pensioners’ dependents) is paid for transportation 

costs and living expenses; 1,500 escudos (3,000 escudos for 

low-income pensioners’ dependents) when receiving care 

abroad. A daily lump sum is also paid for an authorized 

accompanying person.

Low-income pensioners are pensioners with earnings less 

than 2.5 times the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 13,410 escudos.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health (http://www.minsaude.gov.cv) provides 

general supervision.

National Health Service administers the program.

National Social Insurance Institute (http://www.inps.cv) 

pays the benefits.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 55

Cape Verde

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current laws: 1978 (compulsory insurance) and 1991 (private administration).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons; tenant farmers and sharecroppers; members of cooperative enterprises; apprentices and trainees; 

certain categories of volunteer workers; and certain categories of self-employed persons, including family members 

employed by them.

Exclusions: Company managers, owners, and shareholders.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: 6% of covered monthly earnings.

The maximum daily earnings for contribution calculation 

purposes are 300 escudos.

Employer: 2% of covered monthly payroll for salaried 

employees or 6% of covered monthly payroll for all other 

workers; for household workers, 50 escudos a month (full 

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

The maximum daily earnings for contribution calculation 

purposes are 300 escudos.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no qualifying period. 

Accidents that occur while commuting to and from work 

are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If the insured is assessed with a total disability, the benefit is equal to 40% of the insured’s earnings on the day 

the injury occurred (if those earnings differ from the 

insured’s normal earnings, 40% of average earnings in the 

last 6 months) for the first 14 days; thereafter, 70%. For 

hospitalization, the benefit is equal to 40% of the insured’s 

earnings; 70% with dependents. The benefit is paid for up 

to 1,095 days.

The maximum daily earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 300 escudos.

Partial disability: The benefit is equal to 25% of the 

insured’s earnings on the day the injury occurred (if those 

earnings differ from the insured’s normal earnings, 40% of 

average earnings in the last 6 months).

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the monthly pension is equal to 70% 

of the insured’s earnings on the day the injury occurred (if 

those earnings differ from the insured’s normal earnings, 

70% of average earnings in the last 6 months).

The maximum daily earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 300 escudos.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

30% of the insured’s earnings is paid a month.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is 

between 10% and 99%, a percentage of the full disability pension is paid according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

The degree of disability is assessed according to the schedule in law.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examinations every 6 months during the first 2 years; thereafter, 

every year.

The pension is paid from the day after the disability began. 

The employer pays the insured’s earnings for the day of the 

work injury.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the financial resources of the 

system.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical treatment, surgery, hospitalization, prostheses, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The monthly pension is equal to 30% 

of the deceased’s earnings on the day the injury occurred 

(if those earnings differ from normal earnings, 30% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the last 6 months).

Eligible survivors include a dependent widow, a dependent 

widower older than age 64 or disabled, and a divorced 

spouse receiving alimony. If there is more than one eligible 

divorced spouse, the pension is split equally.

The maximum daily earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 300 escudos.

The pension ceases if the widow(er) remarries or cohabits.

Remarriage allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to a year 

of pension.

Orphan’s pension: The monthly pension is equal to 15% 

of the deceased’s earnings for each child (including unborn, 

adopted, natural, and any other dependent children) up to 

age 18 (age 24 if a student, no limit if disabled); 45% for 

each full orphan.
56 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Cape Verde

Other eligible survivors: A monthly pension equal to 10% 

of the deceased’s earnings is paid to dependent parents and 

grandparents and to dependent brothers and sisters up to 

age 16.

The total monthly survivor pension for other eligible survivors is 30% of the deceased’s earnings.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 70% of the 

deceased’s monthly earnings.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral, up to 7,500 escudos.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted for changes in the 

cost of living, depending on the financial resources of the 

system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Solidarity (http://www.mtfs.gov.cv) 

provides general supervision.

Private insurance companies administer the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current law: 2004 (employed persons).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Persons in insured employment or receiving social insurance benefits.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: Children must be younger than age 15 

(age 24 if a student, no limit if disabled). The allowance is 

also paid for the insured’s parents if each parent’s income is 

less than the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 13,410 escudos.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 400 escudos a month is paid for each 

eligible dependent; 1,200 escudos a month for each disabled 

child younger than age 8; 1,600 escudos a month for each 

disabled child aged 8 to 13; and 2,050 escudos a month for 

each disabled child older than age 13. The allowance is paid 

for up to four children; the limit on the number of children 

is waived if the parent is a pensioner or if the insured is 

deceased and the mother is an unemployed widow.

Nursing allowance: 1,200 escudos a month is paid for 

6 months.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral, up to 20,000 escudos for the insured, the insured’s spouse, or children older 

than age 14; 15,000 escudos for children aged 6 to 14; 

7,500 escudos for children younger than age 6.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in 2005.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Solidarity (http://www.mtfs.gov.cv) 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Institute (http://www.inps.cv) 

administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 57

Central African Republic

Central African Republic

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1963.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including employees of the national 

public service and local authorities, students in professional 

schools, trainees, and apprentices.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Agricultural, temporary, and occasional 

workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of gross earnings.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions only.

Employer: 3% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees and quarterly by employers with less than 

20 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

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

with at least 180 months of contributions. Retirement from 

gainful employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad under reciprocal agreement.

Old-age allowance: Age 60 (age 55 if prematurely aged) 

with at least 12 months of coverage but does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of earning capacity of at least 66.7%, be registered with 

the fund for at least 5 years, and have at least 6 months of 

contributions in the year before the disability began (conditions are waived for employed persons if the disability is a 

result of a nonoccupational accident). The pension is paid 

after 6 consecutive months of disability provided that the 

disability is expected to last for at least another 6 months.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: Paid to the survivor if the deceased met 

the requirements for a pension or was a pensioner at the 

time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to the survivor if the deceased 

was insured but did not meet the qualifying conditions for 

a pension.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) and dependent children.

The spouse must have been married to the insured for at 

least 2 years before the insured’s death.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) plus 1% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of contributions from 

280 to 350 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Old-age allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of average earnings for each 12-month period of coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 40% of average 

monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever amount 

is greater) plus 1% of average monthly earnings for each 

12-month period of contributions from 280 to 350 months. 

The insured is credited with 6 months of coverage for each 

year that a claim is made before the normal retirement age.

At the normal retirement age, the disability pension ceases 

and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same amount.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension is 

paid.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The spouse receives 50% of the 

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

amount is split equally.

Orphan’s pension: All orphans’ pensions combined are 

equal to 50% of the deceased’s pension; 100% for full 

orphans.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the old-age pension the deceased received or would 
58 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Central African Republic

have been entitled to receive for each 6-month period of 

coverage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, 

and Professional Placement provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Office administers the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity 

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Exclusions: Self-employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

6 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: The benefit is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s daily earnings and is paid for up to 8 weeks before 

and 6 weeks after the expected date of childbirth; may be 

extended up to 9 weeks in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (The labor code requires 

employers to provide certain medical services.)

Some health services are provided to women during the 

maternity leave period.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided. (Some health and welfare services are provided to mothers and children under 

Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, 

and Professional Placement provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Office administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1935 and 1959.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons and members of producers’ cooperatives.

Exclusions: Agricultural, temporary, and occasional workers; and self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The monthly benefit is equal to 50% of the insured’s average daily earnings in the 30 days before the disability began 

for the first 28 days of disability; thereafter, 66.7% of average daily earnings. The benefit is paid from the day after 

the disability began until full recovery or certification of 

permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings, up to a maximum.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to the insured’s 

average monthly earnings, up to a maximum, multiplied by 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 59

Central African Republic

0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for the portion of 

disability from 10% to 50% and by 1.5 times the assessed 

degree of disability for the portion greater than 50%.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the pension is paid.

Benefits are paid monthly or quarterly.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, rehabilitation, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings, up to a maximum. If 

there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s average monthly 

earnings, up to a maximum, is paid for each of the first two 

orphans; 10% for each additional orphan; 20% for each full 

orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

dependent parent and grandparent receives a pension equal 

to 10% of the deceased’s average monthly earnings.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings.

Funeral grant: The grant is equal to 0.02% of the 

deceased’s annual income. The maximum monthly earnings for grant calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, 

and Professional Placement provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Office administers the 

program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 2006 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons and social insurance beneficiaries.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 12% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs.

The employer’s contributions also finance maternity 

benefits.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 15 

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

School attendance is required for children of school age. 

The parent must have at least 6 months of employment and 

be currently working at least 20 days or 133 hours a month 

or be a social insurance beneficiary.

The number of eligible dependent children is limited to 

six. Children who reach the age limit may be replaced by 

another eligible minor child.

Prenatal allowance: The insured must undergo regular 

prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid for each of the first three births.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,500 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Prenatal allowance: 1,500 CFA francs a month is paid for 

9 months.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 30,000 CFA francs is paid for 

each of the first three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration, Labor, Social Security, 

and Professional Placement provides general supervision.

Central African Social Security Office administers the 

program.
60 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Chad

Chad

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1977 (pensions) and 1978 (old age, 

disability, and survivors).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers regulated by the labor code.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2% of gross earnings.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of gross payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 50 if prematurely aged) 

and registered with the National Social Insurance Fund for 

at least 15 years with at least 180 months of coverage or 

60 months of contributions in the last 10 years. Retirement 

from gainful employment is necessary.

Early pension: Paid from age 55.

Old-age settlement: Age 60 (age 50 if prematurely aged) 

but did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for the old-age 

pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of earning capacity of at least 66.7% and have at least 

5 years of coverage, including at least 6 months of contributions in the year before the disability began. There is no 

qualifying period if the disability is the result of a nonoccupational accident.

Constant-attendance allowance: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying 

conditions for a pension, was a pensioner, or had at least 

180 months of coverage at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to a survivor if the deceased did 

not satisfy the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 40 or older or pregnant, 

disabled, or caring for a child, and who was married to the 

deceased for at least 1 year; a dependent, disabled widower who was married to the deceased for at least 1 year; 

and children younger than age 15 (age 18 if an apprentice, 

age 21 if a student or disabled).

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is higher) plus 1.2% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

180 months.

Early pension: The old-age pension is reduced by 5% for 

each year before the normal retirement age.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by ministerial 

decree in consultation with the National Social Insurance 

Fund.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of wages for each year of coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is higher) plus 1.2% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

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

insured reaches the normal retirement age, the insured is 

credited with a 1-year coverage period.

At the normal retirement age, the disability pension ceases 

and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same amount.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

Constant-attendance allowance: 50% of the pension is paid.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by ministerial 

decree in consultation with the National Social Insurance 

Fund.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

deceased’s pension.

If there is more than one eligible widow, the pension is split 

equally among them.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

6 months of survivor pension.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 61

Chad

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan receives 25% of the 

deceased’s pension; 40% for each full orphan.

The orphan’s pension must be at least equal to the family 

allowance.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s old-age pension; otherwise, the pensions are 

reduced proportionately.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by ministerial 

decree in consultation with the National Social Insurance 

Fund.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Affairs provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1966.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity 

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Exclusions: Self-employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: See source of funds under Family Allowances, below.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured woman must have 

at least 6 consecutive months of employment immediately 

before work ceases.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s last daily wage and is paid for 6 weeks before 

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

extended for up to 3 weeks in the event of complications 

arising from pregnancy or childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

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 health and welfare services are provided to mothers and children under 

Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Affairs provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1935.

Current law: 1966, implemented in 1970.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.5% of gross payroll.

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

The benefit is equal to 66.7% of the insured’s average daily 

wage in the 30 days before the disability began. The benefit 

is paid from the day after the disability began until full 

recovery or until certification of permanent disability (after 

2 years).
62 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Chad

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the 12 months before 

the disability began.

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability of 

at least 10%, the pension is equal to the insured’s average 

monthly earnings in the 12 months before the disability 

began multiplied by 0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability up to 50% and by 1.5 

times the assessed degree of disability for the portion above 

50%.

The earnings used for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to 6 times the highest regional minimum wage plus 

33.3% of earnings between 6 and 25 times the highest 

regional minimum wage.

With an assessed degree of disability of at least 10%, the 

minimum pension is calculated based on 1.35 times the 

highest legal minimum wage.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the pension is paid.

Pensions are normally paid quarterly. If the insured is 

assessed with a disability of 100%, the pension is paid 

monthly; if assessed with a disability of at least 75%, the 

insured can request to be paid monthly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the legal minimum wage.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the last 12 months.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s average earnings in the last 12 months is paid for each orphan younger 

than age 15 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or 

disabled); 20% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

receives 10% of the deceased’s average earnings in the last 

12 months, up to 30%.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of 

the deceased’s average earnings used for calculating the 

pension.

The earnings used for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to 6 times the highest regional minimum wage plus 

33.3% of earnings between 6 and 25 times the highest 

regional minimum wage.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the legal minimum wage.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral is reimbursed, 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.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 500,000 CFA francs.

The employer’s contributions also finance maternity benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: A subsidy from earmarked taxes.

Government contributions also finance maternity benefits 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 15 

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

reside in Chad. The parent must have at least 6 months of 

employment and be currently working at least 20 days a 

month; or be the widow of an insured person.

Prenatal allowance: The woman must undergo regularly 

prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid for the first three births of the first 

marriage.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 600 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 63

Chad

Prenatal allowance: 5,400 CFA francs is paid for each 

month of pregnancy. The allowance is paid in two equal 

parts.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 6,000 CFA francs is paid for 

each of the first three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor and Public Affairs provides general 

supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.
64 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Congo (Brazzaville)

Congo (Brazzaville)

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1962.

Current law: 1986 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of covered earnings.

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

The legal monthly minimum wage is 43,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,200,000 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8% of covered payroll.

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

The legal monthly minimum wage is 43,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,200,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 50 if prematurely aged), 

registered with the National Social Security Fund during 

the last 25 years, with at least 300 months of coverage, 

including at least 60 months of contributions in the last 

10 years. Retirement from paid employment is necessary.

Partial pension: Paid if the insured does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension, but is of pensionable age, retired from paid employment, and has at least 

60 months of contributions.

The pension is payable abroad only under a reciprocal or 

international agreement.

Old-age settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy 

the qualifying conditions for a full or partial old-age pension, but is retired from paid employment, and has at least 

12 months of contributions.

Disability pension: The insured must be younger than 

age 60, assessed with a loss of capacity for any work of at 

least 66.7%, registered with the National Social Security 

Fund for at least 5 years, and have at least 6 months of contributions in the year before the disability began. There is 

no minimum qualifying period if the disability is the result 

of a nonoccupational accident.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying conditions for a pension or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid if the deceased was insured but 

did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) who was married to the 

deceased for at least 1 year, children younger than age 16 

(age 17 if an apprentice, age 20 if a student or disabled), and 

dependent parents.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 3 or 5 years 

of the last 10 years plus 2% of average monthly earnings for 

each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 240 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional legal minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Partial pension: The pension is equal to 2% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the best 3 or 5 years of the last 

10 years for each 12-month period of coverage.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 3 or 

5 years of the last 10 years for each 12-month period of 

coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 3 or 5 years 

of the last 10 years plus 2% of average monthly earnings for 

each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 240 months. 

For each year that a claim is made before the insured 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 65

Congo (Brazzaville)

reaches age 60, the insured is credited with a 6-month 

coverage period.

When the insured reaches the normal retirement age, the 

disability pension ceases and is replaced by an old-age pension of the same amount.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional legal minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: 50% of the pension is paid.

Child’s supplement: 1,200 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

6 months of pension.

Orphan’s pension: 50% of the deceased’s pension is split 

equally among eligible orphans. The orphan’s pension must 

be at least equal to family allowances.

Other eligible survivors: 20% of the deceased’s pension is 

split equally among other eligible survivors.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 80% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the deceased’s pension for each 6-month period of 

contributions.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security provides supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1986 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity 

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Exclusions: Self-employed women.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

6 consecutive months of employment and be currently 

working at least 20 days or 133 hours a month.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The 

1975 labor code requires employers to provide paid sick 

leave.)

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 50% of daily 

covered earnings in the month before the maternity leave 

begins (the employer also pays 50% of earnings). The benefit is paid for 15 weeks, including at least 9 weeks after the 

expected date of childbirth; may be extended by 3 weeks 

in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or 

childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

The insured is reimbursed for any medical expenses related 

to maternity care. (Some maternity and child health and 

welfare services are provided under Family Allowances, 

below.)

Dependents’ Medical 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, Employment, and Social Security provides supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
66 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Congo (Brazzaville)

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current law: 1986 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, members of workers’ cooperatives, 

apprentices, and students of technical colleges.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.25% of covered payroll.

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

The legal monthly minimum wage is 43,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

100% of the insured’s average daily earnings in the 30 days 

before the disability began is paid for up to 3 months; 

thereafter, 66.7% of average earnings. The benefit is paid 

from the day after the disability began until full recovery or 

certification of permanent disability.

The maximum daily earnings for benefit calculation purposes are equal to 1% of the maximum monthly earnings 

for contribution calculation purposes (600,000 CFA francs).

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average earnings.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to the insured’s average earnings multiplied by 0.5 times the assessed degree 

of disability for the portion of disability between 10% and 

50% and by 1.5 times the assessed degree of disability for 

the portion greater than 50%. For an assessed degree of disability less than 10%, a lump sum is paid.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

50% of the pension is paid.

Pensions are normally paid quarterly. If the insured is 

assessed with a disability of 100%, the pension is paid 

monthly; if assessed with a disability of at least 75%, the 

insured can request to be paid monthly; if assessed with a 

disability of less than 25%, the insured is paid annually.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s earnings.

Eligible widow(er)s must not have been separated or 

divorced from the deceased and must have been married to 

the deceased before the date of the accident that resulted in 

the insured’s death.

Remarriage settlement: The pension ceases on remarriage 

and a lump sum of up to 3 years of pension is paid.

Foreign survivors who leave the country receive a lump 

sum equal to 3 years of pension.

Orphan’s pension: 50% of the deceased’s earnings is split 

equally among orphans younger than age 16 (age 17 if an 

apprentice, age 20 if a student or disabled).

Dependent parent’s pension: 20% of the deceased’s earnings is split equally among eligible parents.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s earnings.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral is paid, up to a 

maximum.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security provides supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1986 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 67

Congo (Brazzaville)

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 10.03% of covered payroll.

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

wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 43,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 600,000 CFA francs.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

(age 17 if an apprentice, age 20 if a student or disabled). 

The parent must have at least 6 consecutive months of 

employment and be currently working at least 20 days or 

133 hours a month or be the widow of an insured person.

Prenatal allowance: The mother must undergo regularly 

prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid for the first three births of the first 

marriage.

Family Allowance Benefits

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

each child.

The benefit is paid quarterly.

Prenatal allowance: 2,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each month of pregnancy, up to 9 months. The allowance is 

paid in two equal amounts.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 1,100 CFA francs is paid for 

each of the first three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security provides supervision.

National Social Security Fund administers the program.
68 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Congo (Kinshasa)

Congo (Kinshasa)

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

655.00 Congolese francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1961 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including household and casual workers, sailors, and public-sector employees not covered by a 

social security program.

Voluntary coverage for nonemployed persons who were 

previously insured for at least 5 years and who request to 

be covered in the 6-month period after insured employment 

ceases.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.5% of gross earnings. The voluntarily 

insured contribute 7% of the most recent 6 months of covered earnings.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3.5% of gross payroll.

Government: An annual subsidy, up to a maximum.

Qualifying Conditions

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

age 55 (prematurely aged men and women), with at least 

60 months of coverage in the last 10 years. Retirement from 

paid employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Paid from age 65 (men) or age 60 

(women) if the insured does not meet the qualifying conditions for an old-age pension. Retirement from paid employment is necessary.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of earning capacity of at least 66.7% and have at 

least 36 months of coverage in the last 5 years. There is no 

minimum qualifying period if the disability is the result of 

a nonoccupational accident.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the National Social Security Institute.

Constant-attendance allowance: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying conditions for a pension or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor benefit: The deceased did not meet the qualifying 

conditions for a pension.

Eligible survivors are a nonworking widow aged 50 or 

older (no age limit if disabled), a dependent widower with 

a disability, and orphans younger than age 18 (age 25 if a 

student, no limit if disabled).

The widow(er) must have been married to the deceased for 

more than 6 months; if the death was the result of an accident, the widow(er) must have been married to the deceased 

before the date of the accident. The benefit is suspended 

if the widow resumes paid employment and ceases on 

remarriage.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The annual benefit is equal to 1/60 of the 

insured’s average monthly covered earnings in the 3 years 

before retirement multiplied by the number of months of 

contributions.

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

Benefits are paid monthly or quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by presidential 

decree.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid based on 10 times 

the annual old-age pension that the insured would have 

received if qualified, calculated based on the number of 

complete years of coverage.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The annual benefit is equal to 1/60 

of the insured’s average monthly covered earnings in the 

3 years before the disability began multiplied by the number of months of contributions. The insured is credited with 

contributions for each month after the disability began until 

the normal retirement age. At the normal retirement age, 

the disability pension is replaced by an old-age pension of 

the same amount.

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

Constant-attendance allowance: 50% of the disability pension is paid.

Benefits are paid monthly or quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by presidential 

decree.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 69

Congo (Kinshasa)

Survivor Benefits

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

an eligible widow(er).

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum of 12 months of pension is paid.

Benefits are paid monthly or quarterly.

Orphan’s benefit: Each orphan receives a lump sum of 

25% of the pension paid to the widow(er).

All orphans’ pensions combined must not exceed 100% of 

the pension paid to a widow(er).

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by presidential 

decree.

Survivor benefit: A lump sum of 12 months of pension is 

paid to survivors.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Social Security provides administrative and technical oversight.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions 

and benefits through 10 central directorates, 5 urban directorates in Kinshasa, 13 provincial directorates, 18 district 

bureaus, and 13 local offices.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

Sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are provided. 

(The labor code requires employers to pay 66.7% of wages.)

Maternity benefits: No statutory benefits are provided. 

(The labor code requires employers to provide 14 weeks of 

paid maternity leave.)

Medical benefits: Medical care is available for old-age 

pensioners and disability pensioners and their dependents 

in government hospitals and clinics and in the medical 

facilities of the National Social Security Institute.

The labor code requires employers to provide medical care 

for workers and their dependents.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949.

Current law: 1961 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including household and casual workers, sailors, apprentices, students in vocational and craft 

schools, and public-sector employees not covered by a 

social security program.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1.5% of gross payroll. (The contribution may be 

higher, depending on the reported accident rate.)

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If the insured is assessed with a disability of at least 60%, 

the benefit is equal to 66.7% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the 3 months before the disability began (plus 

family allowances where applicable). The benefit is paid 

from the day after the work injury or occupational illness 

began until full recovery or certification of permanent 

disability.

The benefit is reduced by 50% during periods of hospitalization if the insured has no dependents.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the National Social Security Institute.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 85% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the 3 months before 

the disability began.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

50% of the disability pension is paid.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is at 

least 15%, a percentage of the full pension is paid according 

to the assessed degree of disability. If the assessed degree 

of disability is less than 15%, a lump sum of 3 years of pension is paid, according to the assessed degree of disability.

Benefits are paid monthly or quarterly.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the National Social Security Institute.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

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

radiology; laboratory services; pharmaceuticals; prostheses; 

and transportation.
70 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Congo (Kinshasa)

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 20% of the pension the deceased would 

have received if assessed with a permanent total disability 

is paid to a widow of any age or to a dependent widower 

with a disability.

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

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum of 12 months of pension is paid.

Orphan’s pension: Each unmarried orphan younger than 

age 18 (age 25 if a student, no limit if disabled) receives 

15% of the pension the deceased would have received if 

assessed with a permanent total disability.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the pension the deceased would have received if assessed 

with a permanent total disability.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 90 days of legal minimum 

wage is paid.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Social Security provides administrative and technical oversight.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions 

and benefits through 10 central directorates, 5 urban directorates in Kinshasa, 13 provincial directorates, 18 district 

bureaus, and 13 local offices.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1951.

Current law: 1961 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons and social insurance beneficiaries in 

Katanga Province.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of gross payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be unmarried and 

younger than age 18 (age 25 if a student, no limit if 

disabled).

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 10% of the legal minimum wage is 

paid for each child.

Benefits are paid retroactively at regular intervals between 

3 months and 15 days.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically.

Administrative Organization

Minister of Labor and Social Security provides administrative and technical oversight.

National Social Security Institute administers contributions 

and benefits through 10 central directorates, 5 urban directorates in Kinshasa, 13 provincial directorates, 18 district 

bureaus, and 13 local offices.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 71

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current law: 1999 (social insurance), with 2000 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private sector.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.2% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to 45 times the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

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

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4.8% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to 45 times the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

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

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with at least 15 years of contributions. Retirement from covered employment is necessary.

Early pension: A reduced pension is paid from age 50 with 

at least 15 years of contributions.

If the insured has insufficient years of contributions to 

qualify for the pension at retirement age, he or she can buy 

up to 24 months of contributions or can continue to work 

until age 60 to meet the qualifying conditions.

Child’s supplement (old-age pension): Paid for each child 

younger than age 16.

The pension is payable abroad.

Old-age allowance: Paid if the insured does not qualify 

for the old-age pension at age 55 but has at least 2 years of 

contributions.

Foreign worker settlement: In the absence of a reciprocal agreement, paid to an insured foreign worker with 

less than 2 years of contributions who leaves the country 

permanently.

Disability pension: Paid if the insured is assessed with a 

loss of earning capacity of at least 66.7% and has at least 

15 years of contributions.

Child’s supplement (disability pension): Paid for each child 

younger than age 16.

Survivor pension: Paid if the insured was a pensioner or 

met the qualifying conditions for a pension at the time of 

death.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) age 50 or older and married to the deceased for at least 2 years and full orphans 

younger than age 16. If the widow(er) has a dependent 

child younger than age 16, the age and length of marriage 

requirements are waived.

An early survivor pension is paid to a widow(er) from 

age 45.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 1.33% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the 10 best years multiplied 

by the number of years of paid and credited coverage before 

January 1, 2000 plus 1.70% of average earnings for each 

year of coverage after January 1, 2000.

The minimum pension is equal to 50% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

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

The maximum pension is equal to 50% of the insured’s 

average earnings in the 10 best years.

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

that the pension is taken before the normal retirement age.

The minimum early pension is equal to 50% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

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

Child’s supplement (old-age pension): 10% of the insured’s 

pension is paid for each child younger than age 16, up to 

30%.

The pension is paid monthly and is payable abroad.

Old-age allowance: A lump sum is paid based on average 

earnings and the number of years of coverage.

Foreign worker settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

3.2% of the covered earnings during the entire coverage 

period.
72 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Côte d’Ivoire

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 1.33% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the 10 best years multiplied 

by the number of years of paid and credited coverage before 

January 1, 2000, plus 1.70% of average earnings for each 

year of coverage after January 1, 2000.

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

each child younger than age 16, up to 30%.

The pension is paid monthly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system.

Survivor Benefits

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

a widow(er). If there is more than one widow, the pension is 

split equally.

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

the pension is taken before age 50.

The pension is paid monthly.

Full orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% 

of the deceased’s pension.

All full orphans’ benefits combined must not exceed 100% 

of the deceased’s pension; otherwise, the pensions are 

reduced proportionately. Full orphans are eligible for the 

pension entitlements of both parents.

The pension is paid monthly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living, depending on the financial 

resources of the system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Family, Women, and Social Affairs (http://

www.famille.gouv.ci) provides administrative and technical 

supervision.

Ministry of Economy and Finance (http://www.finances

.gouv.ci) provides financial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the combined Social Insurance Institute and National Social Insurance Fund (http://

www.cnps.ci) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 1999 (social insurance), with 2000 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity 

and medical benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women, including temporary, fixed-term, and 

daily public-sector workers.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions only.

Employer: 0.75% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 70,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

3 months of insured employment.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefit: The monthly benefit is equal to 100% 

of the insured’s last earnings and is paid for 6 weeks before 

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

extended up to 11 weeks in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits: Medical care is provided by community 

health centers of the National Social Insurance Fund.

Employers must provide medical services for their workers.

Salaried pregnant women have access to free medical 

care provided through public hospitals or can receive 

5,000 CFA francs toward the cost of childbirth in a private clinic or other establishment. From the third month 

of pregnancy, the cost of medical care and medicines are 

reimbursed.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 73

Côte d’Ivoire

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Health care is provided to the insured’s dependents at 

community health centers managed by the National Social 

Insurance Fund.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Family, Women, and Social Affairs (http://

www.famille.gouv.ci) provides administrative and technical 

supervision.

Ministry of Economy and Finance (http://www.finances

.gouv.ci) provides financial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the combined Social Insurance Institute and National Social Insurance Fund (http://

www.cnps.ci) administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current law: 1999 (social insurance), with 2000 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, seamen, members of cooperatives, 

nonsalaried managers of cooperatives and their assistants, 

chairmen and managing directors of certain companies, 

apprentices, technical college students, and prisoners working in prison workshops.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons for all work 

injury benefits except for the temporary disability benefit.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions, according to the assessed degree of risk.

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

assessed degree of risk.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 70,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

For an initial period, defined according to the schedule in 

law, 100% of earnings is paid. If the initial period expires 

and the insured is still incapacitated, 50% of earnings is 

paid up to the 28th day after the accident; thereafter, 66.7% 

of earnings.

The benefit is paid weekly or monthly.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s annual earnings.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full disability pension 

is paid according to the assessed degree of disability.

If the assessed degree of disability is at least 10%, the minimum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

950,553 CFA francs.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the insured’s annual earnings used for benefit calculation purposes is paid.

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

The pension may be partially paid as a lump sum after 

receiving the pension for 5 years if the assessed degree of 

disability is more than 10%; the total remaining pension 

may be paid as a lump sum after receiving the pension for 

5 years if the assessed degree of disability is 10% or less.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually according to changes in the average covered wage.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care; the cost of hospitalization, medicines, appliances, funeral transportation, 

and rehabilitation; and all other necessary costs.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The annual pension is equal to 30% of 

the deceased’s annual earnings. The widow(er) must have 

been married to the deceased before the accident occurred. 

If there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally.

If the widow(er) does not have an eligible dependent child, 

the survivor pension ceases on remarriage and a lump sum 

is paid.

Remarriage allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to 3 years 

of pension.

Orphan’s pension: The annual pension is equal to 15% 

of the deceased’s annual earnings for each of the first two 

orphans younger than age 16 (age 21 if the orphan is a student or has an incurable disease); 10% for each additional 

eligible orphan; 20% for each full orphan.
74 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Côte d’Ivoire

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

dependent parent and grandparent receives 10% of the 

deceased’s earnings.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s earnings; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 25% of the 

legal annual minimum wage.

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

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually according to changes in the average covered wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Family, Women, and Social Affairs (http://

www.famille.gouv.ci) provides administrative and technical 

supervision.

Ministry of Economy and Finance (http://www.finances

.gouv.ci) provides financial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the combined Social Insurance Institute and National Social Insurance Fund (http://

www.cnps.ci) administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 1999 (social insurance), with 2000 

amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private sector with one or more 

children.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 5% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 70,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: Paid for a child older than 12 months 

but younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or disabled). The parent must have at least 3 consecutive months of employment and be currently working at 

least 18 days or 120 hours a month; the widow of an insured 

person.

Prenatal allowance: The mother must undergo three prescribed medical examinations during the pregnancy.

Birth grant: Paid for children born in the insured’s first 

marriage. If the insured’s first spouse dies, a child born in 

the insured’s second marriage may be eligible. The grant 

is paid for up to three births. The mother and child must 

undergo prescribed medical examinations.

Maternity allowance: The child must undergo six prescribed medical examinations before age 1.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,500 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child. The allowance is paid quarterly.

Prenatal allowance: 13,500 CFA francs is paid in three 

installments: 3,000 CFA francs, 6,000 CFA francs, and 

4,500 CFA francs.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 18,000 CFA francs is paid on 

the birth of each of the first three children.

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

installments: 9,000 CFA francs at birth, 4,500 CFA francs 

when the child is 6 months old, and 4,500 CFA francs when 

the child is 12 months old.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Family, Women, and Social Affairs (http://

www.famille.gouv.ci) provides administrative and technical 

supervision.

Ministry of Economy and Finance (http://www.finances

.gouv.ci) provides financial supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the combined Social Insurance Institute and National Social Insurance Fund (http://

www.cnps.ci) administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 75

Egypt

Egypt

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 5.47 pounds.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1950 (social assistance) and 1955 (provident and 

insurance fund).

Current laws: 1975 (civil servants and public- and privatesector employees), 1976 (employers), 1978 (migrant workers), and 1980 (coverage extension).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons aged 18 or older (aged 16 for government 

employees).

Special systems for some self-employed persons, employers, migrant workers, temporary and casual workers in 

agriculture, artisans, small land and property owners, and 

household workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 10% of covered monthly earnings plus 3% 

of base monthly earnings for lump-sum benefits.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008). Variable earnings are earnings exceeding 

775 pounds a month plus certain other forms of compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, and profit 

shares.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil 

servant salary scale.

The lower limit of the civil servant salary scale is 

108.5 pounds (July 2008).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,400 pounds (July 2008).

Self-employed person: 15% of declared monthly 

income, according to fixed earnings classes ranging from 

100 pounds to 1,000 pounds.

Employer: 15% of covered monthly payroll plus 2% of base 

monthly payroll for lump-sum benefits.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008). Variable earnings are earnings exceeding 

775 pounds a month plus certain other forms of compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, and profit 

shares.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil 

servant salary scale.

The lower limit of the civil servant salary scale is 

108.5 pounds (July 2008).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,400 pounds (July 2008).

Government: 1% of covered monthly payroll; the cost of 

any deficit.

Qualifying Conditions

Insured persons with base earnings are eligible for the base 

pension only. Insured persons with variable earnings are 

eligible for both the base and the variable pension.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008). Variable earnings are earnings greater than 

775 pounds a month (July 2008) plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profit shares.

Old-age pension (base and variable): Age 60 with at 

least 120 months of contributions.

Early pension: Paid at any age with at least 240 months of 

contributions.

Old-age benefit: If eligible for a pension, a lump sum is paid 

at retirement.

Special supplement for additional contribution periods: Paid 

if the insured has more than 36 years of contributions.

If the insured is eligible for a pension, a special increment 

and flat-rate allowance are also paid.

Old-age settlement: Age 60 but does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for an old-age pension; at any age if 

emigrating, if sentenced to 10 or more years of prison, or 

for an insured woman aged 51 or older (married, divorced, 

or widowed) who does not qualify for an old-age pension.

Lump-sum benefit: If the insured is eligible for an old-age 

settlement, an additional lump sum is paid at retirement.

Disability pension (base and variable): The insured must 

be assessed with a total or partial disability and permanent 

incapacity for any gainful employment, be younger than 

age 60, and have at least 3 consecutive months or a total of 

6 months of contributions. The disability must begin while 

in covered employment or within a year after employment 

ceases; 10 years of contributions are required if the disability began more than a year after employment ceased.

If the insured is eligible for a disability pension, a disability 

benefit, supplementary benefit, special increment, and flatrate allowance are also paid.

Constant-attendance allowance: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.
76 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Egypt

Disability settlement: Paid if the insured is assessed with 

a total disability but does not satisfy the qualifying conditions for a disability pension.

If the insured is eligible for a disability settlement, a lumpsum benefit and supplementary benefit are also paid.

Survivor pension (base and variable): The deceased was 

a pensioner or had at least 3 consecutive months or a total 

of 6 months of contributions; at least 10 years of contributions are required if the death occurred more than a year 

after employment ceased and before the insured reached 

retirement age.

If the insured is eligible for a survivor pension, a survivor 

benefit, supplementary benefit, special increment, and flatrate allowance are also paid.

Survivor settlement: If the deceased did not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for a survivor pension, a lump sum is 

paid to eligible survivors or the legal heir.

If the insured is eligible for a survivor settlement, a lumpsum benefit and supplementary benefit are also paid.

Death grant: Paid for the death of the insured to the surviving spouse or eligible surviving children.

Funeral grant: The cost of the funeral is paid to the surviving spouse or to the eldest child.

Eligible survivors for survivor benefits are a dependent 

widow or a dependent, disabled widower; dependent sons 

and brothers younger than age 21 (age 26 if a student, no 

limit if disabled); unmarried daughters and sisters; dependent parents; and a divorced spouse without any other 

source of income and previously married to the deceased 

for at least 20 years.

Old-Age Benefits

Base old-age pension: Up to 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work 

or 1/36 for dangerous work) of the reference base earnings 

is paid for each year of contributions, up to 36 years.

The reference base earnings are equal to average monthly 

base earnings in the last 2 years or average monthly base 

earnings in the 5 years before the last 2 years multiplied 

by 1.4 (whichever amount is lower). Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month (July 2008).

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 15% (if younger 

than age 45), 10% (if aged 45 to 49), or 5% (if aged 50 

to 54). There is no reduction if aged 55 or older.

Old-age benefit: One month of base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008).

Special supplement for additional contribution periods: A 

lump sum equal to 15% (9% for contribution periods paid 

retroactively) of the reference base earnings is paid for each 

year of contributions exceeding 36 years.

Special increment: 25% of the base pension is paid, up to 

35 pounds.

The special increment is not paid for early pensioners 

younger than age 50.

The minimum increment is 20 pounds.

Flat-rate allowance: 10 pounds is paid.

Variable old-age pension: 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work or 

1/36 for dangerous work) of the reference variable earnings 

is paid for each year of contributions.

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings for the total contribution period 

plus 2% for each complete year of contributions, up to 

500 pounds. Variable earnings are earnings greater than 

775 pounds a month (July 2008) plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profit shares.

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

that the insured is younger than the normal retirement age 

at the time of the claim.

The minimum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

50% of average monthly (base plus variable) earnings in the 

last 2 years (with at least 20 years of coverage).

The maximum total pension (base plus variable) is equal 

to 70% of average monthly (base plus variable) earnings or 

840 pounds a month (whichever amount is lower).

Old-age settlement: A lump sum of up to 15% (9% for 

contribution periods paid retroactively) of the total reference (base plus variable) earnings multiplied by 12 is paid 

for each year of contributions.

The reference base earnings are equal to average monthly 

base earnings in the last 2 years or average monthly base 

earnings in the 5 years before the last 2 years multiplied by 

1.4 (whichever amount is lower). Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month (July 2008).

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings for the total contribution period 

plus 2% for each complete year of contributions, up to 

500 pounds. Variable earnings are earnings greater than 

775 pounds a month (July 2008) plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profit shares.

Lump-sum benefit: One month of base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008).

Permanent Disability Benefits

Base disability pension: Up to 1/45 (1/40 for arduous 

work or 1/36 for dangerous work) of the reference base 

earnings is paid for each year of contributions, up to 

36 years.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 77

Egypt

The reference base earnings are equal to average monthly 

base earnings in the last year. Base earnings are earnings 

up to 775 pounds a month (July 2008).

Disability benefit: One month of base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

The minimum benefit is 10 months of base earnings.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008).

Supplementary benefit: Equal to 12 times the reference base 

monthly earnings used to calculate the disability pension 

multiplied by an age coefficient. The benefit is reduced by 

50% for a partial disability.

Special increment: 25% of the base pension is paid, up to 

35 pounds. The minimum increment is 20 pounds.

Flat-rate allowance: 10 pounds is paid.

Constant-attendance allowance: 20% of the pension is paid.

Variable disability pension: 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work or 

1/36 for dangerous work) of the reference variable earnings 

is paid for each year of contributions.

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings in the total contribution period 

plus 2% for each complete year of contributions, up to 

500 pounds. Variable earnings are earnings greater than 

775 pounds a month (July 2008) plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profit shares.

The minimum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

65% of the average monthly (base plus variable) earnings 

in the last 2 years (with at least 20 years of coverage) or 

100 pounds a month (whichever amount is greater).

The maximum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

80% of the average monthly (base plus variable) earnings or 

920 pounds a month (whichever amount is lower).

Supplementary benefit: Equal to 12 times the reference 

monthly variable earnings used to calculate the disability 

pension multiplied by an age coefficient. The benefit is 

reduced by 50% for a partial disability.

Constant-attendance allowance: 20% of the pension is paid.

Disability settlement: Up to 15% (9% for contribution 

periods paid retroactively) of the total reference (base plus 

variable) earnings multiplied by 12 is paid for each year of 

contributions.

The reference base earnings are equal to average monthly 

base earnings in the last 2 years or average monthly base 

earnings in the 5 years before the last 2 years multiplied 

by 1.4 (whichever amount is lower). Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month (July 2008).

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings for the total contribution period 

plus 2% for each complete year of contributions, up to 

500 pounds. Variable earnings are earnings greater than 

775 pounds a month (July 2008) plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profit shares.

Lump-sum benefit: One month of base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

The minimum benefit is equal to 10 months of base 

earnings.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008).

Supplementary benefit: Equal to 12 times the total reference monthly (base plus variable) earnings used to calculate 

the disability pension multiplied by an age coefficient. The 

benefit is reduced by 50% for a partial disability.

Survivor Benefits

Base survivor pension: Up to 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work 

or 1/36 for dangerous work) of the reference base earnings 

is paid for each year of contributions, up to 36 years.

The reference base earnings are equal to average monthly 

base earnings in the last year. Base earnings are earnings 

up to 775 pounds a month (July 2008).

Survivor benefit: One month of earnings is paid for each 

year of contributions.

The minimum benefit is equal to 10 months of base 

earnings.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008).

Supplementary benefit: Equal to 12 times the reference 

monthly base earnings used to calculate the survivor pension multiplied by an age coefficient.

Special increment: 25% of the pension is paid, up to 

35 pounds. The minimum increment is 20 pounds.

Flat-rate allowance: 10 pounds is paid.

Variable survivor pension: 1/45 (1/40 for arduous work or 

1/36 for dangerous work) of the reference variable earnings 

is paid for each year of contributions.

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings for the total contribution period 

plus 2% for each complete year of contributions, up to 

500 pounds. Variable earnings are earnings greater than 

775 pounds a month (July 2008) plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profit shares.

The minimum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

65% of the average monthly (base plus variable) earnings 

in the last 2 years (with at least 20 years of coverage) or 

100 pounds a month (whichever amount is greater).

The maximum total pension (base plus variable) is equal to 

80% of the average monthly (base plus variable) earnings or 

920 pounds a month (whichever amount is lower).
78 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Egypt

Supplementary benefit: Equal to 12 times the reference 

monthly variable earnings used to calculate the survivor 

pension multiplied by an age coefficient.

Survivor settlement: Up to 15% (9% for contribution 

periods paid retroactively) of the total reference (base plus 

variable) earnings multiplied by 12 is paid for each year of 

contributions.

The reference base earnings are equal to average monthly 

base earnings in the last 2 years or average monthly base 

earnings in the 5 years before the last 2 years multiplied 

by 1.4 (whichever amount is lower). Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month (July 2008).

The reference variable earnings are equal to average 

monthly variable earnings for the total contribution period 

plus 2% for each complete year of contributions, up to 

500 pounds. Variable earnings are earnings greater than 

775 pounds a month (July 2008) plus certain other forms of 

compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, 

and profit shares.

Lump-sum benefit: One month of base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

The minimum benefit is equal to 10 months of base 

earnings.

Supplementary benefit: Equal to 12 times the total reference 

monthly (base plus variable) earnings used to calculate the 

survivor pension multiplied by an age coefficient.

Death grant: Equal to 3 months of the deceased’s (base 

plus variable) pension.

Funeral grant: Equal to 2 months of the deceased’s (base 

plus variable) pension. The minimum grant is 200 pounds.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.mof.gov.eg) provides 

general supervision.

National Organization for Social Insurance for the Private 

and Public Sector Fund administers the program.

Social Insurance Government Sector Fund administers the 

program for government employees.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1959 and 1964.

Current law: 1975 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons aged 18 or older (aged 16 or older if a 

government employee). Coverage is being extended gradually to students.

Exclusions: Temporary and casual agricultural workers, 

small-scale artisans, household workers, and self-employed 

persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of covered monthly earnings; old-age 

pensioners contribute 1% of the pension; survivors voluntarily contribute 2% of the survivor pension.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil 

servant salary scale.

The lower limit of the civil servant salary scale is 

108.5 pounds (July 2008).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,400 pounds (July 2008).

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of covered monthly payroll; 3% for employers providing cash sickness benefits to employees.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil 

servant salary scale.

The lower limit of the civil servant salary scale is 

108.5 pounds (July 2008).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,400 pounds (July 2008).

Government: None; the cost of cash benefits paid directly 

to insured government employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefits: The insured must 

have paid contributions for at least the last 3 months or for a 

total of at least 6 months, including the last 2 months.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have paid 

contributions for at least the last 10 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 75% of the last 

covered daily wage before the incapacity began and is paid 

for the first 90 days; thereafter, 85% (100% for specified 

chronic diseases). The benefit is paid for up to 180 days in a 

calendar year (no limit for specified chronic diseases).

The minimum benefit is equal to the minimum contributory 

wage (108.5 pounds in July 2008).

Benefits are paid daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on 

the frequency of the insured’s wage payments.

Maternity benefit: 75% of the last covered daily wage 

before the maternity leave period began is paid for up 

to 90 days. The benefit is paid for a maximum of three 

pregnancies.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 79

Egypt

The minimum benefit is equal to the minimum contributory 

wage (108.5 pounds in July 2008).

Benefits are paid daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on 

the frequency of the insured’s wage payments.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, maternity care, dental care, laboratory services, 

medicines, rehabilitation services, and appliances.

Service benefits are provided by employer, public, or other 

medical facilities under contract with the Health Insurance 

Organization.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include general and specialist care, surgery, hospitalization, maternity care, dental care, laboratory services, 

medicines, rehabilitation services, and appliances.

Service benefits are provided by employer, public, or other 

medical facilities under contract with the Health Insurance 

Organization.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health and Population (http://www.mohp.gov

.eg) provides general supervision.

National Organization for Social Insurance for the Private 

and Public Sector Fund and the Social Insurance Government Sector Fund administer contributions and cash 

benefits.

Health Insurance Organization administers medical benefits through its hospitals.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1936.

Current law: 1975 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons aged 18 or older (aged 16 or older if a 

government employee).

Exclusions: Casual workers, self-employed persons, and 

household workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of covered monthly payroll; up to 2% of 

covered monthly payroll if the employer provides employees with temporary disability benefits.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil 

servant salary scale.

The lower limit of the civil servant salary scale is 

108.5 pounds (July 2008).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,400 pounds (July 2008).

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 100% of the covered daily wage and 

is paid from the day after the disability began until full 

recovery or certification of permanent disability.

The minimum benefit is equal to the minimum contributory 

wage (108.5 pounds in July 2008).

Benefits are paid daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on 

the frequency of the insured’s wage payments.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Base permanent disability pension: The pension is equal 

to 80% of average monthly base earnings in the year before 

the disability began. Base earnings are earnings up to 

775 pounds a month (July 2008).

The minimum base pension is 20 pounds a month.

The maximum base pension is 500 pounds a month.

Partial disability: If the insured is assessed with a disability 

of at least 35% but less than 100%, a percentage of the pension is paid according to the assessed degree of disability. If 

the degree of disability is less than 35%, a lump sum based 

on 48 months of pension is paid according to the assessed 

degree of disability.

Lump-sum award: If the insured is eligible for a permanent 

disability pension, one month of base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008).

The minimum lump-sum award is equal to 10 months of 

base earnings.

Supplementary compensation: Equal to 18 times the 

monthly base earnings used to calculate the survivor pension multiplied by an age coefficient.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

20% of the pension is paid.

If the insured receives benefits under the old-age, disability, 

and survivors program, the total work injury permanent 

disability pension (base plus variable) must not exceed 
80 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Egypt

100% of average monthly covered (base plus variable) earnings during the year before the disability began.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are increased by 5% after each 

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

Variable permanent disability pension: The pension is 

equal to 80% of average monthly variable earnings during 

the total contribution period. Variable earnings are earnings 

greater than 775 pounds a month (July 2008) plus certain 

other forms of compensation, including bonuses, incentives, commissions, and profit shares.

Partial disability: If the insured is assessed with a disability 

of at least 35% but less than 100%, a percentage of the pension is paid according to the assessed degree of disability. If 

the degree of disability is less than 35%, a lump sum based 

on 48 months of pension is paid according to the assessed 

degree of disability.

Supplementary compensation: Equal to 18 times the 

monthly variable earnings used to calculate the survivor 

pension multiplied by an age coefficient.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

20% of the pension is paid.

If the insured receives benefits under the old-age, disability, 

and survivors program, the total work injury permanent 

disability pension (base plus variable) must not exceed 

100% of average monthly covered (base plus variable) earnings during the year before the disability began.

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

Base survivor pension: The pension is equal to 80% 

of average monthly base earnings in the last year before 

the insured’s death. Base earnings are earnings up to 

775 pounds a month (July 2008).

The minimum base pension is 20 pounds a month.

The maximum base pension is 500 pounds a month.

Lump-sum award: One month of base earnings is paid for 

each year of contributions.

Base earnings are earnings up to 775 pounds a month 

(July 2008).

The minimum lump-sum award is equal to 10 months of 

base earnings.

Benefits are split among eligible survivors according to the 

schedule in law, including a widow of any age, a disabled 

widower, dependent sons and brothers younger than age 21 

(age 26 if a student, no limit if disabled), unmarried daughters and sisters, and dependent parents.

All survivor pensions may be taken as a lump sum.

If the insured receives benefits under the old-age, disability, 

and survivors program, the total work injury survivor pension (base plus variable) must not exceed 100% of average 

monthly covered (base plus variable) earnings.

Variable survivor pension: The pension is equal to 80% 

of average monthly covered variable earnings during the 

deceased’s total contribution period. Variable earnings are 

earnings greater than 775 pounds a month (July 2008) plus 

certain other forms of compensation, including bonuses, 

incentives, commissions, and profit shares.

Benefits are split among eligible survivors according to the 

schedule in law, including a widow of any age, a disabled 

widower, dependent sons and brothers younger than age 21 

(age 26 if a student, no limit if disabled), unmarried daughters and sisters, and dependent parents.

All survivor pensions may be taken as a lump sum.

If the insured receives benefits under the old-age, disability, 

and survivors program, the total work injury survivor pension (base plus variable) must not exceed 100% of average 

monthly covered (base plus variable) earnings.

Death grant: The grant is equal to 3 months of the 

deceased’s (base plus variable) pension.

Funeral grant: The grant is equal to 2 months of the 

deceased’s (base plus variable) pension. The minimum 

grant is 200 pounds.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.mof.gov.eg) provides 

general supervision.

National Organization for Social Insurance for the Private 

and Public Sector Fund and the Social Insurance Government Sector Fund administer contributions and cash 

benefits.

Health Insurance Organization administers medical benefits through its hospitals.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current law: 1975 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons in the public and private sectors.

Exclusions: Temporary, seasonal, and casual workers; 

family labor; household workers; civil servants; employees 

older than age 60; self-employed persons; and artisans.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 81

Egypt

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2% of covered payroll.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to the lower limit of the civil 

servant salary scale (108.5 pounds in July 2008).

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,400 pounds.

Government: Any deficit.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefit: The insured must have at least 

6 months of contributions, including the 3 consecutive 

months before unemployment. The insured must be able 

and willing to work and be registered with and reporting 

regularly to the manpower office. Unemployment must 

not be the result of voluntary leaving, misconduct, or the 

refusal of training or a suitable job offer.

Unemployment Benefits

The benefit is equal to 60% of the insured’s last monthly 

wage and is paid after a 7-day waiting period for up to 

16 weeks; may be extended to 28 weeks if contributions 

have been paid for the last 24 months.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.mof.gov.eg) provides 

general supervision.

National Organization for Social Insurance for the Private 

and Public Sector Fund administers the program.
82 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current law: 1984, implemented in 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4.5% of gross earnings.

The insured person’s contributions also finance sickness 

and maternity benefits, work injury benefits, and family 

allowances.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 21.5% of gross payroll.

The employer’s contributions also finance sickness and 

maternity benefits, work injury benefits, and family 

allowances.

Government: At least 25% of annual social security 

receipts.

Government contributions also finance sickness and maternity benefits, work injury benefits, and family allowances.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 120 months of 

contributions, including at least 60 months in the 10 years 

before 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: The insured must be assessed with a 

substantial inability to perform all types of work or a total 

inability to perform usual work with at least 60 consecutive 

months of contributions immediately before the disability 

began.

Constant-attendance allowance: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: The deceased had at least 60 months of 

contributions or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 30 or older, disabled, 

or rearing children; a dependent, disabled widower; and 

children up to age 14 (no limit if a student or disabled). In 

the absence of other survivors, dependent parents including 

the spouse’s parents aged 60 or older or disabled.

Funeral allowance: Paid for the death of the insured.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 2 years plus 

2% of average monthly earnings for each year of contributions exceeding 10 years.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted every 5 years.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: If the insured is assessed with a total 

disability and incapacity for any work, the pension is equal 

to 40% of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 

2 years; the pension is limited to 6 months if the insured is 

capable of alternative work.

Constant-attendance allowance: 40% of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 2 years is paid.

Partial disability: If unable to perform usual work, 40% of 

the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 2 years is 

paid for a maximum of 3 months.

Benefits can be suspended if the insured fails to attend 

requested medical examinations.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted every 5 years.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 40% of 

the deceased’s average earnings; if the deceased was a 

pensioner, the survivor pension is equal to 80% of the 

deceased’s pension.

A childless widow younger than age 30 receives a pension 

for up to 24 months only.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: All orphans’ pensions combined are 

equal to 20% of the deceased’s earnings; 40% for full 

orphans and for half orphans if the widow’s pension ceases.

Dependent parent’s pension (in the absence of other 

survivors): The pension is equal to 40% of the deceased’s 

earnings; if the deceased was a pensioner, the benefit is 

equal to 80% of the deceased’s pension.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted every 5 years.

Funeral grant: 2 months of the deceased’s earnings is paid.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 83

Equatorial Guinea

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare 

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute (http://www.inseso.org) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current law: 1984, implemented in 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel; the insured’s family members; pensioners; and 

persons with disabilities.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: The insured must 

have contributed during the last 12 months.

Medical benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s daily wage. The benefit is paid after a 3-day 

waiting period for up to 26 weeks; may be extended under 

certain conditions.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 75% of the 

insured’s daily wage and is paid for 6 weeks before and 

6 weeks after the expected date of childbirth.

A lump sum equal to 2 months of wages is paid if the 

insured does not satisfy the contributions qualifying condition for the maternity benefit.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical care for up to 26 weeks, according 

to the schedule in law.

Cost sharing: The insured pays 25% of the cost of medical 

care and 50% of the cost of medicine; medicines during 

hospitalization, pregnancy, and the postnatal period are 

free.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical care for up to 26 weeks, according 

to the schedule in law.

Cost sharing: Dependents pay 25% of the cost of medical 

care and 50% of the cost of medicine; medicines during 

hospitalization, pregnancy, and the postnatal period are 

free.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare 

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute (http://www.inseso.org) administers the system.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current law: 1984, implemented in 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 50% of the insured’s daily wage and 

is paid after a 3-day waiting period for up to 26 weeks; may 

be extended under certain conditions.
84 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Equatorial Guinea

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability and incapacity for any work, the pension is equal to 50% of the insured’s earnings; the pension 

is limited to 48 months if the insured is capable of alternative work.

Partial disability: If unable to perform usual work, 50% 

of the insured’s earnings is paid; the pension is limited to 

24 months if the insured is capable of alternative work.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

50% of earnings is paid.

Benefits can be suspended if the insured fails to attend 

requested medical examinations.

The work injury permanent disability pension cannot be 

paid with the old-age pension.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted every 5 years.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include free medical care, hospitalization, and 

medicines.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: A widow(er) receives 50% of the 

deceased’s earnings; if the deceased was a pensioner, the 

pension is equal to 80% of the deceased’s pension.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 30 or older, disabled, 

or rearing children and a dependent, disabled widower.

A childless widow younger than age 30 receives a pension 

for 24 months only.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: All orphans’ pensions combined are 

equal to 20% of the deceased’s earnings; 40% for full 

orphans and for half orphans if the widow’s pension ceases.

Eligible orphans are children up to age 14 (no limit if a 

student or disabled).

Dependent parent’s pension (in the absence of other 

survivors): The pension is equal to 40% of the deceased’s 

earnings; if the deceased was a pensioner, the pension is 

equal to 80% of the deceased’s pension.

Eligible parents include the spouse’s parents aged 60 or 

older or disabled.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted every 5 years.

Funeral grant: Equal to 2 months of the deceased’s 

earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare 

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute (http://www.inseso.org) administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1950.

Current law: 1984, implemented in 1990.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The insured must be married, a widow 

with children, or single with natural children. Dependent 

relatives who are younger than age 14, a student, or disabled 

may also qualify.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: Benefits are determined according to a 

family point system set by law.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Women’s Welfare 

provides supervision.

Social Security Institute (http://www.inseso.org) administers the program through the Family Fund.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 85

Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 10.45 birr.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1963 (public employees), with 

amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Public-sector employees only, including military and police 

personnel and employees of government-owned enterprises.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of basic salary.

The insured’s contributions also finance work injury 

benefits.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6% (civilian) or 16% (military) of payroll.

The employer’s contributions also finance work injury 

benefits.

Government: None, except as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 10 years of service 

and contributions.

Early pension: Age 55 with at least 25 years of contributions (civilian); aged 45 to 55 (depending on rank) with at 

least 10 years of contributions (military).

Old-age settlement: Age 60 and does not meet the qualifying conditions for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with an 

incapacity for normal gainful employment and have at least 

10 years of service and contributions.

Disability settlement: The insured must be assessed with 

an incapacity for normal gainful employment and have less 

than 10 years of service and contributions.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the contribution 

conditions for the old-age pension or was a pensioner at the 

time of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18, and dependent parents.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Survivor settlement: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased had less than 10 years of service and contributions 

and was not eligible for a pension.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er) and children younger 

than age 18.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly basic salary in the last 3 years 

before retirement plus 1.125% (civilian) or 1.5% (military) 

of the insured’s average monthly basic salary for each year 

of service exceeding 10 years.

The minimum monthly pension is 160 birr.

The maximum monthly pension is equal to 70% of the 

insured’s average monthly basic salary.

Early pension: The pension is calculated in the same way as 

the old-age pension.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers every 5 years.

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

insured’s basic salary in the month before retirement multiplied by the number of years of service.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly basic salary in the last 3 years 

before the disability began plus 1.125% (civilian) or 1.5% 

(military) of the insured’s average monthly basic salary for 

each year of service exceeding 10 years.

The minimum monthly pension is 160 birr.

The maximum monthly pension is equal to 70% of the 

insured’s average monthly basic salary.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers every 5 years.

Disability settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the 

insured’s basic salary in the month before the disability 

began multiplied by the number of years of service.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the deceased’s monthly pension 

is paid to the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% of 

the deceased’s pension; 30% for full orphans.

Dependent parent’s pension: Each eligible parent 

receives 15% of the deceased’s pension; 20% in the absence 

of other eligible survivors.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid to eligible survivors in the same proportion as the survivor pension and 

orphan’s benefits.
86 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Ethiopia

Benefit adjustment: Benefits may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers every 5 years.

Administrative Organization

Managed by a board and a director general, the Social 

Security Agency administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided.

The public service amendment proclamation (2002) and 

the labor proclamation (2003) require employers to provide 

paid sick leave for up to 3 months. 100% of earnings is paid 

for the first month; 50% of earnings for the second and 

third months.

The public service amendment proclamation (2002) and 

the labor proclamation (2003) require employers to provide 

paid maternity leave for up to 45 days after childbirth; 

thereafter, sick leave may be paid in the event of complications arising from childbirth.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1963 (public employees), with 2003 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

The labor proclamation (2003) allows for the provision of 

private insurance for public-sector employees.

Coverage

Public-sector employees only, including military and police 

personnel and employees of government-owned enterprises.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

A lump sum is paid equal to 45% of the insured’s monthly 

basic salary multiplied by 5 years multiplied by the 

assessed degree of disability.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers every 5 years.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: The pension varies from 

45% to 70% of the insured’s monthly basic salary, according to the assessed degree of disability.

If the value of the disability pension is less than or equal 

to the insured’s entitlement under the old-age pension, the 

old-age pension is paid, up to 70% of the insured’s monthly 

basic salary.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers every 5 years.

Survivor Benefits

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

the widow(er).

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% of 

the deceased’s pension; 30% for full orphans.

Dependent parent’s pension: Each eligible parent 

receives 15% of the deceased’s pension; 20% is paid in the 

absence of other eligible survivors.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers every 5 years.

Administrative Organization

Managed by a board and a director general, the Social 

Security Agency administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 87

Gabon

Gabon

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1963, 1978, and 1983.

Current laws: 1975 (social security), 1976 (coverage), and 

1996 (state pension).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, household workers, and state contract 

workers not covered under a special system.

Special systems for self-employed persons, civil servants, 

members of parliament, hospital personnel, military personnel, judges, justice and penitentiary workers, and certain 

categories of state contract workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.5% of covered earnings; 2% for state 

contract workers.

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

wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 80,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 5% of covered payroll.

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

wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 80,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

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

with at least 20 years of coverage including at least 

120 months of contributions during the last 20 years; at 

least 15 years of coverage for state contract workers. Retirement from paid employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Foreign workers who permanently leave the country may 

have their contributions reimbursed.

Old-age settlement: Paid at the normal retirement age if 

the insured is ineligible for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be younger than 

age 55, be assessed with a loss of earning capacity, and have 

at least 5 years of coverage including at least 30 months of 

contributions in the 5 years before the disability began. If 

the disability is the result of an accident, coverage requirements are waived.

Survivor pension: Paid if the deceased had at least 

120 months of contributions, met the contribution conditions for a pension, or was a pensioner at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid if the deceased was ineligible 

for an old-age or disability pension.

Eligible survivors are a nonworking or disabled widow 

or a dependent, disabled widower, and children younger 

than age 16 (age 17 if an apprentice, age 20 if a student or 

disabled).

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 35% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings plus 1% of earnings for each 12-month period of contributions exceeding 

240 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 85% of the monthly legal 

minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 80,000 CFA francs.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by ministerial 

decree according to changes in the cost of living and the 

legal minimum wage, depending on the financial resources 

of the system.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 50% of 

the insured’s average monthly earnings for each 6-month 

period of contributions.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 60% of the oldage pension that the insured would have been entitled to if 

he or she had worked until age 55.

The disability pension is replaced by an old-age pension of 

the same amount at retirement age.

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

minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 80,000 CFA francs.

If the insured is assessed with a disability of 100%, the 

pension is paid monthly; with a disability of at least 75%, 
88 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Gabon

the insured can request to be paid monthly; otherwise, the 

pension is paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by ministerial 

decree according to changes in the cost of living and the 

legal minimum wage, depending on the financial resources 

of the system.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

old-age pension the deceased received or would have been 

entitled to receive. If there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% of 

the old-age pension the deceased received or would have 

been entitled to receive; 35% if the orphan’s mother is ineligible for the widow’s pension.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by ministerial 

decree according to changes in the cost of living and the 

legal minimum wage, depending on the financial resources 

of the system.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid to the widow 

equal to a month of the old-age pension the deceased would 

have been entitled to receive with at least 120 months of 

coverage multiplied by the number of 6-month periods of 

actual coverage. If there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Insurance and Social Relations 

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ga) administers contributions and benefits.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952 (labor code).

Current laws: 1975 (social security), 1976 (coverage), 1995 

(health), 2007 (health care), and 2007 (health insurance).

Type of program: Social insurance and social assistance 

system. Maternity and medical benefits only.

Coverage

Social insurance: Employed persons and their dependents.

Special system for civil servants, military personnel, selfemployed persons, and state contract workers.

Social assistance: Economically vulnerable persons.

Economically vulnerable persons are citizens and residents 

of Gabon aged 16 or older who earn less than the monthly 

legal minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 80,000 CFA francs.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer:

Social insurance: 2% of covered payroll for medicines, 

1.5% for hospitalization, and 0.6% for medical examinations. Cash maternity benefits are financed by employer 

contributions made under Family Allowances, below.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

Social assistance: None.

Government:

Social insurance: None.

Social assistance: The total cost (financed through revenues 

from a tax on cell phone companies and commercial remittances transactions; general revenues cover any deficit).

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are provided. (The 1962 labor code requires employers to provide 

paid sick leave.)

Cash maternity benefits (social insurance): Women 

must be in insured employment for at least 4 months.

Medical benefits (social insurance and social assistance): There is no minimum qualifying period.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave for 

up to 6 months.)

Maternity benefit (social insurance): The benefit is equal 

to 50% of the insured’s last monthly earnings and is paid 

for up to 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after the expected 

date of childbirth; may be extended for up to 3 weeks 

in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or 

childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits (social insurance): Benefits include 

hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient treatment, medicines, and transportation. Medical services are provided 

by hospitals and dispensaries operated by the National 

Social Security Fund (CNSS) and by other participating 

establishments.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 89

Gabon

Cost sharing: Maternity medical care and medicines are 

free. The insured contributes to the cost of other medical 

services.

The labor code requires employers to provide certain medical services.

Medical benefits (social assistance): Benefits include 

general and specialist medical care, hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient treatment, generic medicines, mandatory vaccinations, prostheses, appliances, laboratory and 

X-ray fees, transportation, and maternity medical care 

for up to 30 days after childbirth. Medical services are 

provided by hospitals, clinics, and facilities affiliated with 

the National Health Insurance and Social Assistance Fund 

(CNAMGS).

Cost sharing: The insured contributes to the cost of medical 

services based on the schedule in law.

Women receiving maternity medical benefits must undergo 

3 prescribed medical examinations.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits (social insurance): Benefits include 

hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient treatment, medicines, and transportation. Medical services are provided 

by hospitals and dispensaries operated by the National 

Social Security Fund (CNSS) and by other participating 

establishments.

Cost sharing: Maternity medical care and medicines are 

free. The insured contributes to the cost of other medical 

services.

The labor code requires employers to provide certain medical services.

Medical benefits (social assistance): Benefits include 

general and specialist medical care, hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient treatment, generic medicines, mandatory vaccinations, prostheses, appliances, laboratory and 

X-ray fees, transportation, and maternity medical care for 

up to 30 days after the childbirth. Medical services are 

provided by hospitals, clinics, and facilities affiliated with 

the National Health Insurance and Social Assistance Fund 

(CNAMGS).

Cost sharing: The insured contributes to the cost of medical 

services based on the schedule in law.

Women receiving maternity medical benefits must undergo 

3 prescribed medical examinations.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Insurance and Social Relations 

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ga) administers the social insurance program.

National Health Insurance and Social Assistance Fund 

(http://www.cnamgs.ga) administers the social assistance 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1935.

Current laws: 1975 (social security) and 1996 (state 

pension).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including members of cooperatives, 

apprentices, and students; and prisoners working in prison 

workshops.

Special systems for civil servants, military personnel, selfemployed persons, and state contract workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of gross payroll.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 100% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the 30 days before the disability began. The 

benefit is paid from the day after the disability began until 

full recovery or certification of permanent disability. The 

benefit for the day of the accident is paid by the employer.

The daily benefit may be paid in part or in full if the 

insured resumes a gainful activity intended to help rehabilitation for full-time work. The combined income from 

benefits and earnings must not exceed the earnings used for 

benefit calculation purposes.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average earnings.

The minimum permanent disability pension is equal to the 

monthly legal minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 80,000 CFA francs.
90 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Gabon

Partial disability: The pension is equal to average earnings 

multiplied by 0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for 

the portion of disability between 10% and 50% and by 1.5 

times for the portion greater than 50%. A lump sum is paid 

for an assessed degree of disability of 10% or less.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the pension is paid.

If the insured is assessed with a disability of 100%, the 

pension is paid monthly; with a disability of at least 75%, 

the insured can request to be paid monthly; otherwise, the 

pension is paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by ministerial 

decree according to changes in the cost of living and the 

legal minimum wage, depending on the financial resources 

of the system.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, and surgical care; hospitalization; medicines; appliances; laboratory services; 

X-rays; rehabilitation; and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 

30% of the deceased’s average monthly earnings. If there is 

more than one widow, the pension is split equally. The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s average monthly 

earnings is paid for each of the first two orphans; 10% for 

each subsequent orphan.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s settlement: A 

lump sum is paid equal to 6 months of the deceased’s average earnings.

Survivor settlement: In the absence of eligible survivors, 

a lump sum equal to 6 months of the deceased’s average 

earnings is paid to the closest relative.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid to cover the cost of 

the burial (including transportation if the death was the 

result of an accident), up to 8 times the deceased’s average 

monthly earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Insurance and Social Relations 

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ga) administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current laws: 1975 (social security), 2000, and 2002.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons and pensioners.

Special systems for civil servants, military personnel, selfemployed persons, and state contract workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8% of covered payroll.

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

wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 80,000 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,500,000 CFA francs.

The first 20,000 CFA francs of declared earnings are 

exempt from contributions.

The employer’s contributions also finance cash maternity 

benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None. (The government subsidizes family 

allowances for low-income families.)

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

(age 17 if an apprentice, age 20 if a student or disabled). 

The parent must have had at least 4 consecutive months 

of employment and be currently working 20 days a month 

or be a pensioner or an unmarried widow of a former 

beneficiary.

Prenatal allowance: The mother must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

Birth grant: The mother and child must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

School allowances: Paid to dependent primary, secondary, 

technical, or professional school students.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 7,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Prenatal allowance: 13,500 CFA francs is paid in two 

installments.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 91

Gabon

Birth grant: A lump sum of 8,000 CFA francs is paid for 

each birth and 45,000 CFA francs is paid for the purchase 

of clothing and other necessities (layette) for a newborn 

child.

School allowances: 20,000 CFA francs a year is paid to 

dependent primary, secondary, technical, or professional 

school students.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor, Social Insurance and Social Relations 

provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ga) administers the program.
92 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Gambia

Gambia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 27 dalasi.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1981 (provident fund), implemented in 1982.

Current law: 1987 (pension scheme).

Type of program: Social insurance and provident fund 

system.

Coverage

Pension scheme: Employed persons aged 18 to 60 in 

quasi-government institutions and participating private 

companies.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Provident fund: Employed persons aged 18 to 60 in the 

private sector.

Exclusions: Casual workers and self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants covered by the 1950 Pensions Act and armed forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Pension scheme: None.

Provident fund: 5% of basic salary.

Self-employed person

Pension scheme: Not applicable.

Provident fund: Not applicable.

Employer

Pension scheme: 15% of payroll.

Provident fund: 10% of basic salary.

Government

Pension scheme: None.

Provident fund: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Old-age pension (pension scheme): Age 60 with at least 

10 years of contributions.

Early pension (pension scheme): Paid from age 45 with at 

least 10 years of contributions; if the insured retires before 

age 45 with at least 5 years of contributions, the pension is 

withheld until age 45 (except when the insured is laid-off).

Old-age settlement (pension scheme): Paid if the insured 

does not satisfy the qualifying conditions for an old-age 

pension at the pensionable age and has between 5 and 

10 years of contributions.

Deferred old-age settlement (pension fund): The old-age 

settlement may be deferred.

Old-age benefit (provident fund): Age 60; voluntarily retired 

with at least 5 years of contributions and unemployed for at 

least 2 years (age 45), 6 months (age 46 to 54), or 3 months 

(age 55 to 59).

Disability pension

Disability pension (pension scheme): The insured must be 

assessed with an incapacity for work as the result of a disability and have at least 10 years of contributions.

The medical board assesses the disability.

Disability settlement (pension scheme): The insured must 

be assessed with an incapacity for work as the result of a 

disability and have at least 5 years but less than 10 years of 

contributions.

Disability benefit (provident fund): The insured must be 

assessed with an incapacity for work as the result of a 

disability.

The medical board assesses the disability.

Survivor benefit

Survivor benefit (pension scheme): Paid to named survivors 

and eligible orphans.

Survivor benefit (provident fund): Paid to named survivors 

and eligible orphans for the death of the fund member 

before retirement.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension

Old-age pension (pension scheme): An annuity is purchased with 75% of the total employer contributions; the 

remaining 25% is paid as a lump sum.

Early pension (pension scheme): The early pension is calculated in the same way as the old-age pension but with a 

reduction based on age at retirement.

Old-age settlement (pension scheme): A lump sum is paid.

Deferred old-age settlement (pension fund): The lump sum 

is calculated in the same way as the old-age settlement.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 93

Gambia

Old-age benefit (provident fund): A lump sum is paid equal 

to total employer and employee contributions plus accrued 

interest.

The full benefit is paid if the insured is voluntarily retired 

at age 45 with at least 5 years of contributions and after 

2 years of unemployment; 70% of the benefit is paid if 

aged 46 to 54 and after 6 months of unemployment; 85% of 

the benefit is paid if aged 55 or older and after 3 months of 

unemployment.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension

Disability pension (pension scheme): An annuity is purchased with 75% of the total employer contributions; the 

remaining 25% is paid as a lump sum. The total amount 

may be paid as a lump sum if the insured is seriously ill.

Disability settlement (pension scheme): A lump sum is paid.

Disability benefit (provident fund): A lump sum is paid equal 

to total employer and employee contributions plus accrued 

interest.

Partial disability (provident fund): A lump sum is paid 

up to 50% of the full disability benefit, according to the 

assessed degree of disability. Further payments are based 

on an assessment of the disability by the medical board.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefits

Survivor benefit (pension scheme): A lump sum equal to 

twice the deceased’s annual salary is paid if the deceased 

was a contributing member, irrespective of the number of 

contributions; a lump sum is paid based on the value of 

the accrued pension if the deceased opted to take an early 

pension; the remaining balance of the pension is paid if the 

deceased was a pensioner.

Survivor benefit (provident fund): A lump sum is paid equal 

to total employer and employee contributions plus accrued 

interest.

Administrative Organization

Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation administers the pension scheme and provident fund.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1940 (workmen’s compensation).

Current law: 1990 (injuries compensation), implemented in 

1996.

Type of program: Employer-liability system.

Coverage

Employed persons in central government and public enterprises, local government authorities, and the private sector.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, armed forces personnel, casual and household workers, and family members 

living in the employer’s home.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,500 dalasi.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for civil 

servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period, but the incapacity must last for at least 5 consecutive days.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The monthly benefit is equal to 60% of the insured’s earnings and is paid for up to 6 months.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 1,500 dalasi.

Partial disability: A reduced pension is paid (usually 60% 

of the difference between earnings before and after the disability began) until recovery or certification of permanent 

disability after 12 months.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured has a total 

disability, a monthly pension is paid equal to 60% of the 

insured’s earnings.

The minimum monthly benefit is 100 dalasi.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 1,500 dalasi.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

25% of the permanent disability pension is paid.

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability of 

20% or more, a reduced pension is paid according to the 

assessed degree of disability; for an assessed disability of 

less than 20%, a lump sum is paid.
94 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Gambia

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum equal to 120 months of the 

deceased’s earnings is paid to survivors who were fully 

dependent on the insured; a reduced benefit is paid to survivors who were only partially dependent.

The minimum survivor benefit is 100,000 dalasi.

The maximum survivor benefit is 180,000 dalasi.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 1,500 dalasi.

Funeral grant: In the absence of surviving dependents, 

burial expenses are paid up to 1,000 dalasi.

Administrative Organization

Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation and the 

Department of Labor enforce the law.

Injuries Compensation Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 95

Ghana

Ghana

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1.28 cedi.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965.

Current law: 1991 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Note: The 2008 National Pensions Act established a new 

mandatory two-pillar scheme that will replace the existing 

Social Security and National Insurance Trust scheme: a 

first-pillar earnings-related defined benefit public program 

and a second-pillar privately managed occupational pension program. A third-pillar voluntary program combines a 

provident fund and personal pension plans for the informal 

sector as well as the public and private sectors. The new 

scheme has yet to be implemented.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and nonemployed previously insured persons.

Special system for armed forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of earnings; 17.5% of declared income 

for voluntary contributors.

Of the total 17.5% of earnings contributed by the insured 

person and employer, 2.5% finances medical benefits under 

Sickness and Maternity, below.

Self-employed person: 17.5% of declared income.

Of the total 17.5% of income contributed, 2.5% finances 

medical benefits under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Employer: 12.5% of payroll.

Of the total 17.5% of earnings contributed by the insured 

person and employer, 2.5% finances medical benefits under 

Sickness and Maternity, below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 55 to 59 for underground 

mine workers, steel mill workers, and employees working in other types of hazardous employment) with at least 

240 months of contributions.

Early pension: A reduced pension is paid from age 55.

Old-age pensions are not payable abroad.

Old-age grant: Paid to insured persons at the normal 

retirement age with less than 240 months of contributions.

Disability pension: Paid if the insured is assessed with 

a permanent disability and incapacity for any gainful 

employment with at least 12 months of contributions in 

the last 36 months. The disability must be assessed by a 

qualified and recognized medical officer and the regional 

medical board.

Disability pensions are not payable abroad.

Disability grant: A lump sum is paid if the insured does 

not satisfy the qualifying conditions for the disability 

pension.

Survivor pension: Paid for the death of the insured before 

retirement or a pensioner younger than age 72.

Eligible survivors are dependents named by the deceased.

Survivor pensions are not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The base pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s average annual earnings in the 3 best years of 

earnings. The pension is increased by 1.5% of average earnings for each 12-month period or 0.125% of average earnings for each month of contributions exceeding 240 months.

The minimum monthly pension is 26 cedi.

The maximum monthly pension must not exceed 80% of 

average earnings of the top 5% of contributing members.

The insured may opt to take 25% of the present value of the 

pension as a lump sum.

Early pension: A percentage of the full pension is paid 

ranging from 60% (age 55) to 90% (age 59).

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed annually based 

on the average increase in the wages of contributors to the 

scheme.

Old-age grant: A lump sum is paid equal to the value of 

total contributions plus interest set at 50% of the prevailing 

government treasury rate.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The minimum pension is equal to 50% 

of the insured’s average annual earnings in the 3 best years 

of earnings. The pension is increased by 1.5% of average 

earnings for each 12-month period or by 0.125% of average earnings for each month of contributions exceeding 

240 months.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed annually and may 

be adjusted based on the average increase in the wages of 

contributors to the scheme.

Disability grant: A lump sum is paid equal to total contributions plus interest.
96 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Ghana

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: If the insured was a pensioner at the time 

of death, a lump sum is paid based on the present value of 

the pension that would have been received after the date of 

death until age 72. If the insured was not a pensioner but 

had at least 240 months of contributions, a lump sum is paid 

equal to the present value of 12 years of pension; with less 

than 240 months of contributions, the lump sum is reduced 

according to the number of months of contributions.

The present value of the pension is calculated using the 

prevailing treasury bill rate of interest.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed annually and may 

be adjusted based on the average increase in the wages of 

contributors to the scheme.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (http://www

.mofep.gov.gh) provides general supervision.

Social Security and National Insurance Trust (http://www

.ssnit.com) administers the program through a tripartite 

management board.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 2003 (health insurance), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Medical benefits only.

Coverage

All citizens of Ghana.

Exclusions: Armed forces and police personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above (formal-sector employees); a 

flat-rate contribution of 7.20 to 48 cedi a month (informalsector employees), based on a means test.

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old 

Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: The cost of benefits for the aged, the needy, 

and children up to age 18 provided that both parents have 

paid the annual contribution.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: No statutory 

benefits are provided.

Medical benefits: Must reside in Ghana.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits are provided under the National Health 

Insurance program.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits are provided under the National Health 

Insurance program.

Administrative Organization

Social Security and National Insurance Trust (http://www

.ssnit.com) collects the contributions and transfers them to 

the National Health Insurance program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1940.

Current law: 1987 (workmen’s compensation), with 1988 

and 1994 amendments.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Armed forces personnel, self-employed persons, casual workers, employers’ family members, and 

agricultural employees working in enterprises with less 

than five workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision of benefits or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: The insured must have at least 

6 months of coverage.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to the difference between the insured’s 

earnings before the disability began and the actual or 

potential earnings after the disability began. The benefit is 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 97

Ghana

paid after a 5-day waiting period for up to 24 months; may 

be extended by up to 6 months by the Chief Labor Officer.

The benefit may be paid periodically or as a lump sum or by 

a combination of these methods, depending on the estimated duration of the disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, a lump sum is paid equal to 

96 months of the insured’s earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

25% of the total disability benefit is paid.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full lump sum is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, hospital, and nursing 

care and the cost of medicines and appliances up to specified amounts.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum is paid equal to 60 months 

of the insured’s earnings at the time of the work injury. The 

benefit is paid to the insured’s dependents at the court’s 

discretion; a reduced benefit is paid if the survivor was only 

partially dependent.

Funeral grant: If there are no dependents, the employer 

pays the entire cost of the funeral; if there are dependents, 

the employer pays for the funeral, up to a maximum.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare 

(http://ghana.gov.gh) enforces the law.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.
98 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Guinea

Guinea

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 4,536 francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1958.

Current law: 1994 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural and household 

workers, apprentices, interns, and students at technical 

schools.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.5% of covered earnings.

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

legal monthly minimum wage is 100,000 francs. (The legal 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2006.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 800,000 francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of covered payroll.

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

legal monthly minimum wage is 100,000 francs. (The legal 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2006.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 800,000 francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 (age 50 if unable to work) with 

at least 15 years of contributions. Retirement from gainful 

employment is necessary.

Early pension: Paid from age 50.

Old-age allowance: Age 55 with at least 12 months of 

coverage but not eligible for the old-age pension.

Old-age benefits are not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of at least 66.7% of working or earning capacity and 

have at least 5 years of contributions (the contribution qualifying condition is waived for currently employed workers 

if the disability is the result of an accident).

Disability pensioners are not eligible for the early old-age 

pension.

The disability pension is not payable abroad.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: Paid if the deceased was a pensioner or 

in covered employment with at least 15 years of coverage at 

the time of death.

Eligible survivors are widow(er)s who were married to 

the deceased for at least a year and orphans younger than 

age 17 (age 21 if a student or an apprentice).

Funeral grant: Paid to an eligible survivor. In the absence 

of an eligible widow(er), the grant is paid to the person who 

is responsible for the deceased’s dependent children.

Survivor benefits are not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 2% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever amount is greater) multiplied by the number of years 

of coverage (some periods of disability are credited), up to 

30 years.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 100,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 800,000 francs.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by between 5% 

and 10% for each year that the pension is received before 

age 55.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

The combined receipt of the old-age pension and the work 

injury permanent disability pension is allowed.

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

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) multiplied by the number of 

years of coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the national average wage, depending on the 

financial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was 

made in 1994.)
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 99

Guinea

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: If the insured is assessed with a total 

disability, the pension is equal to 100% of the insured’s 

annual average earnings.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s annual average earnings if the insured is able to 

partially perform any suitable work.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 100,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 800,000 francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: 20% of the disability pension is paid.

The disability pension ceases at age 55 and is replaced by 

an old-age pension of the same value.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the national average wage, depending on the 

financial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was 

made in 1994.)

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: A widow(er) receives 50% of the pension the deceased received or was entitled to receive. If 

there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally.

The pension ceases on remarriage or cohabitation.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 10% of 

the pension the deceased received or was entitled to receive; 

20% for each full orphan. Full orphans also receive the 

survivor pension.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the pension the deceased received or was entitled to receive; 

otherwise, the pensions are reduced proportionately.

Survivor pensions are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted for changes in the 

national average wage, depending on the financial resources 

of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 1994.)

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 90 days of the deceased’s 

daily wage is paid, up to three times the deceased’s monthly 

earnings for contribution calculation purposes.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, the Promotion of Women’s 

Interests, and Childhood (http://www.guinee.gov.gn) provides general supervision.

Managed by an administrative council, the National Social 

Security Fund (http://www.cnss.org.gn) administers the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current law: 1994 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural and household 

workers.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 2.5% of covered earnings for sickness 

benefits only (maternity cash benefits are financed under 

Family Allowances, below).

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

legal monthly minimum wage is 100,000 francs. (The legal 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2006.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 800,000 francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of covered payroll for sickness benefits only 

(maternity cash benefits are financed under Family Allowances, below).

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

legal monthly minimum wage is 100,000 francs. (The legal 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2006.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 800,000 francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefits: The insured must 

have at least 3 months of covered employment with at least 

18 days or 120 hours of work a month.

Cash maternity benefits: The woman must be in insured 

employment.
100 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Guinea

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 months before the 

leave period starts (the labor code requires the employer 

to pay 50% of the cost). The benefit is paid after an 8-day 

waiting period for up to 13 weeks; may be extended to 

26 weeks if the insured has at least 1 year of coverage with 

250 days of employment in the last 12 months. (The labor 

code requires the employer to pay full wages during the 

waiting period.)

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 100,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 800,000 francs.

The maximum duration of benefits is 1 year for a permanent incapacity.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the 3 months before the leave 

period (the labor code requires the employer to pay 50% of 

the cost). The benefit is paid for up to 6 weeks before and 

8 weeks after the expected date of childbirth; 10 weeks 

after childbirth for multiple births; up to 12 weeks after 

childbirth in case of complications.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 100,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 800,000 francs.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical service benefits are provided by doctors, hospitals, and pharmacists paid directly by the National Social 

Security Fund. Benefits include general, maternity, and specialist care; surgery; hospitalization for up to 2 years; medicines; prostheses; laboratory services; and transportation.

Benefits are provided after an 8-day waiting period during 

which the employer and the insured share the medical care 

costs equally.

Cost sharing: The National Social Security Fund reimburses 70% of the cost of medicine; 100% for the treatment 

of cancer, cholera, smallpox, tetanus, and tuberculosis.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Medical service benefits are provided by doctors, hospitals, and pharmacists paid directly by the National Social 

Security Fund. Benefits include general, maternity, and specialist care; surgery; hospitalization for up to 2 years; medicines; prostheses; laboratory services; and transportation.

Eligible dependents are the spouse and children younger 

than age 17 (age 21 if a student or disabled).

Benefits are provided after an 8-day waiting period during 

which the employer and the insured share the medical care 

costs equally.

Cost sharing: The National Social Security Fund reimburses 70% of the cost of medicine; 100% for the treatment 

of cancer, cholera, smallpox, tetanus, and tuberculosis.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, the Promotion of Women’s 

Interests, and Childhood (http://www.guinee.gov.gn) provides general supervision.

Managed by an administrative council, the National Social 

Security Fund (http://www.cnss.org.gn) administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current law: 1994 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural and household 

workers, apprentices, interns, and students at technical 

schools.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of covered payroll.

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

legal monthly minimum wage is 100,000 francs. (The legal 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2006.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 800,000 francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 101

Guinea

Temporary Disability Benefits

The daily benefit is equal to 50% of the insured’s average 

daily wage in the month before the disability began for the 

first 28 days; thereafter, 66.7% of the average daily wage. 

The benefit is paid from the day after the disability began 

until full recovery or certification of permanent disability.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 100,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 800,000 francs.

Benefits are paid monthly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits may be adjusted if the disability lasts more than 1 month.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 70% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the 12 months before the disability began.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 100,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 800,000 francs.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is 15% 

or above, a percentage of the full pension is paid according 

to the assessed degree of disability; from 1% to 14%, the 

pension is paid as a lump sum.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

The combined receipt of the permanent disability pension 

and the old-age pension is allowed.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in 1992.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, prostheses, rehabilitation, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the last 12 months before 

the disability began. The surviving spouse must have been 

married to the deceased for at least one year before the disability began. If there is more than one eligible widow, the 

pension is split equally.

The pension ceases on remarriage or cohabitation, and a 

lump sum is paid.

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum of 3 years of pension 

is paid.

Orphan’s pension: Each of the first two orphans younger 

than age 17 (age 21 if a student) receive 15% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the last 12 months before 

the disability began; 10% for subsequent orphans; 20% for 

each full orphan.

Dependent relative’s pension: Each dependent relative 

receives 10% of the deceased’s average earnings in the last 

12 months before the disability began, up to 20%.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 100,000 francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 800,000 francs.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the last 12 months before 

the disability began; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Funeral grant: Funeral costs are reimbursed up to 1/4 of 

the legal monthly minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum wage is 100,000 francs.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in 1992.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, the Promotion of Women’s 

Interests, and Childhood (http://www.guinee.gov.gn) provides general supervision.

Managed by an administrative council, the National Social 

Security Fund (http://www.cnss.org.gn) administers the 

program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1994 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural and household 

workers.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6% of covered payroll.

The employer contributions also finance cash maternity 

benefits under Sickness and Maternity.
102 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Guinea

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

legal monthly minimum wage is 100,000 francs. (The legal 

minimum wage was last adjusted in 2006.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 800,000 francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than 

age 17. The parent must have at least 3 months of insured 

employment with at least 18 days or 120 hours of employment a month or be a social insurance beneficiary.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,500 francs a month is paid for each 

child, up to 10 children.

Benefits are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in 1992.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, the Promotion of Women’s 

Interests, and Childhood (http://www.guinee.gov.gn) provides general supervision.

Managed by an administrative council, the National Social 

Security Fund (http://www.cnss.org.gn) administers the 

program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 103

Kenya

Kenya

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 78.15 shillings.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1965 (social security fund), with 

amendments.

Type of program: Provident fund system.

Coverage

Employed persons, traders, self-employed persons, and 

some workers in the informal sector, including farmers.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Exclusions: Some types of casual workers.

Special pension system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of monthly earnings. Voluntary contributors pay between 100 shillings and 1,000 shillings.

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 4,000 shillings

Self-employed person: 5% of monthly earnings.

Employer: 5% of monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefit: Age 60 and retired from insured 

employment.

Drawdown payment: The benefit is paid at age 50 if 

not in insured employment or at any age if emigrating 

permanently.

Disability benefit: The fund member must be assessed 

with a total incapacity for performing any work.

The disability is assessed by the fund member’s doctor, a 

National Social Security Fund doctor, and the Director of 

Medical Services in the Ministry of Health.

Survivor benefit: Paid for the death of the fund member 

before retirement.

Eligible survivors are the spouse and orphans; in the 

absence of a spouse and orphan, other dependent relatives.

Funeral grant: The deceased fund member must have 

made at least 3 months of contributions. The grant is paid to 

a dependent named by the deceased.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age benefit: A lump sum equal to total employee and 

employer contributions plus interest is paid.

Drawdown payment: The maximum lump sum is equal to 

total employee and employer contributions plus interest.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability benefit: A lump sum equal to total employee 

and employer contributions plus interest is paid.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum equal to total employee and 

employer contributions plus interest is paid.

Funeral grant: 2,500 shillings is paid.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour (http://www.labour.go.ke) provides 

general supervision through a board of trustees.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.nssfkenya.com) 

administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1966 (hospital insurance), with amendments.

Current law: 1998 (hospital insurance).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Medical benefits only.

Coverage

Employed persons earning at least 1,000 shillings a month, 

including public-sector employees and self-employed persons; the dependents of insured persons.

Voluntary coverage for persons earning less than 

1,000 shillings a month.

Source of Funds

Insured person: A variable monthly contribution of 

30 shillings up to 320 shillings; voluntary contributors pay 

a flat rate of 160 shillings a month.

Self-employed person: A variable monthly contribution 

of 30 shillings to 320 shillings; voluntary contributors pay a 

flat rate of 160 shillings a month.

Employer: None.

Government: None.
104 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Kenya

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: No statutory 

benefits are provided.

Medical benefits: There is no qualifying period; voluntary contributors must have at least 60 days of coverage 

for medical benefits and at least 6 months of coverage for 

maternity medical care.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness and maternity benefits: No statutory benefits 

are provided.

The 1976 Employment Act requires employers to pay 100% 

of earnings for up to 2 months of sick leave; some employers negotiate with trade unions to pay 100% of earnings 

for 1, 3, or 6 months, then 50% of earnings for a period of 

equal duration.

The 1976 Employment Act requires employers to pay 100% 

of earnings for up to 2 months of maternity leave. Some 

maternity medical benefits are also provided by employers.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Free care is provided in government hospitals for certain 

illnesses, including tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, and AIDS.

The maximum duration of benefits is 180 days a year; may 

be extended in the case of exceptional hardship.

Free inpatient treatment in government hospitals is provided to employed persons who are not covered by health 

insurance but who contribute to the National Social Security Fund. There are 367 approved hospitals in Kenya.

Cost sharing: A refund of expenses for hospital and medical 

treatment for insured persons, according to the schedule 

in law. The maximum reimbursement ranges between 

200 shillings and 650 shillings a day, depending on the 

medical facility attended.

Medical services provided abroad are reimbursed at 

750 shillings a day.

Government employees receive subsidized care at government facilities.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Dependent children are entitled to up to 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 (http://www.nhif.or.ke/

healthinsurance) administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1946.

Current laws: 1974 (workmen’s compensation), with 

amendments; 2007 (work injury); and 2007 (employment).

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons in the public and private sectors.

Exclusions: Nonmanual employees earning more than 

4,000 shillings a month, self-employed persons, casual 

workers, and family labor.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision of benefits or insurance premiums.

Government: None; the cost of benefits for government 

employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 50% of the insured’s earnings, up 

to 540 shillings. The benefit is paid after a 3-day waiting 

period; the benefit is paid retroactively if the incapacity 

lasts for more than 3 days.

The maximum total temporary disability benefit is 

240,000 shillings.

The disability is assessed by the insured’s doctor, a National 

Social Security Fund doctor, and the Director of Medical 

Services in the Ministry of Health.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically by 

the Minister of Labor.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: A lump sum equal to 

60 months of the insured’s earnings is paid for a permanent 

partial disability.

The maximum total permanent partial disability benefit 

is 240,000 shillings.

The disability is assessed by the insured’s doctor, a National 

Social Security Fund doctor, and the Director of Medical 

Services in the Ministry of Health.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 105

Kenya

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically by 

the Minister of Labor.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum equal to 60 months of the 

deceased’s earnings is paid to survivors who were fully 

dependent on the deceased; in the absence of fully dependent survivors, a reduced benefit is paid to survivors who 

were partially dependent.

The minimum benefit is 35,000 shillings.

The maximum benefit is 240,000 shillings.

Funeral grant: A lump sum equal to the cost of the funeral 

is paid to dependents; the employer pays 2,000 shillings if 

there are no dependents.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically by 

the Minister of Labor.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development 

(http://www.labour.go.ke) enforces the law, approves settlements, and pays benefits from money deposited with it by 

employers.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.
106 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Liberia

Liberia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

49 Liberian dollars ($).

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1972.

Current law: 1988.

Type of program: Social insurance and social assistance 

system.

Coverage

Social insurance

Public-sector employees and employees of firms with five 

or more workers.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and others 

not compulsorily covered.

Exclusions: Casual workers, family labor, household workers, armed forces personnel, Liberian diplomats, senior 

members of the government and courts, and persons 

employed on any type of boat.

Social assistance

Needy elderly, disabled, or unemployed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Social insurance: 3% of earnings.

Social assistance: None.

Self-employed person

Social insurance: Voluntary contributions only.

Social assistance: None.

Employer

Social insurance: 3% of payroll.

Social assistance: None.

Government

Social insurance: None.

Social assistance: The total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 100 months of 

contributions.

Employment must cease until age 65.

Old-age settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy 

the qualifying conditions for the old-age pension at the pensionable age but has at least 12 months of contributions.

Old-age assistance: Paid to needy elderly persons who do 

not satisfy the qualifying conditions for social insurance 

old-age benefits; may also be paid to certain unemployed 

workers.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

permanent incapacity for work and have contributions in 

at least 66.7% of the months since coverage began, with at 

least 50 months of contributions in the 60 months before the 

disability began.

Disability settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy 

the qualifying conditions for the disability pension but has 

at least 12 months of contributions.

Disability assistance: Paid to needy workers with disabilities who do not satisfy the qualifying conditions for social 

insurance disability benefits.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or had at 

least 50 months of contributions in the 60 months before the 

death.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 25% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings plus 1% of average 

monthly earnings for each 10-month period of contributions 

exceeding 100 months.

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

employee contributions plus accrued interest.

Old-age assistance: Up to $350 a year is paid.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 25% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 12 months 

plus 1% of average monthly earnings for each 10-month 

period of contributions exceeding 50 months.

Disability settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

employee contributions plus accrued interest.

Disability assistance: Up to $350 a year is paid.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: A dependent widow(er) receives 50% of 

the deceased’s pension.

The maximum survivor pension is equal to 100% of the 

old-age or disability pension (whichever amount is greater).

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 18 

(age 21 if a student, no limit if disabled) receives 10% of the 

insured’s pension; 20% for a full orphan.

All orphans’ pensions combined must not exceed 50% of 

the deceased’s pension (100% for full orphans).
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 107

Liberia

Administrative Organization

Managed by a tripartite board of directors, the National 

Social Security and Welfare Corporation (http://nasscorp

.org.lr) administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1943 (workmen’s compensation), implemented in 

1949.

Current law: 1980 (employment injury).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Casual workers, family labor, and household 

workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: The average contribution is 1.75% 

of declared earnings.

Employer: The average contribution is 1.75% of payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 65% of the insured’s average 

monthly earnings. The benefit is paid after a 14-day waiting period (if the disability lasts longer than 14 days, the 

first 14 days are paid retroactively) until full recovery or 

certification of permanent disability. The benefit is paid for 

up to 1 year.

The minimum benefit is $50 or 100% of the insured’s average monthly earnings (whichever amount is lower).

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 65% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

25% of the disability pension is paid.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension is paid 

depending on the assessed degree of disability, according to 

the schedule in law.

The degree of disability is assessed by a medical board.

The minimum benefit is $50 or 100% of the insured’s average monthly earnings (whichever amount is lower).

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include reasonable expenses for medical and surgical care, hospitalization, drugs, and appliances.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: A dependent widow or a dependent, 

disabled widower receives 20% of the insured’s average 

earnings.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 18 

(age 21 if a student, no limit if disabled) receives 6% of the 

insured’s average earnings; 12% for a full orphan.

All orphans’ pensions combined must not exceed 30% of 

the deceased’s earnings; 60% for full orphans.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension (in the 

absence of other eligible survivors): The pension is equal 

to 20% of the insured’s average earnings. The pension is 

split equally if there is more than one eligible survivor.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial is paid, up to $500.

Administrative Organization

Managed by a tripartite board of directors, the National 

Social Security and Welfare Corporation (http://nasscorp

.org.lr) administers the program.
108 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Libya

Libya

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1.29 dinars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 1980 (social security), implemented in 1981; 

1987 (disability); and 1998 (social security fund).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All persons residing in Libya.

Special system for armed forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.75% of covered earnings.

The insured person’s contributions also help finance sickness benefits, pregnancy benefits, birth grants, and work 

injury benefits.

Self-employed person: 15.175% of declared income.

The self-employed person’s contributions also help finance 

sickness benefits, pregnancy benefits, birth grants, and 

work injury benefits.

Employer: 10.5% of covered payroll; employers of foreign 

companies contribute 11.25%.

The employer’s contributions also help finance sickness 

benefits, pregnancy benefits, birth grants, and work injury 

benefits.

Government: 0.75% of covered earnings; annual subsidies 

and the cost of income-tested benefits.

Government contributions also help finance sickness 

benefits, pregnancy benefits, birth grants, and work injury 

benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 65 (men), age 60 (women), age 62 

(civil servants), and age 60 (workers in hazardous or 

unhealthy occupations), with 20 years of contributions for a 

full pension.

Retirement from covered employment is necessary.

Dependent’s supplement: Paid for a wife and each child 

younger than age 18 (no limit for an unmarried daughter).

Benefits are not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with at 

least an 80% loss of earning capacity.

Dependent’s supplement: Paid for a wife and each child 

younger than age 18 (no limit for an unmarried daughter).

Constant-attendance allowance: Paid if the insured receives 

a total disability pension and requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily functions.

Benefits are not payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or was 

eligible for a pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(s) or widower; sons (up 

to age 28 depending on the type of continuing education); 

unmarried, divorced, or widowed daughters (for whom 

the benefit ceases on marriage or remarriage); parents; 

and dependent brothers and sisters if the deceased had no 

children.

Benefits are not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefits

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

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 years for each of the 

first 20 years of contributions plus 2% for each year exceeding 20 years.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the national 

minimum wage.

The legal national minimum wage is 250 dinars.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average earnings.

Dependent’s supplement: Four dinars a month is paid for 

a wife and 2 dinars a month is paid for each child younger 

than age 18 (no limit for an unmarried daughter).

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: For an assessed degree of disability 

of at least 60%, 50% of the full old-age pension is paid 

plus 0.5% of the full old-age pension for each of the first 

20 years of contributions and 2% of the full old-age pension 

for each year exceeding 20 years.

The minimum pension is 60 dinars a month plus 50% of the 

insured’s earnings.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

earnings.

Dependent’s supplement: Four dinars a month is paid for 

a wife and 2 dinars a month is paid for each child younger 

than age 18 (no limit for an unmarried daughter).

Constant-attendance allowance: 25% of the disability pension is paid.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 109

Libya

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The benefit is calculated based on 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; one son receives between 40% 

and 75%; two sons or more receive up to 100%; parents and 

brothers and sisters receive between 15% and 60%.

Eligible survivors are the widow(s) or widower; sons (up 

to age 28 depending on the type of continuing education); 

unmarried, divorced, or widowed daughters (for whom 

the benefit ceases on marriage or remarriage); parents; 

and dependent brothers and sisters if the deceased had no 

children.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 50 dinars is paid.

Administrative Organization

Social Security Fund administers the program through 

district and local offices.

General supervision is provided by a national social security committee.

Local supervision is provided by municipal committees.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 1980 (social security), implemented in 1981; 

and 1998 (social care fund).

Type of program: Employer-liability and social insurance 

system.

Coverage

Employer-liability program: All employed persons are 

covered for cash benefits.

Social insurance program: Self-employed persons are 

covered for cash benefits, and employed and self-employed 

persons are covered for specified medical benefits.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Cash benefits: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.

Medical benefits: 1.5% of covered earnings.

Self-employed person

Cash benefits: 1.5% of declared income.

Medical benefits: 3.5% declared of income.

Employer

Cash benefits: The total cost of maternity benefits.

Medical benefits: 2.45% of covered payroll.

Government

Cash benefits: 0.75% of covered earnings for self-employed 

persons.

Medical benefits: 5% of covered earnings.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: The insured must have at least 

6 weeks of contributions in the last 3 months.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

6 months of coverage before the expected date of childbirth 

or 4 months of contributions in the last 6 months.

Medical benefits: The insured must receive sickness 

benefits, maternity benefits, or a pension. Dependents are 

entitled to the same benefits as the insured.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 60% of the 

insured’s earnings and is paid for up to a year.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s earnings and is paid for up to 3 months.

Pregnancy benefit: Three dinars a month is paid from the 

4th month of pregnancy until childbirth. The benefit is paid 

for up to 6 months.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 25 dinars is paid for each birth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include general and specialist care, hospitalization, 

maternity and nursing care, essential medical supplies, and 

rehabilitation.

Cost sharing: Patients may be required to pay part of the 

cost of benefits.

Medical benefits are provided for up to 6 months after 

entitlement to cash benefits ceases.

Medical services are provided directly to patients by the 

facilities of the Ministry for Social Security.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include general and specialist care, hospitalization, maternity and nursing care, essential medical supplies, 

and rehabilitation. The wife of an insured man receives the 

same medical maternity benefits as an insured woman.

Cost sharing: Patients may be required to pay part of the 

cost of benefits.

Medical benefits are provided for up to 6 months after 

entitlement to cash benefits ceases.
110 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Libya

Medical services are provided directly to patients by the 

facilities of the Ministry for Social Security.

Administrative Organization

Social Security Fund administers the program through 

district and local offices.

General supervision is provided by a national social security committee.

Local supervision is provided by municipal committees.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1957.

Current laws: 1980 (social security), implemented in 1981; 

and 1998 (social care fund).

Type of program: Employer-liability and social insurance 

system.

Coverage

Employer-liability program: All employed persons are 

covered for cash benefits.

Social insurance program: Self-employed persons are 

covered for cash benefits, and employed and self-employed 

persons are covered for specified medical benefits.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors (cash benefits) and Sickness and 

Maternity (medical benefits), above.

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old 

Age, Disability, and Survivors (cash benefits) and Sickness 

and Maternity (medical benefits), above.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors (cash benefits) and Sickness and Maternity 

(medical benefits), above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors (cash benefits) and Sickness and Maternity (medical benefits), above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 70% of the insured’s earnings and is 

paid for up to a year.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: For an assessed degree of 

disability of at least 60%, the full pension is equal to 2.5% 

of the insured’s average earnings in the last 3 years for each 

of the first 20 years of contributions plus 2% of average 

earnings for each year of contributions exceeding 20 years.

The minimum pension is 60 dinars a month plus 50% of the 

insured’s average earnings.

The maximum pension is equal to 100% of the insured’s 

average earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, up to 25% of the pension is paid.

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability of 

between 30% and 59%, a percentage of the full pension is 

paid according to the assessed degree of disability; for an 

assessed degree of disability of between 5% and 29%, a 

lump sum is paid.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical treatment and surgery, hospitalization, medicine and appliances, dental care, eyeglasses, and 

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The benefit is calculated based on 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; one son receives between 40% 

and 75%; two sons or more receive up to 100%; parents and 

brothers and sisters receive between 15% and 60%.

Eligible survivors are the widow(s) or widower; sons (up 

to age 28 depending on the type of continuing education); 

unmarried, divorced, or widowed daughters (for whom 

the benefit ceases on marriage or remarriage); parents; 

and dependent brothers and sisters if the deceased had no 

children.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 50 dinars is paid.

Administrative Organization

Social Security Fund administers the program through 

district and local offices.

General supervision is provided by a national social security committee.

Local supervision is provided by municipal committees.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 111

Libya

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided.

The 1980 Social Security Law requires employers to pay 

a severance benefit to laid-off employees equal to 100% of 

earnings for up to 6 months.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

Some family benefits are provided under the 1998 Social 

Care Fund legislation.
112 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Madagascar

Madagascar

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1,897.41 ariary.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1969 (social insurance) and 1994 

(social protection).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including household and salaried agricultural workers, merchant seamen, members of the clergy, 

presidents and directors of private companies, managers of 

limited companies, and employed taxi drivers.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons; farmers and casual 

agricultural workers working less than 3 months a year.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of covered earnings. Full-time household workers contribute a monthly flat-rate of 400 ariary.

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

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to eight times the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 9.5% of covered payroll; a flat rate of 2,923 ariary a month on behalf of full-time household workers.

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

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to eight times the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

Contributions are paid quarterly.

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

Qualifying Conditions

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

at least 15 years of coverage (some periods of work before 

1969 are credited) including 28 quarters of contributions in 

the last 10 calendar years. The pensionable age is reduced 

by 5 years for merchant seamen. Retirement from employment is necessary.

Partial pension: A proportionately reduced pension is paid 

if the insured has less than 28 quarters of contributions in 

the last 10 calendar years but has at least 100 quarters (men) 

or 80 quarters (women) of total coverage.

If the insured has insufficient quarters of contributions, 

he or she can continue working up to 5 years after the 

legal retirement age to meet the contribution qualifying 

conditions.

The pension is payable abroad.

Solidarity allowance: Paid to insured persons who do not 

meet the qualifying conditions for the full or partial old-age 

pension at age 60 (men) or age 55 (women). The insured 

must have had at least 15 quarters of employment between 

January 1, 1964, and December 31, 1968, and have been in 

salaried employment on January 1, 1969. Retirement from 

employment is necessary.

The allowance is payable abroad.

Disability pension: Age 55 (men) or age 50 (women 

and merchant seamen) with at least a 60% loss of working capacity and with at least 10 years of coverage (some 

periods of work before 1969 are credited), including at least 

28 quarters of contributions in the last 10 calendar years.

The pension is payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or was at 

least age 55 (men) or age 50 (women) and met the contribution qualifying conditions for the old-age pension at the 

time of death.

Eligible survivors are the spouse and children younger than 

age 15 (age 22 if a student or disabled).

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

The pension is payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage plus 20% of the insured’s monthly 

average adjusted earnings in the last 10 calendar years plus 

1% of the insured’s earnings for each year of contributions 

exceeding 10 years.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The maximum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to eight times the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

Partial pension: A reduced pension is paid.

Dependent’s supplement: 10% of the insured’s pension 

is paid for a spouse older than age 59 (men) or age 54 

(women).
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 113

Madagascar

Special supplement: A supplement equal to 5% of the pension is paid for workers awarded the bronze medal for long 

service at work; 10% for the silver medal for long service at 

work.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal minimum wage including supplements.

The maximum pension is equal to 40% of the maximum 

earnings for contribution calculation purposes (if supplements are not paid) or 75% of the insured’s monthly average 

adjusted earnings in the last 10 calendar years (if supplements are paid).

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

The insured may receive both the old-age pension and the 

work injury permanent disability pension. The total amount 

received is calculated based on 100% of the higher pension 

plus 25% of the lower pension.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

to the legal minimum wage was made in 2008.)

Refund of contributions: Total contributions plus 2% annual 

interest are paid to an insured person with at least 4 contribution quarters who does not meet the requirements for 

the pension. The amount of the refund must not be less than 

20,000 ariary.

Solidarity allowance: The annual allowance is equal to 

30% of the legal annual minimum wage plus 10% of the 

insured’s average annual earnings in the last 5 calendar 

years plus 1% of the insured’s earnings for each 4-quarter 

period of contributions.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

The allowance is paid quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

to the legal minimum wage was made in 2008.)

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: 80% of the old-age pension that would 

have been paid if the insured had worked until the pensionable age is paid.

Dependent’s supplement: 10% of the insured’s pension 

is paid for a spouse older than age 59 (men) or age 54 

(women).

Special supplement: A supplement equal to 5% of the pension is paid for workers awarded the bronze medal for long 

service at work; 10% for the silver medal for long service at 

work.

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

minimum wage, including supplements.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

If the insured is no longer capable of work and is eligible 

for both the disability pension and the work injury permanent disability pension, only the higher pension is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

of the legal minimum wage was made in 2008.)

Refund of contributions: Total contributions plus 2% annual 

interest are paid to an insured person with at least 4 contribution quarters who does not meet the requirements for 

the pension. The amount of the refund must not be less than 

20,000 ariary.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the pension the insured received 

or would have been entitled to receive is paid to an unemployed widow(er); 15% if the widow(er) is employed or 

receiving a pension.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

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

received or would have been entitled to receive is paid for 

each of the first two orphans; 10% is paid for each additional orphan; 20% is paid for each full orphan.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of 

the pension the deceased received or would have been 

entitled to receive; otherwise, the benefits are reduced 

proportionately.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

of the legal minimum wage was made in 2008.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, and Social Legislation 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnaps.mg) 

administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1963 (family benefits) and 1994 (social 

protection).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity 

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women, including household and salaried agricultural workers.
114 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Madagascar

Exclusions: Self-employed women; casual agricultural 

workers working less than 3 months a year.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are provided. (The labor code requires employers to provide paid 

sick leave to employees.)

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

6 consecutive months of insured employment with at least 

20 days or 134 hours of work a month.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave to 

employees.)

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s last wage. The benefit is paid for 6 weeks before 

and 8 weeks after (up to 11 weeks in the event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth) the expected 

date of childbirth. The benefit is paid in two equal amounts 

(three in the event of complications).

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

If the insured is ineligible for maternity benefits, the 

employer pays 50% of earnings for up to 14 weeks of 

maternity leave.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Insured women are reimbursed for the cost of medical care 

during pregnancy and childbirth, up to 5,000 ariary. (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 Civil Service, Labor, and Social Legislation 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnaps.mg) 

administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1925.

Current laws: 1963 (work injury) and 1994 (social 

protection).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including household and salaried agricultural workers, merchant seamen, members of the clergy, 

presidents and directors of private companies, managers 

of limited companies, employed taxi drivers, students, 

apprentices, tobacco growers, members of cooperatives, 

and prisoners working in prison workshops.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1.25% of covered payroll; 1% for salaried casual 

agricultural workers; a lump-sum monthly contribution of 

77 ariary for full-time household workers; 1% of annual 

covered earnings for cooperative members; a flat-rate 

annual contribution of 40 ariary per year on behalf of each 

apprentice and each private technical school student; 1.5% 

of annual base earnings of 4,000 ariary per cultivated hectare for tobacco growers.

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

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to eight times the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

Contributions are paid quarterly, except for annual payments made by students, cooperative members, and tobacco 

growers.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 115

Madagascar

Temporary Disability Benefits

The daily benefit is equal to 66.7% of the insured’s daily 

average earnings in the last 30 days before the disability 

began. The benefit is paid monthly from the day after the 

disability began until full recovery or certification of permanent disability.

The maximum daily benefit is 1,200 ariary.

Benefit adjustment: If the disability lasts more than 

3 months, benefits may be adjusted according to the growth 

in wages.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the monthly pension is equal to 100% 

of the insured’s monthly average earnings in the 12 months 

before the disability began.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to 1.4 times the legal monthly minimum wage.

Only 33% of earnings over four times the legal minimum 

wage is taken into account for benefit calculation purposes. 

The maximum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to 16 times the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the disability pension is paid. The supplement must 

not be less than the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is 10% 

or more, the pension is equal to the insured’s average earnings in the 12 months before the disability began multiplied by 0.5 times the percentage of the assessed degree of 

disability for the portion of disability up to 50% and by 1.5 

times the percentage of the assessed degree of disability for 

the portion of disability greater than 50%.

If the assessed degree of disability is greater than 10%, 

the minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to 1.4 times the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

The partial disability pension is paid quarterly. If the 

assessed degree of disability is 75% or more, the pension 

can be paid monthly; if the assessed degree of disability is 

less than 10%, the pension is paid as a lump sum.

The partial and total disability pensions may be partially 

converted to a lump sum after receiving the pension for 

3 years.

The insured may receive both the old-age pension and the 

work injury permanent disability pension. The total amount 

received is calculated based on 100% of the higher pension 

plus 25% of the lower pension.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

of the legal minimum wage was made in 2008.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the deceased’s monthly average earnings in the 12 months before the disability began is 

paid to a widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: The monthly pension is equal to 

15% of the deceased’s monthly average earnings in the 

12 months before the disability began for each of the first 

two orphans younger than age 15 (age 19 if an apprentice, 

age 22 if a student or disabled) and 10% for each other 

orphan; 20% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: The 

monthly pension is equal to 10% of the deceased’s average 

earnings each, up to 30%.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to 1.4 times the legal monthly minimum wage.

Only 33.3% of earnings over 4 times the legal minimum 

wage are taken into account for benefit calculation purposes. The maximum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are equal to 16 times the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s earnings for benefit calculation purposes; otherwise, the benefits are reduced proportionately.

Pensions are paid quarterly.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 20,000 ariary is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted according to 

increases in the legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment 

of the legal minimum wage was made in 2008.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, and Social Legislation 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnaps.mg) 

administers the program.
116 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Madagascar

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1963 (family benefits) and 1994 (social 

protection).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including household and salaried agricultural workers, merchant seamen, members of the clergy, 

presidents and directors of private companies, managers 

of limited companies, employed taxi drivers, students, and 

apprentices.

The insured must reside in Madagascar or France.

Unemployed workers are covered for a maximum of 

6 months under certain conditions.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons; farmers and casual 

agricultural workers working less than 3 months a year.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.25% of covered payroll. For full-time household workers, a flat-rate monthly contribution of 692 ariary.

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

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to eight times the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 70,025.40 ariary 

(nonagricultural sector); 71,000 ariary (agricultural sector).

The above contributions also finance maternity benefits 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 15 

(age 19 if an apprentice; age 22 if a student, an unmarried 

daughter caring for children, or disabled). The parent must 

have at least 6 consecutive months of insured employment with at least 20 days or 134 hours of work a month 

(nonagricultural sector), with at least 18 days or 144 hours 

of work a month (agricultural sector), or if a widow(er) of a 

beneficiary.

Prenatal allowance: The insured woman must undergo 

prescribed medical examinations before childbirth.

Birth grant: The insured woman must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations after childbirth.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 2,000 ariary a month is paid for each 

child.

Prenatal allowance: A lump sum of 18,000 ariary is paid.

Birth grant: 24,000 ariary is paid for each live birth. 

The grant is paid in two installments. The allowance is 

reduced by 50% if the childbirth was not medically assisted 

or if the mother did not undergo the prescribed medical 

examinations.

Some maternity and child health and welfare services are 

also provided.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in 2003.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Labor, and Social Legislation 

provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund (http://www.cnaps.mg) 

administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 117

Malawi

Malawi

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 142 kwacha.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided.

Special system for public-sector employees only.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory cash benefits are provided.

Some medical services are provided free to the population 

at government health centers and hospitals.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1946.

Current laws: 1990 and 2000.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Casual workers, self-employed persons, family 

workers, and armed forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision of 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 the insured’s earnings is paid, according to 

the schedule in law. The benefit is paid after a 3-day waiting period until full recovery or certification of permanent 

disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, a lump sum is paid equal to 

54 months of the insured’s earnings.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit is paid 

depending on the assessed degree of disability, according to 

the schedule in law.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires 

the constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, a variable lump sum is paid depending on individual 

circumstances.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

The employer pays the cost of reasonable medical expenses 

for medical, surgical, dental, and hospital treatment; skilled 

nursing services; medicines; prostheses; mechanical aids; 

and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum is paid equal to 42 months 

of the deceased’s monthly earnings minus any disability 

benefit paid before the date of death.

Eligible dependents are members of the insured’s family; 

a reduced benefit is paid if the survivor was only partially 

dependent.

Funeral grant: In the absence of a surviving dependent, the 

cost of the burial is paid by the employer.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labor (http://www.malawi.gov.mw) enforces 

the law.

Employers may insure work injury liability with private 

insurance companies.
118 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Mali

Mali

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1961.

Current laws: 1999 (social insurance), with 2003 and 2006 

amendments; and 1999 (voluntary coverage), implemented 

in 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants, magistrates, and armed 

forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.6% of gross earnings.

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

The monthly legal minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: A voluntary contribution of 9% of 

wage class earnings, according to five wage classes.

The minimum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 125,000 CFA francs a quarter.

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,000,000 CFA francs a quarter.

Employer: 5.4% of gross payroll.

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

The monthly legal minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 58 (age 53 if prematurely aged) 

with at least 13 years of contributions; age 60 with at least 

15 years of contributions if voluntarily insured. Retirement 

from all gainful activity is necessary.

Early pension: Age 53 with at least 13 years of contributions; age 55 with at least 15 years of contributions if 

voluntarily insured. Retirement from all gainful activity is 

necessary.

Old-age allowance: Age 53 with at least 6 years of coverage (age 60 with at least 10 years of coverage if voluntarily 

insured) and does not meet the qualifying conditions for the 

old-age or early pensions.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement; in the absence of a reciprocal agreement, the 

insured’s contributions are refunded at retirement age or if 

permanently leaving the country.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

permanent loss of 66.7% of earning capacity and have at 

least 8 years of coverage; at least 10 years of coverage if 

voluntarily insured.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or was 

eligible for a pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) who was married to 

the deceased for at least 2 years and dependent orphans 

younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or with a disability).

Survivor allowance: Paid to the widow(er) if the insured 

had less than 13 years of coverage; less than 15 years of 

coverage if voluntarily insured.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 26% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 8 years plus 

2% of average monthly earnings for each 12-month period 

of coverage exceeding 120 months up to 80%; 30% of 

the insured’s average quarterly earnings plus 2% for each 

year of coverage exceeding 60 quarters for the voluntarily 

insured.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to twice the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

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

that the pension is taken before age 58; age 60 if voluntarily 

insured.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Old-age allowance: 52% of the legal minimum wage is 

paid each month; 30% of the earnings used for contribution 

calculation purposes for the voluntarily insured.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the average salary and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system. 

(The last adjustment was made in 2008.)
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 119

Mali

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 26% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 8 years plus 

2% of average monthly earnings for each 12-month period 

of coverage exceeding 120 months up to 80%; 30% of the 

insured’s average quarterly earnings plus 2% for each year 

of coverage beyond 60 quarters for the voluntarily insured. 

For each year that a claim is made before age 50, the 

insured is credited with a 6-month coverage period.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to twice the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

The disability pension is reassessed if the insured recovers 

partially or totally.

The disability pension ceases at age 53 (age 55 if voluntarily insured) and is replaced by the old-age pension.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the average salary and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system. 

(The last adjustment was made in 2008.)

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 50% of the pension the deceased received or would have been entitled to 

receive. If there is more than one widow, the pension is split 

equally.

Orphan’s pension: Each dependent orphan receives 10% 

of the pension the deceased received or would have been 

entitled to receive.

The value of the orphan’s pension must not be less than the 

value of family allowances (see Family Allowances, below).

The total orphan’s pension must not exceed 50% of 

the pension the deceased received or would have been 

entitled to receive; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

Survivor allowance: A lump sum of 1 month of the 

deceased’s old-age pension (calculated based on 156 months 

of coverage; 80 quarters of coverage for the survivor of a 

voluntarily insured person) is paid for each 6-month period 

of coverage. If there is more than one widow, the allowance 

is split equally.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the average salary and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system. 

(The last adjustment was made in 2008.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, and Aged Persons (http://www.mdeveloppementsocial.gov.ml) provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, 

the National Social Insurance Institute administers the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current laws: 1999 (social insurance); and 1999 (voluntary 

coverage), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity and 

medical benefits only.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants, magistrates, and armed 

forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: A voluntary contribution of 2% of 

wage class earnings, according to five wage classes.

The above contributions finance medical benefits only. 

Maternity cash benefits are financed under Family Allowances, below.

The minimum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 125,000 CFA francs a quarter.

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,000,000 CFA francs a quarter.

Employer: 2% of gross payroll.

The above contributions finance medical benefits only. 

Maternity cash benefits are financed under Family Allowances, below.

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

The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.
120 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Mali

Cash maternity benefits: The mother must reside in Mali 

and have at least 9 consecutive months of insured employment based on at least 18 days or 120 hours of work a 

month; at least two 6-month periods of coverage for voluntarily insured self-employed women.

Birth leave: Paid to a father in insured employment for the 

birth of a child. The benefit is not paid for a stillborn child.

Medical benefits: Must be in insured employment or voluntarily insured.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. 

(Employers are required to provide paid sick leave for 

employees.)

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

employed mother’s last earnings. The benefit is paid for 

6 weeks before and 8 weeks after (11 weeks in the event 

of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth) the 

expected date of childbirth.

Birth leave: The benefit is equal to 100% of the father’s 

last earnings. The benefit is paid for any 3 days in the first 

15 days after childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical care and some health and welfare services are provided through the joint interemployer medical services program operated by the National Social Insurance Institute.

Insured and voluntarily insured women receive necessary 

medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Medical care and some health and welfare services are 

provided to the dependents of insured and the voluntarily 

insured through the joint interemployer medical services program operated by the National Social Insurance 

Institute.

Eligible dependents are the spouse and dependent children 

of the insured.

The wife of an insured or voluntarily insured person 

receives medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, and Aged Persons (http://www.mdeveloppementsocial.gov.ml) provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, 

the National Social Insurance Institute administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current laws: 1999 (social insurance); and 1999 (voluntary 

coverage), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including temporary and seasonal 

workers, members of production cooperatives, nonsalaried 

managers of cooperatives and their assistants, apprentices, 

students at technical schools, managers of companies 

under certain conditions, and prisoners working in prison 

workshops.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and seamen.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions of 

between 1% and 4% of gross earnings, according to the 

assessed degree of risk.

The minimum earnings for voluntary contribution calculation purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage.

The maximum earnings for voluntary contribution calculation purposes are equal to 10 times the legal minimum 

wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

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

assessed degree of risk.

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

The maximum earnings for voluntary contribution calculation purposes are equal to 10 times the legal minimum 

wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 121

Mali

Temporary Disability Benefits

The monthly benefit is equal to 100% of the insured’s last 

earnings. The benefit is paid from the day after the disability began until full recovery or certification of permanent 

disability.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes 

are equal to the legal minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits may be adjusted according to 

changes in the average salary and the legal minimum wage 

after 2 months of payment.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the monthly pension is equal to 100% 

of the insured’s average earnings in the year before the disability began.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the disability pension is paid.

The maximum pension is equal to 20 times the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to the insured’s 

average earnings in the year before the disability began 

multiplied by 0.5 times the assessed degree of disability 

for the portion of disability between 10% and 50% and by 

1.5 times the assessed degree of disability for the portion 

greater than 50%. The pension is paid as a lump sum if the 

assessed disability is less than 10%.

For an assessed degree of disability of at least 10%, the 

minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to 1.3 times the legal minimum wage.

Only 33.3% of earnings over 10 times the legal minimum wage are taken into account for benefit calculation 

purposes. The maximum earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 28 times the legal minimum wage.

If the assessed degree of disability is 100%, pensions are 

paid monthly; if the assessed degree of disability is 75% 

to 99%, monthly or quarterly; otherwise, quarterly or 

annually.

If the assessed degree of disability is greater than 20%, the 

pension may be partially paid as a lump sum after receiving 

the pension for 5 years; if the assessed degree of disability 

is 20% or less, the total remaining pension may be paid as a 

lump sum after receiving the pension for 5 years.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examinations by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund every 6 months during the first 

2 years; thereafter, once a year.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the average salary and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system. 

(The last adjustment was made in 2008.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 

30% of the deceased’s average earnings in the year before 

the disability began, if the marriage occurred before the 

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

pension is split equally.

Remarriage settlement: On remarriage, the widow(er)’s 

pension ceases and a lump sum is paid equal to 3 years of 

pension, except if the widow(er) has a child receiving an 

orphan’s pension.

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

in the year before the disability began is paid for each of the 

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

for each full orphan. Eligible orphans must be younger than 

age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or with a 

disability).

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

receives 10% of the deceased’s average earnings in the year 

before the disability began, up to 30%.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to 1.3 times the legal minimum wage.

Only 33% of earnings over 10 times the legal minimum 

wage are taken into account for benefit calculation purposes. The maximum earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 28 times the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is equal to 28,460 CFA 

francs.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the year before the disability 

began; otherwise, all pensions are reduced proportionately.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial is paid, up to 25% of 

the legal annual minimum wage.

The legal annual minimum wage is equal to 341,520 CFA 

francs.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted for changes in the 

average salary and the legal minimum wage, depending on 

the financial resources of the system. (The last adjustment 

was made in 2008.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, and Aged Persons (http://www.mdeveloppementsocial.gov.ml) provides 

general supervision.
122 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Mali

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, the 

National Social Insurance Institute administers contributions and benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current laws: 1999 (social insurance); and 1999 (voluntary 

coverage), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees with one or more children.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: A voluntary contribution of 8% of 

wage class earnings, according to five wage classes.

The above contributions also finance maternity cash benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

The minimum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 125,000 CFA francs a quarter.

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,000,000 CFA francs a quarter.

Employer: 8% of gross payroll.

The above contributions also finance maternity cash benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

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

The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,460 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

Government: Provides subsidies to cover any deficits; 

contributes as an employer for public-sector employees who 

are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be older than 

12 months and younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, 

age 21 if a student or with a disability). Preschool children 

must undergo prescribed medical examinations. The parent 

must have at least 9 consecutive months of covered employment and be currently working at least 18 days or 120 hours 

a month; at least 6 months of coverage for a voluntarily 

insured parent.

The benefit is also paid to social insurance pensioners and 

to the widow(er) of a beneficiary.

The benefit is payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Prenatal allowance: Paid to an insured woman or the wife 

of an insured man. The woman must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid to an insured woman or the wife of an 

insured man. The woman must undergo prescribed medical 

examinations.

Marriage allowance: Paid to an insured person when marrying for the first time. (Voluntarily insured persons are not 

eligible.)

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 1,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child.

Prenatal allowance: 8,235 CFA francs is paid. The 

allowance is paid in three installments: 1,830 CFA francs, 

3,660 CFA francs, and 2,745 CFA francs.

Birth grant: 10,980 CFA francs is paid for each birth. The 

grant is paid in three installments: 50% of the total grant 

at birth, 25% of the grant when the child is aged 6 months, 

and 25% when the child is aged 12 months.

Marriage allowance: A lump sum of 9,155 CFA francs is 

paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits were last adjusted in 2003.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, and Aged Persons (http://www.mdeveloppementsocial.gov.ml) provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director general, 

the National Social Insurance Institute administers the 

program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 123

Mauritania

Mauritania

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 260 ouguiyas.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965.

Current law: 1967 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Wage earners, including temporary and occasional workers, seamen, household workers, trainees, apprentices, and 

technical college students.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2% of covered monthly payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men) or age 55 (women) with at 

least 20 years of coverage, including at least 60 months of 

contributions in the last 10 years (including contributions 

made under the previous program). The pensionable age 

is reduced by 5 years if the insured is prematurely aged. 

Employment must cease.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Paid at age 60 (men) or age 55 

(women) if the insured does not meet the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Disability pension: Paid if the insured is assessed with a 

permanent loss of earning capacity of at least 66.7% and 

has at least 5 years of coverage, including at least 6 months 

of contributions in the last 12 months. There is no qualifying period if the disability is the result of a nonoccupational 

accident.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased was a pensioner, met the qualifying conditions for 

an old-age pension or a disability pension, or had at least 

180 months of coverage at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased did not meet the qualifying conditions for a 

pension.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 50 or older or disabled 

or a dependent, disabled widower and children younger 

than age 14 (age 21 if a student, no limit if disabled).

Old-Age Benefits

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

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) plus 1.33% of average 

monthly earnings for each 12-month period of coverage 

exceeding 180 months, up to 80%.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

The highest regional minimum wage is 9,559 ouguiyas.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 

financial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in January 1998.)

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of wages for each year of coverage.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Permanent Disability Benefits

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

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) plus 1.33% of average 

monthly earnings for each 12-month period of coverage 

beyond 180 months, up to 80%. For each year that a claim 

is made before the normal retirement age, the insured is 

credited with a 6-month coverage period.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.
124 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Mauritania

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the highest 

regional minimum wage.

The highest regional minimum wage is 9,559 ouguiyas.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the pension is 

paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 

financial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in January 1998.)

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 50% of the 

deceased’s pension.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 25% of 

the deceased’s pension; 40% for each full orphan.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the deceased’s pension for each 6-month period of 

coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 

financial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in January 1998.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Employment, Youth, and Sport 

provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Security 

Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1952 (cash maternity benefits) and 1963 (medical benefits).

Current laws: 1967 (cash maternity benefits) and 1976 

(medical benefits).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity 

and medical benefits only.

Coverage

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: Employed women.

Medical benefits: Employed persons covered under the 

labor code and their dependents.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2% of covered monthly payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

The employer contributions finance medical benefits only. 

Cash maternity benefits are financed under Family Allowances, below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

12 months of coverage and 54 days or 360 hours of employment in the last 3 months.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average daily earnings in the 3 months before 

work ceased. The benefit is paid for up to 14 weeks, including 8 weeks after the date of childbirth.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Employers provide medical services for employees through 

the employer medical service program or through the joint 

interemployer medical service program for firms with fewer 

than 750 workers.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Employers provide medical services for employees’ dependents through the employer medical service program or 

through the joint interemployer medical service program 

for firms with fewer than 750 workers.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children under Family Allowances, below.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Employment, Youth, and Sport 

provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Security 

Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 125

Mauritania

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current law: 1967 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Wage earners, including temporary and occasional workers, seamen, household workers, trainees, apprentices, and 

technical college students.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 3% of covered monthly payroll; 2.5% of gross 

monthly payroll if the employer provides medical care and 

temporary disability benefits.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 66.7% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings. The benefit is paid from the day after the disability began until full recovery or certification of permanent 

disability.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 85% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

50% of the pension is paid.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension is 

paid according to the assessed degree of disability; if the 

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

is paid equal to 3 years of pension.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 

financial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in October 1975.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

house calls, medicines, appliances, transportation, and 

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: A widow or a widower with a disability 

receives 20% of the deceased’s average monthly earnings.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 14 

(age 21 if an apprentice, a student, or disabled) receives 

10% of the deceased’s average monthly earnings; 15% for 

each full orphan.

Orphans are also entitled to benefits under Family Allowances, below.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

dependent parent and grandparent receives 10% of the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 30 days of the 

deceased’s earnings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Employment, Youth, and Sport 

provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Security 

Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965.

Current law: 1967 (social security).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.
126 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Mauritania

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8% of covered monthly payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 70,000 ouguiyas.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

The employer contributions also finance cash maternity 

benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 14 

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

must work at least 18 days a month or be the widow of a 

beneficiary.

Prenatal allowance grant: The mother must undergo prescribed medical examinations.

Birth grant: The mother and child must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 300 ouguiyas a month is paid for each 

child.

Prenatal allowance: 240 ouguiyas is paid for each month 

of pregnancy. The allowance is paid in three equal parts.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 2,880 ouguiyas is paid for each 

of the first three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on the 

financial resources of the National Social Security Fund. 

(The last adjustment was made in 1992.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Civil Service, Employment, Youth, and Sport 

provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board, the National Social Security 

Fund administers the program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 127

Mauritius

Mauritius

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 31.75 rupees.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1950.

Current law: 1976 (national pensions), with amendments.

Type of program: Universal and social insurance system.

Coverage

Basic pension (universal): All persons residing in 

Mauritius.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): All private- and public-sector employees older than age 18 and 

citizens of Mauritius; noncitizens with valid work permits 

who have resided in Mauritius for at least 2 years.

Voluntary coverage under the earnings-related program for 

those not covered compulsorily, including self-employed 

and nonemployed persons.

Special systems for public-sector employees and certain 

occupations with equivalent private programs.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Basic pension (universal): None.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): 3% or 5% of 

earnings (depending on employer agreement, frequency 

of wages, and employment sector). Nonemployed persons 

may contribute voluntarily with monthly contributions of 

80 rupees to 520 rupees.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,440 rupees; 900 rupees for household 

workers.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 9,435 rupees.

Self-employed person

Basic pension (universal): None.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): Voluntary 

monthly contributions of 80 rupees to 520 rupees

Employer

Basic pension (universal): None.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): 6% of payroll; 8.5% of payroll on behalf of employees contributing 

at the higher rate; 10.5% of payroll for millers and large 

employers in the sugar industry.

The employer’s contributions also finance work injury 

benefits.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,440 rupees; 900 rupees for household 

workers.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 9,435 rupees.

Government

Basic pension (universal): The total cost.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): Any deficit.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Basic old-age pension (universal): Age 60. Mauritian 

nationals must have resided in Mauritius for at least 

12 years after age 18. There is no residence requirement 

if aged 70 or older. Noncitizens must have resided in the 

country for at least 15 years since age 40, including the 

3 years immediately before the date of claim. Retirement is 

not necessary.

The basic old-age pension is payable abroad only under 

reciprocal agreement.

Carer’s allowance (universal): Paid to beneficiaries of the 

basic old-age pension assessed with a disability of at least 

60% and in need of the constant care and attention of 

another person.

Inmate allowance (universal): Paid to individuals confined 

to government-subsidized institutions, provided that they 

would have been entitled to a basic old-age pension before 

their admission to the institution.

Earnings-related pension (social insurance): Age 60 and 

insured. Retirement is not necessary. There is no minimum 

qualifying period, but contributions must be made in the 

last year. The retirement age for the earnings-related pension is rising gradually to age 65 by 2018.

Deferred pension: The pension may be deferred until 

5 years after the normal age of retirement.

The earnings-related pension is payable abroad.

Disability pension

Basic disability pension (universal): Paid if the insured is 

aged 15 to 59 and assessed with a disability of at least 60% 

that is expected to last for at least 12 months. There is no 

residence requirement for Mauritian nationals; noncitizens 

must reside in Mauritius for at least 5 of the last 10 years, 

including one year immediately before the claim is made.

The disability is assessed by a Ministry medical board.

Carer’s allowance (universal): Paid to beneficiaries of the 

basic disability pension who need the constant care and 
128 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Mauritius

attention of another person. The allowance is paid for children with disabilities younger than age 15 if their parents’ 

annual income does not exceed 150,000 rupees.

Child allowance (universal): Paid for the first three children 

of a basic disability pensioner. Children must be younger 

than age 15 (age 20 if a full-time student).

Earnings-related disability pension (social insurance): Paid 

if the insured is assessed with a disability of at least 60% 

that is expected to last for at least 12 months.

The disability is assessed by a Ministry medical board.

The earnings-related pension is payable abroad.

Survivor pension

Basic widow pension (universal): Paid to widows younger 

than age 60 (widowers are not eligible). Noncitizen widows 

must reside in Mauritius for at least 5 of the last 10 years, 

including one year immediately before the claim is made.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Child allowance (universal): Paid for the first three children 

of a basic widow pensioner. Children must be younger than 

age 15 (age 20 if a full-time student).

The child allowance does not cease if the widow remarries.

Orphan’s pension (universal): Paid to a full orphan younger 

than age 15 (age 20 if a full-time student).

Guardian allowance (universal): Paid to the orphan’s guardian. If the guardian is a noncitizen, he or she must reside in 

Mauritius for at least 5 of the last 10 years, including one 

year immediately before the claim is made.

Earnings-related widow pension (social insurance): The 

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

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Earnings-related orphan’s pension (social insurance): Paid 

to a full orphan younger than age 15 (age 18 if a fulltime student) if either of the deceased parents had paid 

contributions.

The earnings-related pension is payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension

Basic old-age pension (universal): The monthly value of the 

pension increases with age. For ages 60 to 89, 2,802 rupees 

a month is paid; for ages 90 to 99, 8,335 rupees; for 

ages 100 or older, 9,461 rupees.

Carer’s allowance: 1,766 rupees a month is paid in addition 

to the basic old-age pension.

Inmate allowance: 433 rupees a month is paid.

Earnings-related old-age pension (social insurance): The 

pension is calculated based on 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: Benefits are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension

Basic disability pension (universal): 2,523 rupees a month is 

paid.

Carer’s allowance: 1,528 rupees a month is paid.

Child allowance: 818 rupees a month is paid for a child 

younger than age 10; 876 rupees if aged 10 or older.

Earnings-related disability pension (social insurance): The 

pension is calculated based on the number of years of contributions and the insured’s average basic wages.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension

Basic widow pension (universal): 2,523 rupees a month is 

paid.

Child allowance: 818 rupees a month is paid for a child 

younger than age 10; 876 rupees a month for a child aged 10 

or older.

Orphan’s pension (universal): 1,398 rupees a month is paid 

for a full orphan younger than age 15 (age 20 if a full-time 

student).

Guardian allowance (universal): 616 rupees a month is paid 

to the person rearing an orphan.

Earnings-related widow pension (social insurance): The 

pension is calculated based on the number of years of 

contributions and the insured’s average basic wages. The 

pension is reduced by 33.3% if the widow does not have a 

dependent child.

There is no minimum pension.

Remarriage settlement (social insurance): A lump sum is 

paid equal to 12 months of the widow pension.

Earnings-related orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s 

pension is paid for a full orphan.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and 

Senior Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions (http://

socialsecurity.gov.mu) provides general supervision.

National Pensions Board, composed of government, 

employer, and employee representatives, advises the 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 129

Mauritius

Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Senior 

Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions.

Ministry of Finance (http://mof.gov.mu) is responsible for 

the investment of surplus assets of the National Pensions 

Fund.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided.

The 2008 Employment Rights Act requires employers to 

provide up to 15 days of paid sick leave to employees who 

have been in their continuous employment for at least 

12 months.

The 2008 Employment Rights Act requires employers to 

provide 12 weeks of paid maternity leave (at least 6 weeks 

after the expected date of childbirth) or 5 days of paid 

paternity leave to employees who have been in their continuous employment for at least 12 months.

Medical services are available free to the population at 

government clinics and hospitals. (Some mother and child 

health services and financial assistance to needy persons 

are provided under family allowances.)

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1931.

Current law: 1976 (national pensions), with amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employees aged 15 or older in insured employment.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons and persons working 

exclusively on weekends or public holidays.

Special systems for public-sector employees and certain 

other occupations.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If the insured has a total temporary disability, the benefit is 

equal to 80% of the insured’s monthly earnings. The benefit 

is paid from the third week of incapacity. The employer 

pays 100% of the insured’s earnings for the first 2 weeks. 

The maximum period of payment is 36 months from the 

date of the accident; may be extended if surgery is required.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured has a total 

temporary disability and requires the constant attendance 

of others to perform daily functions, 472 rupees a month is 

paid.

The degree of disability is assessed by a Ministry medical 

board.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: If the insured has a total 

permanent disability, the pension is equal to 80% of 

monthly insurable earnings.

Workers aged 52 to 60 with a total disability may choose to 

receive a lump-sum payment. The lump sum is calculated 

based on the assessed degree of disability multiplied by the 

insured’s average annual earnings multiplied by the number 

of years for which the pension is awarded, up to 8 years.

Partial disability: The insured must be assessed with a 

disability of at 1%. The pension is equal to 65% of the 

insured’s monthly insurable earnings multiplied by 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 based on the 

assessed degree of disability multiplied by the insured’s 

average annual earnings multiplied by the number of years 

for which the pension is awarded, up to 8 years.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured has a total 

permanent disability and requires the constant attendance 

of others to perform daily functions, 472 rupees a month is 

paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, medicines, appliances, transportation, and the cost of 

private clinical expenses up to 4,000 rupees.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the deceased’s earnings is paid 

to a widow; 60% to a widower with a permanent disability.

The widow(er) pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of either deceased parent’s average monthly insured earnings (whichever amount is greater) 

is paid for each full orphan younger than age 15 (age 18 if a 

full-time student).
130 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Mauritius

Dependent’s pension: In the absence of a surviving 

spouse, a dependent person living in the insured’s household receives 472 rupees a month.

Funeral grant: In the absence of survivors, the cost of the 

burial is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and 

Senior Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions (http://

socialsecurity.gov.mu) administers the program.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1983 (unemployment), with amendments; and 2008 (employment).

Type of program: Social assistance and social insurance 

system.

Coverage

Social assistance: Heads of households younger than 

age 60 and their dependents.

Social insurance: Employed persons.

Exclusions: Public officers, including employees of 

parastatal and local authorities; part-time workers; selfemployed persons; and migrant workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person:

Social assistance: None.

Social insurance: 1% of basic wages.

Self-employed person:

Social assistance: None.

Social insurance: Not applicable.

Employer:

Social assistance: None.

Social insurance: None.

Government:

Social assistance: The total cost.

Social insurance: Up to 50% of the cost of the workfare 

benefit.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefits (social assistance): The claimant must be willing and able to work, actively seeking 

employment, and registered as unemployed for at least 

30 days at the employment exchange. The benefit is 

income-tested.

Workfare benefit (social insurance): The claimant must 

be laid off or fired from work due to economic, technological, or structural reasons affecting the enterprise; illegal 

termination of the employment agreement; misconduct; 

or poor performance. The claimant must have at least 

6 months of continuous employment with the employer at 

the time of dismissal and be registered with the Permanent 

Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations 

and Employment within 7 days of the dismissal.

Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment hardship relief benefit (social assistance): Up to 308 rupees a month is paid.

Spouse allowance (social assistance): Up to 308 rupees a 

month is paid for a spouse.

Child allowance (social assistance): 124 rupees a month is 

paid for each child younger than age 10; 148 rupees for each 

child aged 10 to 14; and 207 rupees for each child aged 15 

to 19 who is a full-time student or disabled and dependent.

Rent allowance (social assistance): An amount equal to 50% 

of the claimant’s rent is paid, up to 243 rupees.

The minimum unemployment hardship relief benefit is 

178 rupees.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Workfare benefit (social insurance): 90% of the insured’s 

basic wage is paid for the first 3 months; 60% is paid for the 

next 3 months; 30% thereafter, up to a total of 12 months.

The minimum workfare benefit is 3,000 rupees a month.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and 

Senior Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions (http://

socialsecurity.gov.mu) administers the program.

Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment 

(http://labour.gov.mu) administers the workfare program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1961 (family allowances) and 2003 

(social aid).

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Family allowances: Needy families with three or more 

children.

Social aid benefits: Needy individuals and families.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 131

Mauritius

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances (income-tested): Children must be 

younger than age 15. Families must satisfy an income test.

Social aid benefits (income-tested): Individuals and 

families who satisfy an income test.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances (income-tested): A monthly benefit of 

50 rupees is paid for families with three or more children 

younger than age 15 and with annual family income less 

than 10,000 rupees.

Social aid benefits (income-tested)

Claimant allowance: Up to 959 rupees a month is paid.

Spouse allowance: Up to 959 rupees a month is paid.

Child allowance: Up to 373 rupees a month is paid for 

each child younger than age 10; 456 rupees for each child 

aged 10 to 14; 589 rupees for each child aged 15 to 19 who 

is a full-time student; 959 rupees for each child aged 15 

to 19 who is disabled and not receiving a benefit under the 

National Pension Act.

Compassionate allowance: Up to 569 rupees a month is 

paid to persons suffering from a serious illness certified by 

a medical doctor.

Rent allowance: An amount equal to 50% of the rent is 

paid, up to 723 rupees.

Medical benefits: Social aid beneficiaries are eligible for 

free medical services, a carer’s allowance, and a refund of 

costs for traveling to attend medical treatment.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 3,608 rupees is paid for the 

cost of the funeral for the claimant or his or her dependents.

The minimum social aid benefit is 681 rupees a month.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually in July 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and 

Senior Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions (http://

socialsecurity.gov.mu) administers the program.
132 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Morocco

Morocco

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 8.38 dirhams.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current laws: 1972 (social security scheme), 1981 (agricultural and forestry workers), and 2004 (early retirement).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers and apprentices in industry, commerce, 

forestry, agricultural cooperatives, and associations; 

persons employed by landlords, craftsmen, and certain 

categories of self-employed persons; and certain categories 

of fishermen.

Voluntary coverage for previously insured persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and for certain other 

categories of employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.96% of gross monthly earnings.

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

The legal minimum monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in 

the agricultural sector and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7.93% of gross monthly payroll.

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

The legal minimum monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in 

the agricultural sector and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 55 for miners with at least 

5 years of underground work) with at least 3,240 days of 

coverage. Retirement from employment is necessary.

Insured persons who do not meet the coverage qualifying 

condition at the normal age of retirement can continue to 

work or contribute on a voluntary basis.

Early pension: An early pension may be paid at age 55 with 

at least 3,240 days of coverage if the employer agrees to pay 

the National Social Security Fund an amount equivalent to 

the value of the pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a total loss of earning capacity resulting from a nonoccupational injury and have at least 1,080 days of coverage, 

including at least 108 days in the 12 calendar months before 

the disability began. There is no minimum qualifying 

period for a disability resulting from an accident.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the contribution 

conditions for the disability pension or was a pensioner at 

the time of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er) and orphans younger 

than age 15 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student, no 

limit if disabled).

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 96 months 

plus 1% of average monthly earnings for every 216 days of 

insurance exceeding 3,240 days, up to 70%.

The maximum average monthly earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

The minimum pension is 600 dirhams.

The maximum pension is equal to 70% of average monthly 

earnings.

Benefits are paid monthly or quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in March 2008.)

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 96 months 

plus 1% of average monthly earnings for every 216 days of 

insurance exceeding 3,240 days, up to 70%.

The maximum average monthly earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

The minimum pension is 600 dirhams.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 133

Morocco

The maximum pension is equal to 70% of average monthly 

earnings.

Constant-attendance supplement: 10% of average monthly 

earnings is paid.

Benefits are paid monthly or quarterly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in March 2008.)

Survivor Benefits

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

the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

for each eligible orphan; 50% for each full orphan.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension.

Funeral grant: 12,000 dirhams are paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in March 2002.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (http://

www.emploi.gov.ma) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the 

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ma) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1959.

Current laws: 1972 (social security scheme); 1981 (agricultural and forestry workers); and 2002 (basic health coverage), implemented in 2005.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers and apprentices in industry, commerce, 

forestry, agricultural cooperatives, and associations; 

persons employed by landlords, craftsmen, and certain 

categories of self-employed persons; and certain categories 

of fishermen.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and for certain other 

categories of employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 0.33% of gross monthly earnings for sickness insurance plus 2% for the basic health care system.

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

The legal minimum monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in 

the agricultural sector and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 0.67% of gross monthly payroll for sickness 

insurance plus 3% for the basic health care system.

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

The legal minimum monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in 

the agricultural sector and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes for sickness insurance only are 6,000 dirhams. There is no maximum for the basic health care 

system.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: For the first claim, the insured 

must have at least 54 days of contributions in the previous 

6 calendar months of coverage; at least 6 days of contributions for subsequent claims. There is no minimum qualifying period for a nonoccupational accident.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

54 days of contributions in the 10 calendar months before 

the expected date of childbirth.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 66.7% of the 

average daily covered wage received during the 6 months 

before the incapacity began for a first claim; during any of 

the last three months before the incapacity began for subsequent claims (whichever amount is greater). The benefit is 

paid from the fourth day of incapacity.

The minimum benefit is equal to 66.7% of the legal minimum wage.

The legal minimum monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in 

the agricultural sector and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum average monthly earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

average daily covered wage received in the 6 calendar 

months before the expected date of childbirth. The benefit 

is paid for up to 14 weeks.

The minimum benefit is 66.7% of the legal minimum wage.
134 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Morocco

The legal minimum monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in 

the agricultural sector and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

The maximum average monthly earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 6,000 dirhams.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Basic health care is provided.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Basic health care is provided.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (http://

www.emploi.gov.ma) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the 

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ma) administers the program.

National Sickness Insurance Agency (ANAM; http://www

.assurancemaladie.ma) supervises the basic health care 

system. ANAM is administered by a board headed by the 

prime minister and comprises representatives of government, employers, trade unions, and sickness insurance 

funds. Care providers are not represented on the board but 

may provide advice if consulted.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1927.

Current law: 1963.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Salaried workers.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision of benefits or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 50% of the insured’s covered earnings during the first 28 days; thereafter, 66.7% of earnings. 

The benefit is paid from the day after the disability began 

until full recovery or certification of permanent disability.

The minimum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 16,474 dirhams.

The maximum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 65,507 dirhams.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average insurable earnings.

Partial disability: The pension is calculated based on the 

insured’s average insurable 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 for the 

portion greater than 50%.

For an assessed degree of disability of less than 10%, a 

lump sum is paid.

The minimum annual pension is 16,474 dirhams.

The maximum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 65,507 dirhams.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the disability pension is paid.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, and hospital care; medicines; and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 30% of the deceased’s average covered 

earnings is paid to a widow younger than age 60; 50% if 

aged 60 or older.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s average insurable earnings is paid for each of the first two orphans 

younger than age 16 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or disabled) and 10% for each additional orphan; 

20% for each full orphan.

Other eligible survivors (in the absence of the above):

Parents, grandparents, and certain other dependents may 

receive cash benefits.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s average insurable earnings.

The maximum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 65,507 dirhams.

Funeral grant: The employer pays the full cost of the 

burial.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 135

Morocco

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (http://

www.emploi.gov.ma) provides general supervision and 

enforces the law through its Work Accident Service.

Courts award benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1942 and 1959.

Current law: 1972 (social security scheme).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Salaried workers and apprentices in industry, commerce, 

and agriculture; and persons employed by craftsmen or by 

certain categories of self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special systems for civil servants and for certain categories 

of employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6.4% of gross payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The insured must have at least 

108 days of contributions in the previous 6 months of coverage, with earnings of at least 60% of the legal minimum 

wage.

The legal minimum monthly wage is 1,183.00 dirhams in 

the agricultural sector and 1,841.84 dirhams in the nonagricultural sector.

Eligible children must be younger than age 12 (age 18 if an 

apprentice, age 21 if a student or a female relative caring for 

at least two infants in the insured’s household, no limit if 

disabled). The child must reside in Morocco.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 200 dirhams a month is paid for each 

of the first three children; 36 dirhams a month for each 

additional child up to the sixth.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically. (The 

last adjustment was made in July 2008.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (http://

www.emploi.gov.ma) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite board and director general, the 

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.ma) administers the program.

Employers may pay allowances provided by the National 

Social Security Fund directly to employees.
136 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Niger

Niger

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1967 (old age, disability, and survivors), with 1989, 1998, and 2008 amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, technical students, and apprentices.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1.6% of covered earnings.

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

The legal minimum wage is 28,847 CFA francs a month.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 250,000 CFA francs.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.4% of covered payroll.

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

The legal minimum wage is 28,847 CFA francs a month.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 250,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 58 for covered public-sector 

workers, age 55 if prematurely aged) and registered with 

the National Social Security Fund for at least 20 years with 

at least 60 months of coverage in the last 10 years. Retirement from employment is necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Age 60 (age 58 for covered publicsector workers, age 55 if prematurely aged) and does not 

meet the qualifying conditions for the old-age pension. 

Retirement from employment is necessary.

The settlement is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a loss of earning capacity of at least 66.7%, have been 

registered with the National Social Security Fund for at 

least 5 years, and have at least 6 months of coverage in the 

12 months before the disability began. The disability must 

be the result of an accident.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying conditions for the old-age pension or disability pension, was a 

pensioner at the time of death, or had at least 180 months of 

coverage.

Eligible survivors are a widow or a dependent, disabled 

widower who was married to the deceased at least a year 

before the insured’s date of death and orphans younger 

than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or 

disabled).

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

An orphan receiving the pension may not receive family 

allowances.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor settlement: The deceased did not meet the qualifying conditions for a disability pension and had fewer than 

180 months of coverage.

The survivor settlement can be paid with family 

allowances.

Old-Age Benefits

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

insured’s average covered earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) plus 1.33% of average covered earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 180 months, up to 80%.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,847 CFA francs.

The pension is paid quarterly.

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the insured’s average covered earnings in the last 3 or 

5 years (whichever is higher) for each year of coverage.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 137

Niger

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system.

Permanent Disability Benefits

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

insured’s average covered earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) plus 1.33% of average 

covered earnings for every 12-month period of coverage 

exceeding 180 months, up to 80%. A 6-month coverage 

period is credited for each year that a claim is made before 

the normal retirement age.

The minimum pension is equal to 60% of the legal minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 28,847 CFA francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the disability pension is paid.

The disability pension ceases at normal retirement age and 

is replaced by an old-age pension of the same value.

The insured may be required to undergo a medical examination by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund every 6 months in the first 2 years; 

thereafter, once a year.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: An eligible widow(er) receives 50% of 

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

pension is split equally.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 25% of 

the deceased’s pension; 40% for each full orphan.

The value of the orphan’s pension must not be less than the 

value of family allowances.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension; otherwise, the pensions are reduced 

proportionately.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the pension the deceased would have been entitled to 

with at least 180 months of coverage for each 6-month 

period of coverage. If there is more than one widow, the 

allowance is split equally.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration and Labor provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1952.

Current law: 1965 (family and maternity benefits), with 

1969 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity 

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women.

Exclusions: Self-employed women.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are provided. (The labor code requires employers to provide paid 

sick leave.)

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have worked 

for the current employer for at least 2 years.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s last earnings (the employer pays 50% of the 

benefit). The benefit is paid for 6 weeks before and 8 weeks 

after the expected date of childbirth; may be extended for 

up to 3 weeks in the event of complications arising from 

pregnancy or childbirth.

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

No statutory benefits are provided. (Some health and welfare services are provided to mothers and children under 

Family Allowances, below.)
138 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Niger

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration and Labor provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1961.

Current law: 1965 (work injury benefits), with 1967 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including self-employed persons, technical students, apprentices, members of production cooperatives, nonsalaried managers of cooperatives and their 

assistants, managers and directors of commercial enterprises, and prisoners working in prison workshops.

Voluntary coverage for all work injury benefits is possible, 

except for the temporary disability benefit.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: 2% of covered annual earnings.

The minimum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to the legal minimum wage multiplied by 1.4.

The legal minimum monthly wage is 28,847 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 250,000 CFA francs.

Employer: 2% of covered payroll.

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

The legal minimum monthly wage is 28,847 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 250,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The daily benefit is equal to 50% of the insured’s average 

daily earnings in the month before the disability began 

for the first 28 days; thereafter, 66.7%. The benefit is paid 

from the day after the disability began until full recovery or 

certification of permanent disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the monthly pension is equal to 

100% of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 

12 months.

The minimum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 476,300 CFA francs.

The maximum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 5,874,400 CFA francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the insured’s pension is paid.

Partial disability: For an assessed degree of disability 

greater than 10%, the pension is equal to the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 12 months multiplied by 

0.5 times the assessed degree of disability for the portion 

of disability between 10% and 50% and by 1.5 times the 

assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability 

greater than 50%.

If the assessed degree of disability is less than 10%, a lump 

sum is paid.

The partial disability pension is paid monthly, quarterly, or 

annually depending on its value.

The pension may be partially converted to a lump sum after 

receiving the pension for 5 to 7 years, subject to conditions.

The insured may be required to undergo a medical examination by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund every 6 months in the first 2 years; 

thereafter, once a year.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the legal minimum wage.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, transportation, and rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 

30% of the deceased’s earnings used to calculate the disability pension. If there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally.

The pension for a widow(er) without dependent children 

ceases on remarriage and a settlement is paid.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 139

Niger

Remarriage allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to 3 years 

of pension.

Orphan’s pension: The pension is equal to 15% of the 

deceased’s earnings used to calculate the disability pension for each of the first two orphans younger than age 14 

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

10% for each additional orphan; 20% for each full orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

dependent parent and grandparent receives 10% of the 

deceased’s earnings used to calculate the disability pension, 

up to 30%.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s earnings used for calculating the disability pension; otherwise, the pensions are reduced proportionately.

All pensions are paid quarterly.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 15 days of the 

deceased’s earnings used to calculate the disability pension.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to the 

changes in the legal minimum wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration and Labor provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current law: 1965 (family and maternity benefits), with 

1969 amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees and social insurance beneficiaries with one or 

more children.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 11% of covered payroll.

The employer contributions also finance maternity benefits 

under Sickness and Maternity, above.

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

The legal minimum monthly wage is 28,847 CFA francs.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 250,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be at least age 1 or 

younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or disabled). The parent must have at least 6 consecutive months of covered employment and be currently 

working at least 18 days or 120 hours a month or be the 

widow(er) of a beneficiary; an unemployed parent may 

receive allowances for up to 6 months after employment 

ceases.

The child must not receive an orphan’s pension.

If a parent is also eligible to receive family allowances from 

the special system for civil servants, only the higher benefit 

award is paid.

Prenatal allowance: The mother and child must undergo 

three prescribed medical examinations. The allowance is 

paid to an insured woman or to the wife of an insured man.

Maternity allowance: The mother and child must undergo 

prescribed medical examinations.

Birth allowance: Paid for the birth of the insured’s first 

three children.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowance: 1,000 CFA francs a month is paid for 

each child. The allowance is paid quarterly.

Prenatal allowance: 1,000 CFA francs a month is paid 

for 9 months. The allowance is paid in three quarterly 

installments.

Maternity allowance: A lump sum of 10,000 CFA francs 

is paid. The grant is paid in three installments: 

5,000 CFA francs at childbirth; 2,500 CFA francs when 

the child is aged 6 months; and 2,500 CFA francs when the 

child is aged 12 months.

Birth allowance: A lump sum of 10,000 CFA francs is paid 

to the insured for each of the first three births.

Some health and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Administration and Labor provides 

general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.
140 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Nigeria

Nigeria

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 138.9 naira.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1961 (provident fund).

Current law: 2004 (pensions).

Type of program: Mandatory individual account system.

Note: A unified system of mandatory individual accounts 

has been fully implemented for public- and private-sector 

employees and has replaced the former separate systems 

for public- and private-sector workers. New entrants to 

the workforce beginning January 2005 for private-sector 

workers (July 2004 for public-sector workers) must open an 

individual account with a publicly or privately run pension 

fund administrator. When the reform was implemented, 

workers who were covered by the old social insurance 

system were required to switch to the new system unless 

they were within 3 years of retirement. The contributions of 

workers excluded from individual accounts are paid to the 

single publicly operated pension fund administrator. Such 

excluded workers receive a lump sum benefit or periodic 

benefits calculated based on the value of contributions paid 

and life expectancy.

Coverage

All federal public-sector employees (including the military), public-sector employees in the federal capital territory, and private-sector employees working in firms with 

five or more workers.

Voluntary coverage for some excluded categories of workers under specified conditions.

Exclusions: Public-sector employees in state and local 

governments, judges, diplomats, noncitizens covered by an 

equivalent program in another country, self-employed persons, the clergy, private-sector employees working in firms 

with fewer than five workers, and employees within 3 years 

of retirement.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 7.5% of gross salary; 2.5% of gross salary 

for military personnel.

Gross salary includes basic salary, housing allowances, and 

transportation allowances.

Additional voluntary contributions are possible.

There are no maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes.

In addition, pension fund administrators may charge up 

to 100 naira a month and up to 2% of assets per year for 

administrative fees.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7.5% of gross salary; 12.5% of gross salary for 

military personnel.

Gross salary includes basic salary, housing allowances, and 

transportation allowances.

There are no maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes.

Employers must also finance life insurance policies for their 

employees, guaranteeing a lump sum equal to at least three 

times the employee’s annual earnings.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 50 or older; employees in certain categories of employment may retire before age 50. 

Employment must cease.

Guaranteed minimum pension: Paid at retirement to members who have contributed for at least 20 years.

The old-age pension is not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

disability and incapacity for work.

The disability may be reassessed every 2 years by the medical board or a qualified doctor at the insured’s request.

The disability pension is not payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased was eligible for the disability pension or the old-age pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are the deceased’s spouse and children or 

persons named by the deceased; in the absence of a spouse 

and children, the pension is paid to the next-of-kin or the 

administrator of the deceased’s estate.

The survivor pension is not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is based on the insured’s 

contributions plus accrued interest. At retirement, the 

insured may purchase an annuity or receive periodic payments on a monthly or quarterly basis calculated based on 

life expectancy.

The insured can opt to receive a partial lump sum from the 

balance in the individual account, provided that the remaining balance is sufficient to purchase an annuity or fund 

periodic payments equal to at least 50% of annual earnings 

at the date of retirement.

After a 6-month waiting period, insured persons who retire 

before age 50 and who have not started new employment 

may request to receive up to 25% of the balance in their 

individual account as a lump sum.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 141

Nigeria

Guaranteed minimum pension: The value of the guaranteed 

minimum pension is set by the government on the recommendation of the National Pension Commission.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is based on the insured’s 

contributions plus accrued interest. The insured may purchase an annuity or receive periodic payments on a monthly 

or quarterly basis calculated based on life expectancy.

The insured can opt to receive a partial lump sum from 

the balance in the individual account, provided that the 

remaining balance is sufficient to purchase an annuity or 

fund periodic payments equal to at least 50% of the annual 

earnings received at the time the disability began.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The benefit is calculated based on 100% 

of the balance of the deceased’s individual account plus 

the lump sum from the employer-sponsored life insurance 

policy.

The survivor may purchase an annuity or receive periodic 

payments on a monthly or quarterly basis calculated based 

on life expectancy.

The survivor can opt to receive a partial lump sum from the 

balance in the deceased’s individual account, provided that 

the remaining balance is sufficient to purchase an annuity 

or to fund periodic payments equal to at least 50% of the 

deceased’s annual earnings at the time of death.

Administrative Organization

Federal Ministry of Labor provides general supervision.

National Pension Commission (http://www.pencom.gov.ng) 

regulates, supervises, and provides licenses to pension fund 

administrators (PFAs).

Pension fund administrators administer individual 

accounts.

Overseen by a tripartite board, the Trustfund Pensions Plc 

(http://www.trustfundpensions.com) administers all contributions paid previously to the Nigeria Social Insurance 

Trust Fund (NSITF).

Trustfund Pensions Plc also administers contributions of 

workers excluded from individual accounts and administers 

benefits for those who became eligible before the implementation of, or who are excluded under, the 2004 law.

Trustfund Pensions Plc also competes with other PFAs 

to administer individual accounts for new entrants to the 

workforce.

As of June 2009, all former contributors to the NSITF who 

are covered by the new individual account system are permitted to transfer their accumulated contributions from the 

Trustfund Pensions Plc to other licensed PFAs.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory cash benefits for sickness and maternity are 

provided. (The 2004 Pension Reform Act provides enabling 

legislation for the National Social Insurance Trust Fund 

to introduce a social insurance program for sickness and 

maternity benefits.)

The 1999 National Health Insurance Decree provides medical benefits to insured employees of firms with 10 or more 

workers and to public sector employees. The benefits are 

financed by contributions of 5% of basic monthly salary 

from insured persons and 10% of basic monthly salary from 

employers.

Limited free medical care is available to the population 

through public clinics and hospitals.

The labor code requires employers to provide employees 

with up to 12 days of paid sick leave a year and to provide 

paid maternity leave at 50% of wages for 6 weeks before 

and 6 weeks after the expected date of childbirth.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1942 (workmen’s compensation), 

with 1957 and 1987 amendments.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Manual workers and nonmanual employees (including government employees) with earnings below a ceiling.

Exclusions: Agricultural employees or handicraft employees of commercial enterprises normally employing fewer 

than 10 workers, casual workers, self-employed persons, 

and family workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the direct provision of benefits or the payment of insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.
142 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Nigeria

Temporary Disability Benefits

The monthly benefit is paid for up to 24 months: 100% of 

basic pay for 6 months, 50% for the next 3 months, and 25% 

for the next 15 months.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, a lump sum is paid equal to 

54 months of earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, a 

lump sum equal to 25% of the permanent disability benefit 

is paid.

Partial disability: A percentage of the total disability lump 

sum is paid according to the assessed degree of disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits include medical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum is paid equal to 42 months 

of earnings minus any temporary disability benefit already 

paid to the deceased.

Courts determine how the lump sum is split among the 

survivors.

Administrative Organization

Federal Ministry of Labor enforces the law.

Courts participate in the adjudication of benefits and settle 

disputed benefit claims.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided. (The 2004 Pension 

Reform Act provides enabling legislation for the National 

Social Insurance Trust Fund to introduce a social insurance 

program for unemployment benefits. However, the contingencies to be covered and sources of funds have yet to be 

specified.)

For insured persons who contributed under the previous 

provident fund system, the 1961 Provident Fund Act No. 20 

permits limited cash drawdown payments after 1 year of 

unemployment.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 143

Rwanda

Rwanda

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 558.40 francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current laws: 1974 and 2003.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Salaried workers, including permanent, temporary, and 

occasional workers; professional and in-service trainees; 

apprentices; civil servants; political appointees; and government officials.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and for persons who were previously insured for at least 6 consecutive 

months and had mandatory coverage in the last 12 months.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3% of covered earnings; voluntary contributors pay 6% of covered earnings.

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

wage, which varies by sector.

The monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes 

are subject to a maximum.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions of 6% of 

declared income.

The maximum monthly income for contribution calculation 

purposes is 104,000 francs.

Employer: 3% of covered payroll.

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

wage, which varies by sector.

The monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes 

are subject to a maximum.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: From age 55 to age 65 (younger if prematurely aged) with at least 15 years of coverage. Employment must cease.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

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

and ineligible for the old-age pension.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of at least 50% of earning capacity and have 5 years 

of coverage, including 6 months of contributions in the 

12 months before the disability began. There is no minimum qualifying period for a nonoccupational accident.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the Social Fund.

Survivor pension: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased was a pensioner, met the qualifying conditions 

for an old-age pension or a disability pension, or had 

180 months of coverage at the time of death.

Survivor settlement: Paid to eligible survivors if the 

deceased did not meet the qualifying conditions for a 

pension.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18 (age 25 if a student, no limit if disabled), and parents 

(including adoptive parents) in the absence of a surviving 

spouse and orphans.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever amount is greater) plus 2% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

180 months.

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 50% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage, which varies by sector.

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

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) multiplied by the number of 

years of coverage.

If the insured is entitled to two or more pensions (including 

work injury benefits), the highest pension is paid plus half 

the amount of the other benefits.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically by 

presidential decree. (The last adjustment was made in 

April 2002.)

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 3 or 5 years (whichever amount is greater) plus 2% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 180 months. For each year that a claim is made before 

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

period.
144 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Rwanda

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 50% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage, which varies by sector.

Constant-attendance supplement: 40% of the insured’s pension is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically by 

presidential decree. (The last adjustment was made in 

April 2002.)

Survivor Benefits

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

the widow(er).

Orphan’s pension: 25% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

for each eligible orphan; 40% for a full orphan.

The combined receipt of two or more pensions is allowed 

for full orphans.

Dependent parent’s pension (in the absence of other 

eligible survivors): Each eligible parent receives 25% of 

the deceased’s pension.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum equal to 1 month of 

pension for each 6-month period of coverage is paid to the 

widow(er).

Orphan’s settlement: A lump sum equal to 50% of the 

survivor settlement is paid to each eligible orphan. The 

total settlement paid to orphans must not exceed twice the 

survivor settlement.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically by 

presidential decree. (The last adjustment was made in 

April 2002.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (http://www

.minecofin.gov.rw) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, the 

Social Security Fund (http://www.csr.gov.rw) 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 benefits for up to 30 days.

The labor code requires employers to pay 66.7% of wages 

for maternity benefits for up to 12 weeks.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1949 (private sector).

Current laws: 1974 and 2003.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage is not possible.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 75% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the 3 months before the disability began. The 

benefit is paid until full recovery or certification of permanent disability, for up to 180 days.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the Social Fund.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 85% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the 3 months before 

the disability began.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the insured’s pension is paid.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is at 

least 15%, a percentage of the full pension is paid according 

to the assessed degree of disability; if the assessed degree 

of disability is less than 15%, a lump sum is paid equal 

to 3 years of pension, according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

The disability is assessed periodically by a doctor approved 

or appointed by the Social Fund.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 145

Rwanda

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical care, laboratory services, medicines, hospitalization, dental care, eyeglasses, 

appliances, rehabilitation, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s average daily earnings.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 18 

(age 25 if a student, no limit if disabled) receives 15% of the 

deceased’s average daily earnings; 20% for a full orphan.

Other eligible survivors: Each other eligible survivor 

receives 10% of the insured’s average daily earnings.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s permanent disability pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 100 times the 

legal monthly minimum wage, which varies by sector.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (http://www

.minecofin.gov.rw) provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director general, the 

Social Security Fund (http://www.csr.gov.rw) administers 

the program.
146 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé and Principe

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

15,841.75 dobras.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1979.

Current law: 1990 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Household workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of gross earnings.

The insured’s contributions finance old-age, disability, and 

survivor benefits; sickness and maternity benefits; and work 

injury benefits.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions of 7.5% of 

declared earnings, according to six earnings classes.

The self-employed person’s contributions finance old-age, 

disability, and survivor benefits only.

Employer: 6% of gross payroll.

The employer’s contributions finance old-age, disability, 

and survivor benefits; sickness and maternity benefits; and 

work injury benefits.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 62 (men) or age 57 (women) with at 

least 120 months of contributions.

Retirement is not necessary.

Deferred pension: A deferred pension is possible.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

permanent incapacity for all work or with an incapacity for 

usual work of at least a 66.7% and have at least 60 months 

of contributions.

Constant-attendance allowance: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: The deceased was a pensioner or was 

eligible for a pension at the time of death with at least 

60 months of contributions.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18 (no limit with a disability), and dependent parents 

older than age 62 (men) or age 57 (women) or dependent 

and disabled.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18 (no limit if disabled), and dependent parents older 

than age 62 (men) or age 57 (women) or dependent and 

disabled.

Funeral grant: The deceased had at least 12 months of 

contributions or was a pensioner.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The monthly pension is equal to 30% of 

the insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 5 of the 

last 10 calendar years plus 1% of average monthly earnings 

for each year of coverage exceeding 10 years up to 25 years 

plus 2% for each year of coverage exceeding 25 years.

Deferred pension: The pension is increased by 3% for each 

year of coverage after the normal retirement age.

The minimum pension is equal to 30% of the national 

minimum wage.

The pension is paid monthly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to wage 

increases.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The monthly pension is equal to 30% 

of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 5 of 

the last 10 calendar years plus 1% of average monthly 

earnings for each year of coverage exceeding 10 years up 

to 25 years plus 2% for each year of coverage exceeding 

25 years.

At the normal retirement age, the disability pension is 

replaced by the old-age pension.

The minimum pension is equal to 30% of the legal minimum wage.

Constant-attendance allowance: 20% of the pension is paid.

The pension is paid monthly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to wage 

increases.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 60% of the monthly pension the 

deceased received or would have been entitled to receive 

is paid for one dependent survivor; 80% for two; 100% for 

three or more.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 147

São Tomé and Principe

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to the cost of the 

funeral.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Social Security provides 

general supervision.

National Institute of Social Security administers the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1979.

Current law: 1990 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash benefits 

only.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons and household workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: The insured must have at least 

3 months of coverage with at least 60 days of paid contributions immediately before the incapacity began; a total of at 

least 3 months of paid contributions if the insured had not 

contributed in the 12 months before the incapacity began.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

360 days of coverage and at least 10 months of paid contributions before the expected date of childbirth.

Special leave: Paid to a parent to provide care for a sick 

child younger than age 3 or a child of any age with a disability. The insured must have at least 3 months of coverage 

with at least 60 days of contributions immediately before 

the leave began.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 60% of the 

insured’s average daily earnings in the last 2 months and is 

paid after a 3-day waiting period for up to 360 days.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s average daily earnings in the last 12 months and 

is paid for 30 days before and 30 days (45 days for multiple 

births) after the expected date of childbirth.

Special leave: The benefit is equal to 60% of the insured’s 

average daily earnings in the last 2 months. The benefit is 

paid without a waiting period for up to 360 days; the benefit 

may be extended for an additional 180 days for the same 

child 12 months after the end of the first benefit period.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits: No statutory benefits are provided.

Medical care is provided under the public health program.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits for dependents: No statutory benefits 

are provided.

Medical care is provided under the public health program.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Social Security provides 

general supervision.

National Institute of Social Security administers the 

program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1979.

Current law: 1990 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including civil servants and military 

personnel.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.
148 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

São Tomé and Principe

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 100% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings in the 2 months before the disability began for the 

first 30 days and 90% of average daily earnings from the 

31st day up to the 360th day; thereafter, 75% of average 

earnings.

The benefit is paid for up to 24 months.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: The pension is equal to 

50% of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 

5 of the last 10 calendar years plus 2% for each year of 

coverage exceeding 25 years.

The minimum pension is equal to 30% of the legal minimum wage.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits: No statutory benefits are provided.

Medical care is provided under the public health program.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 60% of the monthly permanent disability pension the deceased received or would have been 

entitled to receive is paid for one survivor; 80% for two; 

100% for three or more.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), children younger than 

age 18 (no limit with a disability), and dependent parents 

older than age 62 (men) or age 57 (women) or dependent 

and disabled.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid equal to the cost of the 

funeral.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Health, Labor, and Social Security provides 

general supervision.

National Institute of Social Security administers the 

program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 149

Senegal

Senegal

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1975 (compulsory insurance).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Private-sector and government employees who are not civil 

servants, including household, seasonal, and day workers.

Voluntary coverage for previously covered employees 

aged 40 or older with at least 5 years of contributions.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5.6% of covered monthly earnings; 8% for 

managers.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 256,000 CFA francs; 768,000 CFA francs 

for managers.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8.4% of covered monthly payroll; 10.8% on 

behalf of managers.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 256,000 CFA francs; 768,000 CFA francs 

for managers.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees and quarterly by employers with 1 to 

19 employees.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: At least age 55 (age 60 for managers), 

according to a point system. (The pensionable age is to rise 

gradually to age 60 for all workers.) The minimum number 

of points required for a pension is 400. Retirement from 

employment is necessary.

Child’s supplement: Additional points are credited for each 

dependent child younger than age 21, up to three children.

Early pension: A reduced pension is paid from age 53.

Disability pension: No statutory benefits are provided.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner or met the 

contribution requirements for a pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are a widow who is aged 50 or older 

(aged 45 or older for a reduced pension) or caring for two 

dependent children younger than age 21 and who was 

married to the deceased at least 2 years before the death; 

a widower aged 55 or older (aged 53 or older if disabled) 

who was married to the deceased at least 2 years before the 

death; and orphans younger than age 21 if their guardians 

are not eligible for a pension.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is calculated based on a 

point system. The pension is equal to the insured’s number 

of points multiplied by the value of a point at the time of 

retirement.

The number of points awarded each month is based on the 

value of total contributions divided by the reference salary. 

The reference salary is set annually by the Administrative Council of the Social Insurance Institute for Old-Age 

Pensions.

The minimum number of points required for a pension is 

400.

Additional points are credited for periods of employment 

before the implementation of the current program if the 

insured worked for at least 10 years (5 years for household 

workers) before or after the program began and has at least 

1 year of contributions; and additional points are also credited for certain periods of incapacity for work.

The value of a point is adjusted annually by the Social 

Insurance Institute for Old-Age Pensions.

Child’s supplement: The pension is increased by 5% for 

each eligible child, up to three children.

Early pension: The old-age pension is reduced by 5% for 

each year the pension is taken before age 55; reduced by 1% 

per quarter for managers.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: No statutory benefits are provided.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 

50% of the deceased’s old-age pension. The pension paid 

to a widow younger than age 50 is reduced by 5% for each 

year she is younger than age 50. If there is more than one 

widow, the pension is split equally.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 20% of 

the deceased’s old-age pension.

All orphans’ pensions combined must not exceed 50% of 

the deceased’s old-age pension (no limit for full orphans); 

otherwise, the pensions are reduced proportionately.
150 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Senegal

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, Employment, and Professional Organizations (http://www.fonctionpublique.gouv.

sn) provides general supervision.

Managed by a bipartite employer and employee board, the 

Social Insurance Institute for Old-Age Pensions (http://

www.ipres.sn) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1952 (cash maternity benefits) and 1975 (medical benefits).

Current laws: 1973 (cash maternity benefits), with amendments; 1975 (medical benefits); and 1991 (administration).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity 

and medical benefits.

Coverage

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: Employed women and nonemployed women married to an insured man.

Special system for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Medical benefits: Employed persons, including apprentices, seasonal workers, and temporary workers who work 

at least 3 months a year for the same enterprise.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Health mutual insurance companies provide medical benefits to informal-sector workers in certain areas.

Source of Funds

Insured person: Up to 3% of gross monthly earnings (rates 

vary according to the health institute).

The insured’s contributions finance medical benefits only. 

Cash maternity benefits are financed by the employer’s 

contributions paid under Family Allowances, below.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: Up to 3% of gross monthly payroll (rates vary 

according to the health institute).

The employer’s contributions finance medical benefits only. 

Cash maternity benefits are financed by the employer’s 

contributions paid under Family Allowances, below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

3 consecutive months of employment and have worked at 

least 18 days or 120 hours a month.

Benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Medical benefits: The insured must have at least 2 months 

of contributions.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

insured’s last daily earnings and is paid for 6 weeks before 

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

extended by 3 weeks in the event of complications.

The benefit is paid monthly, at the date of childbirth, or 

when the benefit period ceases.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include partial cost sharing for health care costs, 

including hospitalization, pharmaceuticals, and doctor’s 

visits. There is no limit to duration.

Cost sharing: The amount varies between 30% and 80% of 

the costs, according to the availability of funds.

Medical benefits are also provided directly to old-age 

pensioners and survivor pensioners by the Social Insurance 

Institute for Old-Age Pensions.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include partial cost sharing for health care costs, 

including hospitalization, pharmaceuticals, and doctor’s 

visits. There is no limit to duration.

Cost sharing: The amount varies between 30% and 80% of 

the costs, according to the availability of funds.

Eligible dependents are the spouse and dependent children 

older than age 2 and younger than age 15 (age 18 if an 

apprentice, age 21 if a student or disabled).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, Employment, and Professional Organizations (http://www.fonctionpublique.gouv.

sn) provides general supervision.

Social Security Fund (http://www.secusociale.sn) administers the maternity benefit program.

Health institutes administer the medical benefits program. 

The law requires companies with over 100 employees to 

participate; smaller firms may group together to join a 

health institute.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 151

Senegal

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1932.

Current laws: 1973 (social security) and 

1991(administration).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including seamen; apprentices; trainees; 

technical students (except those attending technical universities); members of cooperatives; nonsalaried managers of 

cooperatives and their assistants; certain company managers; temporary, casual, and daily workers; and prisoners 

working in prison workshops.

Voluntary coverage for certain categories of self-employed 

person without mandatory coverage, including farmers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions of 1%, 

3%, or 5% of covered payroll, according to the assessed 

degree of risk of the sector.

The minimum annual earnings for voluntary contribution 

calculation purposes are 439,916 CFA francs.

The maximum annual earnings for voluntary contribution 

calculation purposes are 756,000 CFA francs.

Employer: 1%, 3%, or 5% of covered payroll, according 

to the assessed degree of risk of the sector. The average 

contribution rate is 2.5%.

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

wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 36,243 CFA francs. 

(The last adjustment was made in February 1996.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to 63,000 CFA francs. (The last 

adjustment was made in January 2004.)

Government: None; contributes as an employer on behalf 

of government employees who are not civil servants.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 50% of the insured’s daily earnings in the 30 days before the disability began for the 

first 28 days; thereafter, 66.7% until full recovery or certification of permanent disability.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 36,243 CFA francs. 

(The last adjustment was made in February 1996.)

The maximum daily earnings for benefit calculation purposes must not exceed 1% of the maximum annual earnings 

for voluntary contribution calculation purposes (7,560 CFA 

francs).

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to enterprise-based agreements.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: The pension for a total 

disability is equal to 100% of the insured’s monthly average 

earnings in the 12 months before the disability began.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Partial disability: The pension is equal to the insured’s 

monthly average earnings in the 12 months before the disability began multiplied by 0.5 times the percentage of the 

assessed degree of disability for the portion of disability 

between 1% and 50% and by 1.5 times for the portion above 

50%.

The partial disability pension may be paid partially as 

a lump sum after 5 to 7 years if the assessed degree of 

disability is greater than 10%. If the assessed degree of disability is 10% or less, the pension is paid as a lump sum.

For an assessed degree of disability greater than 10%, the 

minimum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes 

are 897,570 CFA francs.

The disability is assessed by Social Security Fund doctors, 

based on recommendations of the insured’s doctor. The 

insured may be required to undergo medical examinations 

every 2 years.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

40% of the insured’s pension is paid.

The minimum supplement is equal to 70% of the minimum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes 

(897,570 CFA francs).

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to 

changes in the cost of living and wages, depending on the 

financial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was 

made in November 2008.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical and surgical expenses, hospitalization, medicines, appliances, rehabilitation, and transportation. There is no limit to duration.
152 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Senegal

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er)’s pension is equal to 

30% of the deceased’s monthly average earnings in the last 

12 months. If there is more than one widow, the pension is 

split equally. The pension is paid quarterly.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage if there are 

no dependent children.

Remarriage allowance: A lump sum is paid equal to three 

times the annual pension.

Orphan’s pension: The pension is equal to 15% of the 

deceased’s monthly average earnings in the 12 months 

before the disability began for one orphan, 30% for two 

orphans, 40% for three orphans, and 10% for each additional orphan. Eligible orphans are younger than age 15 

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

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: The 

pension for each dependent parent and grandparent is equal 

to 10% of the deceased’s monthly average earnings in the 

last 12 months, up to 30%.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 85% of the 

deceased’s monthly average earnings in the last 12 months.

The minimum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 897,570 CFA francs.

Funeral grant: 1/24 of the minimum annual earnings for 

benefit calculation purposes is paid.

The minimum annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 897,570 CFA francs.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted for changes in 

the cost of living and wages, depending on the financial 

resources of the system. (The last adjustment was made in 

January 2005.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, Employment, and Professional Organizations (http://www.fonctionpublique.gouv.

sn) provides general supervision.

Social Security Fund (http://www.secusociale.sn) administers contributions and benefits.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1955.

Current laws: 1973 (social security) and 1991 

(administration).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employees, including seamen, and social insurance beneficiaries, including the widow of an insured man and pensioners receiving the work injury total disability pension. 

Unemployed persons are covered for up to 6 months after 

leaving insured employment.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7% of covered payroll.

The minimum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 36,243 CFA francs. 

(The last adjustment was made in February 1996.)

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 63,000 CFA francs.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 10 or 

more employees and quarterly by employers with 1 to 

9 employees.

The employer’s contributions also finance cash maternity 

benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be older than age 2 

and younger than age 14 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a 

student or disabled). Allowances are paid for up to six children. The parent must have at least 3 consecutive months 

of employment and be currently working at least 18 days or 

120 hours a month.

Prenatal allowance: Paid to an insured woman or to the 

spouse of an insured man during the 9 months of pregnancy, without limit on the number of children. The mother 

must undergo prescribed medical examinations.

Maternity allowance: Paid to an insured woman or to 

the spouse of an insured man until the child is age 2. 

The mother and child must undergo prescribed medical 

examinations.

Benefits are paid for 6 months to insured unemployed 

persons and without limit of duration to widows of family 

allowance beneficiaries or work injury permanent disability 

pensioners.

Benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 153

Senegal

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 2,500 CFA francs a month is paid 

for each of the first six children. The allowance is paid 

quarterly.

Prenatal allowance: 2,400 CFA francs a month is paid for 

the 9 months of pregnancy. The allowance is paid in three 

installments.

Maternity allowance: 2,400 CFA francs a month is paid 

from the date of childbirth up to the child’s second birthday. 

The allowance is paid in five installments.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted depending on the 

financial resources of the system. (The last adjustment was 

made in November 2008.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, Employment, and Professional Organizations (http://www.fonctionpublique.gouv.

sn) provides general supervision.

Social Security Fund (http://www.secusociale.sn) administers the program.
154 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Seychelles

Seychelles

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 15.84 rupees.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1971 (provident fund).

Current laws: 1987 (social security), implemented in 1988, 

with 1990 and 1994 amendments; and 2005 (Seychelles 

pension fund), with 2007 amendment.

Type of program: Universal and social insurance system.

Coverage

Social security fund: All citizens residing in Seychelles 

territory and resident foreign employees who contribute to 

the Seychelles pension fund.

Special systems for the employees of three companies in 

the banking and industrial sector. (Employees of these 

companies are also covered under the Seychelles pension 

fund, below.)

Seychelles pension fund: All full-time and part-time 

employees in the public and private sectors.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Casual workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person

Social security fund: 2.5% of monthly earnings; household 

workers pay 50 rupees a month. (5.4% of the combined 

insured person and employer monthly contribution to the 

social security fund is transferred to the Seychelles pension 

fund.)

The contributions to the social security fund also finance 

sickness and maternity benefits and work injury benefits.

Seychelles pension fund: 25 rupees a month. Additional 

voluntary contributions are possible. (In addition, 5.4% 

of the combined insured person and employer monthly 

contribution to the social security fund is allocated to the 

Seychelles pension fund.)

There are no maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes.

Self-employed person

Social security fund: Contributions are made through the 

tax system.

Seychelles pension fund: Voluntary contributions of 

100 rupees a month. Additional voluntary contributions are 

possible.

There are no maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes.

Employer

Social security fund: 20% of gross monthly wages; 

50 rupees a month for each household worker. (5.4% of the 

combined insured person and employer monthly contribution to the social security fund is transferred to the Seychelles pension fund.)

The contributions to the social security fund also finance 

sickness and maternity benefits and work injury benefits.

Seychelles pension fund: 50 rupees a month for each 

employee. (In addition, 5.4% of the combined insured 

person and employer monthly contribution to the social 

security fund is allocated to the Seychelles pension fund.)

Government:

Social security fund: Contributes as an employer and guarantees the pension benefits. Makes contributions out of the 

general budget.

Seychelles pension fund: Contributes as an employer from 

business tax revenue.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension

Old-age pension (social security fund): Age 63 and has 

resided in Seychelles for at least 5 years immediately 

before the date of retirement. (The residency requirement 

may be waived by the Minister of Finance under special 

circumstances.)

The pension is not payable abroad.

Old-age benefit (Seychelles pension fund): Paid from 

age 60 but no later than age 63. The insured must have 

at least 10 continuous years of contributions to the social 

security fund or the Seychelles pension fund immediately 

before retirement or a total of 20 years of contributions to 

the social security fund.

The pension is payable abroad.

Old-age settlement (Seychelles pension fund): Paid if the 

insured does not qualify for the old-age benefit.

Migration allowance (Seychelles pension fund): Paid if the 

insured is emigrating permanently.

Disability pension

Disability pension (social security fund): Must be assessed 

with a loss of at least 66.7% of earning capacity and have 

resided in Seychelles for at least 5 years. A reduced pension 

is paid for a loss of earning capacity of between 50% and 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 155

Seychelles

74%. (The residency requirement may be waived by the 

Minister of Finance under special circumstances.)

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Paid for a family 

whose income is less than the official family subsistence 

level. The supplement is paid under certain conditions for 

each dependent child and for one adult who must be the 

spouse, a person caring for the insured person, or a dependent adult with a disability not receiving any other benefits.

The pension is not payable abroad.

Disability benefit (Seychelles pension fund): Must be 

younger than age 63 and assessed as incapable of work by 

a medical board appointed by the Seychelles pension fund. 

The benefit is paid after 6 months of receiving the social 

security fund disability pension.

The pension is payable abroad.

Disability settlement (Seychelles pension fund): Paid if the 

insured does not qualify for the disability benefit.

Survivor pension

Spouse pension (social security fund): The deceased had 

resided in Seychelles for at least 5 years.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 45 or older or with a 

dependent child younger than age 16 (or age 25 if a student), 

a dependent widower, and full orphans.

The pension ceases on remarriage or if the widow(er) 

cohabits with a partner.

A widow who does not qualify for a pension receives a 

limited benefit for up to 20 working days.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Paid for a family 

whose income is less than the official family subsistence 

level. The supplement is paid under certain conditions for 

each dependent child and for one adult who must be the 

spouse, a person caring for the insured person, or a dependent adult with a disability not receiving any other benefits.

The pension is not payable abroad.

Survivor benefit (Seychelles pension fund): The deceased 

was insured.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) or partner with whom 

the deceased lived for at least 3 years. The surviving spouse 

must have resided in Seychelles for at least 5 years (may 

be waived in special circumstances). Eligible surviving 

children must be younger than age 18 (age 25 if a full-time 

student).

Death benefit (Seychelles pension fund): Paid to a surviving 

spouse or other dependent if the deceased was older than 

the retirement age.

Preretirement death benefit (Seychelles pension fund): Paid 

to a named survivor in the absence of an eligible surviving 

spouse and children and if the deceased was younger than 

the retirement age.

Survivor benefits are payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension (social security fund): 2,200 rupees a 

month is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed and adjusted 

annually according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefits were last adjusted in November 2008.)

Old-age benefit (Seychelles pension fund): The monthly 

pension is based on a percentage of the insured’s average 

monthly earnings in the last 5 years before retirement, 

according to four earnings classes.

If the insured has paid voluntary contributions to the fund, 

these may be used in the pension calculation or refunded as 

a lump sum with interest.

The maximum pension (including the social security fund 

old-age pension of 2,200 rupees) is 8,100 rupees a month 

(December 2006).

Old-age settlement (Seychelles pension fund): A lump 

sum is paid equal to the total of the insured’s and the 

employer’s contributions plus 6% interest. The average 

lump sum is 18,000 rupees.

Migration allowance (Seychelles pension fund): A 

lump sum is paid equal to the total of the insured’s and the 

employer’s contributions plus 6% interest.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension (social security fund): 2,100 rupees a 

month is paid.

Partial disability (earnings-tested): The full pension is 

reduced according to earnings. The pension is paid until 

retirement age after receiving sickness benefits for at least 

6 months.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): 900 rupees a 

month is paid for an adult and 800 rupees a month for each 

child.

The combined disability pension and dependent supplements must not exceed 80% of the insured’s previous 

earnings.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed and adjusted 

annually according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefits were last adjusted in November 2008.)

Disability benefit (Seychelles pension fund): The 

monthly pension is based on the insured’s average monthly 

earnings in the last 5 years before being assessed by the 

medical board as incapable of work.

Disability settlement (Seychelles pension fund): A 

lump sum is paid equal to the total of the insured’s and the 

employer’s contributions plus 6% interest.
156 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Seychelles

Survivor Benefits

Spouse pension (social security fund): The monthly 

pension is 1,350 rupees for an eligible widow or a dependent widower and is paid for up to 1 year.

A widow(er) who does not qualify for a pension receives a 

limited benefit for up to 20 working days.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): 900 rupees a 

month is paid for an adult and 800 rupees a month for each 

child.

Orphan’s pension (social security fund): Each full 

orphan receives 1,050 rupees a month.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of 1,600 rupees is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed and adjusted 

annually according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefits were last adjusted in November 2008.)

Survivor benefit (Seychelles pension fund): If there are 

no eligible surviving children, the spouse’s pension is equal 

to 80% of the deceased’s pension and is paid for life (70% 

if the surviving spouse was at least 10 years younger than 

the deceased). If there are eligible surviving children, the 

spouse’s pension is equal to up to 50% of the deceased’s 

pension; if the deceased had elected to pay a higher pension 

to surviving children, the spouse’s pension will be reduced 

accordingly but must not be less than 25% of the deceased’s 

pension.

Orphan’s pension (Seychelles pension fund): The minimum monthly pension is equal to 40% of the deceased’s 

pension (if the deceased had elected to pay a higher pension 

to surviving children, up to 75% of the deceased’s pension 

is paid); full orphans receive 80%.

The pension is split equally among all eligible orphans and 

paid to the child(ren)’s guardian.

Death benefit (Seychelles pension fund): One month of 

the deceased’s pension is paid.

Preretirement death benefit (Seychelles pension fund):

A lump sum is paid equal to the total of the deceased’s and 

the employer’s contributions plus 6% interest.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.virtualseychelles.sc/gover/

mof.htm) administers the social security fund program.

Directed by a chief executive officer and a tripartite board 

of trustees, the Seychelles Pension Fund (http://www

.pensionfund.sc) administers the supplementary pension 

program.

Directed by a chief executive officer, the Social Welfare 

Agency administers income-tested benefits.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1979.

Current law: 1987 (social security), implemented in 1988, 

with 1990 and 1994 amendments.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash sickness 

and maternity benefits only.

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Contributions are made through 

the general tax system.

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.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Paid for a family 

whose income is less than the family subsistence level. 

The supplement is paid under certain conditions for each 

dependent child and for one adult who must be the spouse, 

a person caring for the insured person, or a dependent adult 

with a disability not receiving any other benefits.

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 2,000 rupees, whichever is less; thereafter, the social 

security fund pays up to 1,800 a month for up to 130 working days.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): 900 rupees a 

month is paid for an adult and 800 rupees for each child.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefits were 

last adjusted in November 2008.)

Maternity benefit: The employer pays the full salary for 

2 weeks before and 8 weeks after the expected date of 

childbirth and is reimbursed 80% of the amount paid up to 

1,800. For a prolonged incapacity that is the result of pregnancy or childbirth, a sickness benefit is paid.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): 900 rupees a 

month is paid for an adult and 800 rupees for each child.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 157

Seychelles

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefits were 

last adjusted in November 2008.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits: No statutory benefits are provided.

Medical services are available in government clinics and 

hospitals under the National Health Plan.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits for dependents: No statutory benefits 

are provided.

Medical services are available in government clinics and 

hospitals under the National Health Plan.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.virtualseychelles.sc/gover/

mof.htm) administers the social security fund program.

Directed by a chief executive officer, the Social Welfare 

Agency administers income-tested benefits.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1970 (employer liability).

Current law: 1987 (social security), implemented in 1988.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): Paid for a family 

whose income is less than the official family subsistence 

level. The supplement is paid under certain conditions for 

each dependent child and for one adult who must be the 

spouse, a person caring for the insured person, or a dependent adult with a disability not receiving any other benefits.

Temporary Disability Benefits

For an assessed degree of disability of at least 50%, 

1,800 rupees a month is paid for up to 130 working days.

The degree of disability is assessed by the medical board 

established by the Ministry of Health.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): 900 rupees a 

month is paid for an adult and 800 rupees for each child.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefits were 

last adjusted in November 2008.)

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured has a total 

disability, 1,300 rupees a month is paid until retirement 

age after receiving a temporary disability benefit for up to 

130 working days.

The disability is assessed by a medical board set up by the 

Ministry of Health.

Partial disability: A percentage of the benefit for a total disability is paid according to the assessed degree of disability.

Dependent’s supplement (income-tested): 900 rupees a 

month is paid for an adult and 800 rupees for each child.

For a court award, the cost of compensation paid to an 

insured person for an incapacity for work is split equally 

between the employer and the social security fund.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefits were 

last adjusted in November 2008.)

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Free medical care is provided as required. Benefits include 

medical and surgical care, hospitalization, medicines, appliances, and transportation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 1,800 rupees a month is paid to the 

widow(er) if the deceased provided at least 75% of family 

income. The widow(er) must not be gainfully employed or 

self-employed.

The pension ceases on remarriage or if cohabiting with a 

partner.

Benefit adjustment: Pensions are adjusted annually according to changes in the cost of living. (Benefits were last 

adjusted in November 2008.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance (http://www.virtualseychelles.sc/gover/

mof.htm) administers the social security fund program.

Directed by a chief executive officer, the Social Welfare 

Agency administers income-tested benefits.
158 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Seychelles

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

Under the 1980 Unemployment Fund Act, the social 

security fund provides subsistence income for unemployed 

persons.

The social security fund provides wages for registered 

unemployed and young persons who work on approved 

projects, including the unemployment relief scheme 

(1,900 rupees a month if full time; 1,475 rupees a month if 

part time), youth training scheme (1,300 rupees a month), 

apprenticeship scheme (1,300 rupees a month), and skill 

acquisition program (1,300 rupees a month).
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 159

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 3,000 leones.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 2001 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employees in the public and private sectors.

Voluntary coverage for the self-employed and for persons 

who leave insured employment.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of monthly salary; voluntary contributors pay 15% of monthly income.

Self-employed person: 15% of monthly income.

Employer: 10% of monthly payroll.

Government: 2.5% of monthly income for all employees; 

10% of monthly income for all civil servants, teachers, and 

military and police force personnel (plus 2% of monthly 

income to finance retirement at age 55 for military and 

police force personnel).

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (men and women) or age 55 (military and police force personnel) with at least 180 months of 

contributions. Employment must cease.

Early pension: Paid from age 55 with at least 180 months of 

contributions.

Old-age gratuity: Paid to each person who is entitled to an 

old-age pension on retirement.

Old-age grant: Paid from age 55 if the insured does not 

meet the qualifying conditions for an old-age pension.

Old-age benefits are not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured is assessed with a permanent and total incapacity for employment and is younger 

than age 60 with at least 5 years of contributions, including at least 12 months of paid contributions in the 3 years 

before the disability began, or with at least 180 months of 

contributions in total.

The disability pension ceases at the normal retirement age 

and is replaced by the old-age pension.

The disability must be assessed by a medical officer certified by the medical board.

Disability grant: The insured is assessed as permanently 

and totally incapable of further employment and does not 

meet the qualifying conditions for a disability pension.

Disability benefits are not payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the qualifying 

conditions, was receiving an old-age or disability pension, 

or had at least 5 years of contributions, including at least 

12 months of paid contributions in the 3 years before the 

date of death.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er), dependent children 

younger than age 18 (age 23 if a full-time student, no limit 

if disabled), and parents.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Survivor grant: The deceased did not meet the qualifying 

conditions for a pension.

Survivor benefits are not payable abroad.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings for the first 15 years 

of coverage plus 2% of average monthly earnings for each 

additional 12-month coverage period.

Average earnings for benefit calculation purposes are average earnings in the best 5 years of contributions.

Public and private-sector employees employed as of January 1, 2002, are credited for benefit calculation purposes for 

employment periods before the introduction of the program 

in 2001.

The minimum pension is at least equal to 50% of the 

national minimum wage.

The monthly national minimum wage is 25,000 leones.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 4% for each year 

that the pension is taken before age 60.

Old-age gratuity: A lump sum equal to 12 months of pension is paid to each old-age pensioner on retirement.

Old-age grant: The grant is equal to 1.5 times the insured’s 

average monthly earnings for each 12-month period of 

contributions.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in wages, depending on the financial 

resources of the National Social Security and Insurance 

Trust.
160 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Sierra Leone

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings for the first 15 years 

of coverage plus 2% of average monthly earnings for each 

additional 12-month period of coverage. A 6-month coverage period is credited for each year that a claim is made 

before the normal retirement age.

The minimum disability pension is equal to at least 50% of 

the national minimum wage.

The monthly national minimum wage is 25,000 leones.

Disability grant: The grant is equal to 1.5 times the 

insured’s average monthly earnings for each 12-month 

period of contributions.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on 

the financial resources of the National Social Security and 

Insurance Trust.

Survivor Benefits

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

a widow(er). If there is more than one widow, the pension is 

split equally.

Orphan’s pension: A maximum of 60% of the deceased’s 

pension is paid for orphans.

Parent’s pension (in the absence of other eligible survivors): A lump sum equal to 12 months of survivor pension 

is paid to a parent who is employed or receiving a pension; 

24 months of survivor pension is paid to a parent who is not 

employed or receiving a pension.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the old-age or disability pension the deceased received or 

would have been entitled to receive at the time of death.

Survivor grant: The grant is equal to 1.5 times the 

insured’s average monthly earnings for each 12-month 

period of contributions.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living, depending on 

the financial resources of the National Social Security and 

Insurance Trust.

Administrative Organization

National Social Security and Insurance Trust (http://www

.nassitsl.org) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided.

Employers provide medical care for employees and their 

dependents through collective agreements.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1939.

Current law: 1960 (workmen’s compensation), with 1962, 

1969, and 1971 amendments.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, normally 

involving compulsory insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons.

Exclusions: Agricultural employees working on plantations with fewer than 25 workers, household workers, 

self-employed persons, casual workers, family labor, and 

home-based workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is 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

The benefit is equal to 66.7% of the insured’s earnings and 

is paid after a 3-day waiting period for up to 96 months.

The benefit may be paid as a lump sum, calculated according to the expected duration of entitlement.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, a lump sum is paid equal to 

48 months of earnings.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, up 

to 25% of the permanent disability benefit is paid.

Partial disability: A percentage of 56 months of earnings is 

paid, up to a maximum, according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits include medical, dental, and surgical care; 

hospitalization; medicines; appliances; and the cost of 

transportation, up to a maximum.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 161

Sierra Leone

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum equal to 42 months of the 

deceased’s earnings (minus any disability benefits paid) is 

paid to the deceased’s dependents; partial dependents may 

receive a reduced benefit.

Funeral grant (in the absence of eligible survivors):

A lump sum is paid to cover the cost of the burial, up to a 

maximum.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Employment and Social Security is responsible 

for the program.

Employers may insure against liability with private insurance companies.
162 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

South Africa

South Africa

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 9.47 rand.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1928 (old age), 1936 (blindness), and 1946 

(disability).

Current law: 2004 (social assistance), with 2008 

amendment.

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Persons with limited means who are citizens of South 

Africa, permanent residents, or refugees with disabilities 

(for disability benefits only).

Exclusions: Persons confined to or cared for in state 

facilities.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.

The government contributions also finance medical benefits 

under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age grant (means-tested): Age 61 (men) or age 60 

(women) and a citizen or permanent resident of South 

Africa at the time of the application. The age requirement 

for men will be lowered to age 60 in April 2010.

Means test: The applicant must have an annual income 

of less than 27,552 rand for a single person; 58,224 rand 

for a couple. The applicant must not have more than 

484,800 rand in assets for a single person; 969,600 rand for 

a couple.

Constant-attendance allowance: A grant-in-aid is paid to 

persons receiving the old-age grant who require the constant attendance of others as a result of a certified mental or 

physical condition.

Beneficiaries are eligible to receive only one benefit at a 

time.

War veteran grant (means-tested): Age 60 or disabled 

and a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa at the 

time of the application. Must be a war veteran of the First 

World War, the Second World War, or the Korean War.

Means test: The applicant must have an annual income 

of less than 27,552 rand for a single person; 58,224 rand 

for a couple. The applicant must not have more than 

484,800 rand in assets for a single person; 969,600 rand for 

a couple.

Constant-attendance allowance: A grant-in-aid is paid to 

persons receiving the war veteran grant who require the 

constant attendance of others as a result of a certified mental or physical condition.

Beneficiaries are eligible to receive only one benefit at a 

time.

Disability grant (means-tested): Paid to a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee assessed as incapable of providing 

adequate self-support for more than 6 months. The temporary grant is paid if aged 18 to 60 (men) or aged 18 to 59 

(women). The disability must be confirmed by a medical 

assessment report.

A disability grant is considered permanent if the citizen is 

assessed as incapable of providing adequate self-support for 

more than 12 months.

Means test: The applicant must have an annual income 

of less than 27,552 rand for a single person; 58,224 rand 

for a couple. The applicant must not have more than 

484,800 rand in assets for a single person; 969,600 rand for 

a couple.

Constant-attendance allowance: A grant-in-aid is paid to 

persons receiving the disability grant who require the constant attendance of others as a result of a certified mental or 

physical condition.

Beneficiaries are eligible to receive only one benefit at a 

time.

Survivor benefits: Benefits are provided under Unemployment, below.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension (means-tested): Up to 1,010 rand a 

month is paid for a single pensioner; married couples may 

receive double the amount. The pension is reduced to 25% 

of the maximum amount if the pensioner resides in a care 

facility under contract to the State for more than 3 months.

Constant-attendance allowance: 240 rand a month is paid.

War veteran grant (means-tested): Up to 1,030 rand a 

month is paid.

Constant-attendance allowance: 240 rand a month is paid.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability grant (means-tested): Up to 1,010 rand a month 

is paid.

Constant-attendance allowance: 240 rand a month is paid.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 163

South Africa

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefits: Benefits are provided under Unemployment, below.

Administrative Organization

National and provincial offices of the Department of Social 

Development (http://www.dsd.gov.za) administer the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

Current laws: 2001 (unemployment insurance), implemented in 2002; and 2003 (health), implemented in 2004.

Type of program: Social assistance system. Medical benefits only.

Note: Cash sickness and maternity benefits are paid under 

the 2001 unemployment insurance legislation.

Coverage

Sickness and maternity benefits: Eligible insured workers working more than 24 hours a month, the unemployed, 

and workers with earnings reduced to no more than 1/3 of 

the regular wage.

Exclusions: Government employees and employees who 

work fewer than 24 hours a month; foreigners who enter 

the country to fulfill an employment contract and who are 

required by law to leave the country when the contract 

ends; and persons receiving a monthly state pension, any 

benefit from the work injury and occupational disease compensation fund, or benefits from any unemployment fund or 

scheme.

Medical benefits: Old-age pensioners and disability 

pensioners.

Source of Funds

Cash sickness and maternity benefits

Insured person: See source of funds for Unemployment, 

below.

Self-employed person: See source of funds for Unemployment, below.

Employer: See source of funds for Unemployment, below.

Government: See source of funds for Unemployment, 

below.

Medical benefits

Insured person: See source of funds for Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: See source of funds for Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: See source of funds for Old Age, Disability, and 

Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds for Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: The insured must have at least 

13 weeks of contributions in the 52 weeks before the incapacity began.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

13 weeks of contributions in the 52 weeks before the 

expected date of childbirth (if adopting a child, 18 weeks of 

contributions in the 52 weeks before the date of adoption).

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 45% of the 

insured’s weekly earnings and is paid for up to 26 weeks 

after a waiting period of 4 to 6 weeks.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 45% of the 

insured’s weekly earnings and is paid for a total of 17 weeks 

(6 weeks in the event of a miscarriage or a stillborn child). 

The benefit is paid from 18 weeks before and up to 8 weeks 

after the expected date of childbirth.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

All old-age pensioners and disability pensioners are entitled 

to subsidized medical care at provincial hospitals. Benefits 

include hospitalization and medicines.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

All old-age pensioners and disability pensioners are entitled 

to subsidized medical care at provincial hospitals. Benefits 

include hospitalization and medicines.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za) 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 (occupational injuries and diseases), 

with 1997 amendment.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a public carrier.
164 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

South Africa

Coverage

Employed persons, including some contract workers and 

military personnel.

Exclusions: Household workers, self-employed persons, and 

some contract workers and military personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the payment of 

insurance premiums. The cost of premium varies, depending on the reported accident rate.

Government: None; contributes as an employer for government employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Occupational disease benefits: Paid if the insured is 

diagnosed with an occupational disease as defined by law.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If the insured is assessed with a total disability, 75% of 

the insured’s earnings is paid for up to 12 months; may be 

extended for up to 24 months (longer in special cases) after 

a further assessment of the disability. The benefit is paid 

after a 3-day waiting period.

The maximum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

3,884.31 rand a week or 16,832.00 rand a month.

The maximum benefit is 2,913.23 rand a week or 

12,624.00 rand a month.

Partial disability: A percentage of the insured’s earnings as 

determined by the Compensation Commissioner’s Office 

is paid for up to 12 months; may be extended for up to 

24 months after a further assessment of the disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the maximum pension is equal to 

75% of the insured’s earnings.

If the insured’s monthly earnings are less than 2,169 rand, 

the benefit is calculated based on monthly earnings of 

2,169 rand.

The maximum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

3,884.31 rand a week or 16,832.00 rand a month.

The minimum monthly benefit (based on a total disability) 

is 1,626.75 rand.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is 

less than 100% but higher than 30%, a percentage of the 

full pension is paid according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

For an assessed degree of disability of 30% or less, a 

lump sum is paid equal to 15 times the insured’s monthly 

earnings.

If the insured’s monthly earnings are less than 2,169 rand, 

the benefit is calculated based on monthly earnings of 

2,169 rand.

The maximum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

9,428 rand a month.

The minimum lump sum (based on a 30% disability) is 

32,535 rand.

The maximum lump sum (based on a 30% disability) is 

141,420 rand.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, and hospital care and 

appliances. Benefits are provided for up to 2 years; may be 

extended in special cases.

The cost of transporting an injured employee to a hospital, 

a doctor’s surgery, or to his or her place of residence is 

reimbursed by the compensation fund.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

permanent total disability pension to which the deceased 

would have been entitled. A lump sum is also paid equal 

to two months of the permanent total disability pension to 

which the deceased would have been entitled. The pension 

is paid to a widow or to a widower with a disability for life 

and does not cease on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the permanent total disability 

pension to which the deceased would have been entitled is 

paid for each unmarried orphan younger than age 18 (no 

age limit if disabled).

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed the permanent total disability pension to which the deceased would 

have been entitled, up to 11,193 rand a month.

Funeral grant: Up to 8,880 rand is paid.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za) provides 

general supervision.

Compensation Commissioner administers the program, 

including claims decisions and the management of funds 

from which benefits are paid.

Employers must normally insure against liability with a 

public compensation fund, but in certain instances may 

insure with an employers’ mutual association licensed by 

the Minister of Labour.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 165

South Africa

Government and some local authorities are individually 

liable.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1937.

Current laws: 1966 (unemployment), implemented in 1967, 

with amendments; 2001 (unemployment insurance); and 

2002 (contributions).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All employees working for more than 24 hours a month, 

including household and seasonal workers and employees 

in national and provincial governments.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons; government employees 

and employees who work fewer than 24 hours a month; 

foreigners who enter the country to fulfill an employment 

contract and who are required by law to leave the country 

when the contract ends; and persons receiving a monthly 

state pension, any benefits from the work injury and occupational disease compensation fund, or benefits from any 

unemployment fund or scheme.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 1% of covered earnings.

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 12,478 rand a week or 149,736 rand a month.

The insured person’s contributions also finance cash sickness and maternity benefits under Sickness and Maternity, 

above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 1% of the insured’s covered earnings.

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 12,478 rand a week or 149,736 rand a month.

The employer’s contributions also finance cash sickness and 

maternity benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: 25% of total employee and employer contributions, up to 7 million rand a year.

The maximum earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 12,478 rand a week or 149,736 rand a month.

Government contributions also finance cash sickness and 

maternity benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefit: The insured’s entitlement to the 

benefit increases at a rate of 1 day of benefits for every 

6 completed days of employment, up to 238 days in the 

4-year period before the date of application for the benefit. 

The insured must have at least 13 weeks of contributions 

during the last 52 weeks and be capable of and available 

for work. The insured must register with and report to the 

public employment exchange, unless unemployment is the 

result of illness or pregnancy. Unemployment must not be 

the result of refusing suitable work or training. The unemployment benefit is paid after 14 days of unemployment.

Survivor benefit: The surviving spouse or a life-partner 

of the deceased must apply for the benefit within 6 months 

of the insured’s death. In the absence of a surviving spouse 

or life-partner, the benefit is paid to a dependent child. The 

child must be younger than age 21 (age 25 if a student) and 

have been totally or largely dependent on the deceased.

Unemployment Benefits

The benefit varies between 38% and 58% of average earnings in the last 6 months, depending on the insured’s period 

of service, and is paid for up to 8 weeks.

Survivor benefit: A lump sum is paid equal to up to 

8 weeks of the unemployment benefit the deceased would 

have been entitled to based on his or her period of service 

and previous earnings.

Administrative Organization

Department of Labour (http://www.labour.gov.za) provides 

general supervision.

Managed through its board and regional business unit 

managers, the Unemployment Insurance Fund administers 

the program.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

Current law: 2004 (social assistance).

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

Low-income persons caring for children younger than 

age 18.

Exclusions: Persons confined to or cared for in state 

facilities.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: The total cost.
166 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

South Africa

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances

Foster child grant: Paid to a foster parent. There must be 

a court order indicating the foster care status of the child. 

The child must remain in the custody of the foster parent 

who is a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee of South 

Africa at the time of the application. The foster child must 

be aged 18 years or younger (age 21 if a student).

Beneficiaries are eligible to receive only one benefit at a 

time.

Child support grant (means-tested): Paid to the primary 

caregiver of a child or children younger than age 15. The 

primary caregiver must be aged 16 or older and a citizen 

or permanent resident of South Africa at the time of the 

application. The grant is paid for up to six children if they 

are not biologically related.

Means test: The applicant must have an annual income of 

less than 28,800 rand for a single person; 57,600 rand for a 

couple.

Beneficiaries are eligible to receive only one benefit at a 

time.

Care dependency grant (means-tested): Paid to a parent, 

foster parent, or primary caregiver of a child aged 18 years 

or younger who requires permanent care or support services as the result of a severe mental or physical disability. 

The child must be cared for at home and the disability 

confirmed by a medical assessment report. The applicant 

and the child must reside in South Africa at the time of the 

application.

Means test: The applicant must have an annual income of 

less than 121,200 rand for a single person; 242,400 rand for 

a couple.

Beneficiaries are eligible to receive only one benefit at a 

time.

Social relief of distress (means-tested): Temporary assistance is paid to persons unable to meet their own or their 

family’s basic living costs.

Beneficiaries are eligible to receive only one benefit at a 

time.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances

Foster child grant: Up to 680 rand a month is paid.

Child support grant (means-tested): 240 rand a month is 

paid for each eligible child.

Care dependency grant (means-tested): Up to 1,010 rand a 

month is paid.

Social relief of distress (means-tested): Paid monthly for up 

to 3 months; may be extended for 3 months.

Administrative Organization

National and provincial offices of the Department of Social 

Development (http://www.dsd.gov.za) administer the 

program.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 167

Sudan

Sudan

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 2.17 pounds.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1974.

Current law: 1990 (social insurance), with 2004 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Household workers, family labor, home-based 

workers, farmers and foresters, and unpaid apprentices.

Special systems for civil servants and police and armed 

forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 8% of gross monthly earnings. (Contributions for work periods in uncovered employment may be 

paid retroactively by the insured person.)

Self-employed person: 25% of declared monthly income 

according to earnings classes ranging from 15,000 dinars to 

200,000 dinars.

The self-employed person’s contributions also finance work 

injury benefits.

Employer: 17% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 20 years of contributions. The normal retirement age is reduced for those in 

arduous work. Retirement from work is necessary.

Early pension: Paid from age 50 with at least 20 years of 

contributions.

Old-age settlement: Paid at the normal retirement age if 

the insured does not qualify for the old-age pension; at any 

age if the insured resigns from work or is laid off.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with 

a permanent total disability, be younger than the normal 

retirement age, and have covered employment in the last 

year. There is no minimum qualifying period.

Survivor pension: Paid for the death of an insured person 

or pensioner. There is no minimum qualifying period.

Eligible survivors are a widow or a dependent widower and 

children younger than age 18 (age 26 if a student, no limit 

for an unmarried daughter or if disabled). In the absence 

of a surviving widow and children, the pension is paid to 

dependent brothers, sisters, and parents.

Death grant: Paid for the death of an insured person or 

pensioner. In the absence of a surviving widow(er), children, or parents, the benefit is paid to dependent brothers 

and sisters.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 0.02% of 

the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 

3 years before retirement for each 12-month period of 

contributions.

The minimum pension is equal to 40% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the last 3 years before 

retirement.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the last 3 years before 

retirement.

The pension may be partially paid as a lump sum without 

interest.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 15% if the insured 

is aged 50 to 54 or by 10% if aged 55 to 59.

Old-age settlement: An amount equal to 100% of 

employer and employee contributions is paid; the adjusted 

current value of contributions is paid if the insured person 

resigns from work or is laid off.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 3 years 

before the disability began or 0.02% of the same earnings for each 12-month period of contributions (whichever 

amount is greater).

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of the insured’s 

average monthly earnings in the 3 years before the disability began.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The maximum pension is equal to 

50% of the deceased’s average monthly earnings in the last 

3 years before death or 1/50 of the same earnings for each 

12-month period of contributions, whichever is higher. If 

there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally 

among them.

The eligible widow(er) receives 90% of the pension if there 

are no other eligible survivors (50% if there are eligible 

parents or children; 30% if there are eligible children and 

parents). Full orphans receive 100% of the pension.
168 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Sudan

Surviving parents receive 90% of the pension if there are no 

other eligible survivors; 75% if there are surviving brothers 

and sisters.

Death grant: A lump sum equal to 42 months of earnings 

is paid to eligible survivors for the death of an insured person; 42 months of pension if the deceased was a pensioner.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Child Affairs 

(http://www.welfare.gov.sd) provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory cash benefits are provided.

Under the 2004 Health Insurance Act, the Health Insurance 

Fund (http://www.nhif.gov.sd) manages a special health 

insurance system for public-sector employees and insured 

pensioners.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1947.

Current law: 1990 (social insurance), with 2004 

amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed and self-employed persons.

Exclusions: Household workers, family labor, home-based 

workers, farmers and foresters, unpaid apprentices, and 

prisoners working in prison workshops.

Special systems for civil servants and police and armed 

forces personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old 

Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: 2% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 80% of the 

insured’s monthly average earnings in the 3 years before 

the disability began.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

50% of the pension is paid.

Partial disability: If the insured is assessed with a disability of at least 15%, a percentage of the full benefit is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

No statutory benefits are provided.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The maximum pension is equal to 80% 

of the deceased’s average monthly earnings in the 3 years 

before death.

The eligible widow(er) receives 90% of the pension if there 

are no other eligible survivors; 50% if there are eligible 

children or parents; 30% if there are both eligible children 

and parents.

Full orphans receive 100% of the pension.

Surviving parents receive 90% of the pension if there are no 

other eligible survivors; 75% if there are surviving brothers 

and sisters.

Eligible survivors are the widow or dependent widower; 

children younger than age 18 or disabled; unmarried daughters; and dependent brothers, sisters, and parents.

Death grant: A lump sum equal to 42 months of earnings is paid to eligible survivors for the death of an insured 

person or pensioner.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Child Affairs 

(http://www.welfare.gov.sd) provides general supervision.

National Social Insurance Fund administers the program.

Employers must insure against liability with private insurance companies.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 169

Swaziland

Swaziland

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 9.47 lilangeni.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1974 (provident fund) and 2005 

(social assistance).

Type of program: Provident fund and social assistance 

system.

Coverage

Provident fund: Employed persons.

Voluntary coverage for employees not compulsorily covered and for members of religious organizations.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, household workers, 

casual employees, and foreign workers.

Special system for civil servants.

Social assistance: Citizens of Swaziland

Source of Funds

Insured person

Provident fund: 5% of covered earnings.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,200 lilangeni.

Social assistance: None.

Self-employed person

Provident fund: Not applicable.

Social assistance: None.

Employer

Provident fund: 5% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are 1,200 lilangeni.

Social assistance: None.

Government

Provident fund: None.

Social assistance: The total cost.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefit (provident fund): Age 50 (age 45 if 

covered employment ceases, any age if emigrating permanently). Retirement is not necessary.

Benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age grant (social assistance): Age 60 or older and 

assessed as needy.

Disability benefit: Paid if the member is assessed with at 

least a permanent partial physical or mental disability.

Benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor benefit: Paid to one or more dependents for the 

death of the fund member before retirement.

The eligible survivor is the spouse. In the absence of the 

spouse, the eligible survivors are other dependents or other 

persons named by the fund member.

Benefits are payable abroad only if there is a reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age benefit (provident fund): The benefit is calculated based on total employer and employee contributions 

plus at least 3% interest per year. The benefit may be paid 

as a lump sum, in installments, or converted to an annuity.

Old-age grant (social assistance): 300 lilangeni is paid 

quarterly.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability benefit: The benefit is calculated based on total 

employer and employee contributions plus at least 3% 

interest per year. The benefit may be paid as a lump sum, in 

installments, or converted to an annuity.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: The benefit is calculated based on total 

employer and employee contributions plus at least 3% 

interest per year. The benefit may be paid as a lump sum, in 

installments, or converted to an annuity.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour and Social Security (http://www.gov.sz) 

provides general supervision for the provident fund program.

Managed by a tripartite board and a director, the National 

Provident Fund (http://www.snpf.co.sz) administers the 

provident fund program.

Social Welfare Department (http://www.gov.sz) administers 

the social assistance program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1963.

Current law: 1983.
170 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Swaziland

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a private carrier.

Coverage

Employed persons in the private and public sectors, trainees, and apprentices.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, household workers, 

certain types of contract workers, family labor, and casual 

workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through the payment of 

insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 75% of the insured’s earnings and 

is paid after a 3-day waiting period until full recovery or 

certification of permanent disability. The benefit is paid for 

a maximum of 24 months.

The benefit may be paid as a lump sum calculated according to the expected duration of the disability.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 75 lilangeni.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 500 lilangeni.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, a lump sum is paid equal to 54 times 

the insured’s monthly earnings at the time of the accident.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, a lump sum is paid equal to 25% of 

the permanent disability benefit.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit is paid 

according to the loss of working capacity.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 75 lilangeni.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 500 lilangeni.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical care, surgery, hospitalization, medicines, dental and eye care, transportation, 

appliances, and medical care abroad if necessary (up to 

6,325 lilangeni).

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: The survivors receive a lump sum equal 

to 48 times the deceased’s monthly earnings at the time of 

the accident minus any permanent disability benefits paid 

to the deceased.

The minimum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 75 lilangeni.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 500 lilangeni.

Eligible survivors are an unemployed widow, a disabled 

widower, and children; a reduced benefit is paid to survivors who were partially dependent on the deceased.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid by the employer to 

cover the cost of the funeral, up to 300 lilangeni.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour and Social Security (http://www.gov.sz) 

enforces the law.

Employers must insure the assessed liability with a private 

insurance company.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 171

Tanzania

Tanzania

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1,334 shillings.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1964 (provident fund); and 1997 

(social insurance), implemented in 1998.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Note: Under transitional rules, the provident fund system 

continues to operate for insured persons who opt to receive 

a lump-sum payment.

Coverage

Employed workers in the private sector (except in private 

companies covered by the parastatal special system), organized groups (such as cooperative members) in the formal 

sector, and public employees and self-employed persons not 

covered under the parastatal special system.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Exclusions: Household workers.

Special contributory systems for employees of parastatal 

organizations, including private companies in which the 

government owns shares and parastatal organizations that 

have been restructured or sold; self-employed persons, 

including informal-sector workers; workers who start new 

employment when aged 46 or older; expatriates contributing to an equivalent program in their home country; persons with seasonal income; and local authority employees. 

Special noncontributory systems for armed forces personnel and political leaders.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 10% of gross earnings; voluntary contributors pay 20% of declared income but no less than 20% 

of the legal minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage ranges from 65,000 shillings to 350,000 shillings, according to 8 sectors.

Previous contributions made to the National Provident 

Fund are converted into contribution credits.

Contributions are paid on behalf of insured women who 

receive maternity benefits.

The insured person’s contributions also finance cash maternity benefits, medical benefits, funeral grants, and work 

injury benefits.

Self-employed person: 20% declared income but no less 

than 20% of the legal minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage ranges from 65,000 shillings to 350,000 shillings, according to 8 sectors.

If not covered under the parastatal special system, the selfemployed person’s contributions also finance cash maternity benefits, medical benefits, funeral grants, and work 

injury benefits.

Employer: 10% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid on behalf of insured women who 

receive maternity benefits.

The employer’s contributions also finance cash maternity 

benefits, medical benefits, funeral grants, and work injury 

benefits.

Government: None; contributes as an employer on behalf 

of public-sector employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 180 months of contributions; at any age if leaving the country permanently. 

Covered employment must cease.

Insured persons who were within 14 years of the pensionable age in July 1998 and who have fewer than 180 months 

of contributions at age 60 may receive a basic pension, as 

determined by the Director General of the National Social 

Security Fund.

Early pension: Paid from age 55 with at least 180 months of 

contributions.

Deferred pension: A deferred pension is possible. There is 

no maximum deferral period.

Old-age grant: Age 60 with less than 180 months of contributions. Covered employment must cease.

Old-age benefits are not payable abroad.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of at least 66.7% of earning capacity and have a total 

of at least 180 months of contributions or 36 months of 

contributions, including at least 12 months in the 36 months 

immediately before the disability began.

The disability is assessed by a medical board of doctors 

appointed by the Ministry of Health. The insured may be 

required to undergo a medical examination by the medical 

board.

Disability grant: Paid if the insured does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for a disability pension.

Disability benefits are not payable abroad.

Survivor pension: The deceased satisfied the qualifying 

conditions for an old-age or disability pension at the time of 

death.

Survivor grant: Paid if the insured did not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for a pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are a widow(er) and children younger 

than age 18 (age 21 if a full-time student, no limit if 
172 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Tanzania

disabled). In the absence of a spouse and children, parents 

of the deceased may be eligible.

The widow(er)’s pension ceases on remarriage.

Survivor benefits are not payable abroad.

Funeral grant: The insured had at least 1 month of contributions and was employed at the time of death. The grant is 

paid to the person who pays for the funeral.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 5 of the last 

10 years before retirement plus 1.5% of average monthly 

earnings for each 12-month period of coverage exceeding 

180 months.

The insured receives a lump sum equal to 24 times the 

monthly pension in the first month and a monthly pension 

thereafter.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the monthly legal 

minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage ranges from 65,000 shillings to 350,000 shillings, according to 8 sectors.

The maximum pension is equal to 67.5% of the insured’s 

monthly earnings used to calculate the pension.

Under transitional rules, an insured person who qualifies 

for an old-age pension can opt to receive a lump-sum payment under the former provident fund system.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 0.5% of the 

insured’s earnings used to calculate the pension for each 

12-month period the pension is taken before age 60. The 

early pension is paid only if the calculated pension is at 

least equal to the minimum pension.

Deferred pension: Calculated in the same way as the oldage pension.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed periodically by 

the Board of the National Social Security Fund and adjusted 

according to the actuarial valuation of the fund and changes 

in the legal minimum wage.

Old-age grant: The grant is equal to the combined value 

of the last monthly contribution of the insured person and 

employer multiplied by the number of months of contributions. There is no minimum benefit.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 30% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings in the best 5 of the last 

10 years before the disability began plus 1% of average 

monthly earnings for each 12-month period of coverage 

exceeding 180 months.

For benefit calculation purposes, the insured is credited 

with 1% of average monthly earnings for each year the disability began before the pensionable age.

The insured receives a lump sum equal to 24 times the 

monthly pension in the first month and a monthly pension 

thereafter.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the legal minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage ranges from 65,000 shillings to 350,000 shillings, according to 8 sectors.

The maximum pension is equal to 67.5% of average 

monthly covered earnings.

The disability pension may be replaced by an old-age pension at age 60 if the value of the old-age pension is at least 

equal to that of the disability pension.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed periodically by 

the Board of the National Social Security Fund and adjusted 

according to the actuarial valuation of the fund and changes 

in the legal minimum wage.

Disability grant: A lump sum is paid based on the value of 

contributions paid.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 100% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

to a widow(er) without dependent children; 40% of the 

deceased’s pension is paid to the widow(er) if an orphan’s 

benefit is also paid. If there is more than one widow, the 

pension is split equally.

The widow(er)’s pension is paid for a limited period of 

2 years if the widow(er) is younger than age 45 or does not 

have a dependent child younger than age 15 at the time of 

the insured’s death.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the legal minimum wage.

The monthly legal minimum wage ranges from 65,000 shillings to 350,000 shillings, according to 8 sectors.

The maximum pension is equal to 67.5% of average 

monthly covered earnings.

Orphan’s pension: 60% of the deceased’s pension is split 

equally among eligible children; 100% for full orphans.

Parent’s pension (in the absence of other eligible survivors): 100% of the deceased’s pension is paid.

Eligible survivors receive a lump sum equal to 24 times the 

monthly pension in the first month and a monthly pension 

thereafter.

Survivor grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 12 months of 

the deceased’s pension.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid, up to 

300,000 shillings.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are reviewed periodically by 

the Board of the National Social Security Fund and adjusted 

according to the actuarial valuation of the fund and changes 

in the legal minimum wage.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 173

Tanzania

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour, Youth, and Sports Development 

(http://www.tanzania.go.tz/labour.htm) provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a director general, the National Social Security 

Fund (http://www.nssf.or.tz) administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current law: 1997 (social insurance), implemented in 2005.

Type of program: Social insurance system. Cash maternity 

benefit and medical benefits only.

Coverage

Employed workers in the private sector (except in private 

companies covered by the parastatal special system), organized groups (such as cooperative members) in the formal 

sector, public employees, and self-employed persons not 

covered under the parastatal special system.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Exclusions: Household workers.

Special system for certain employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, 

Disability, and Survivors, above. Old-age pensioners may 

make a voluntary contribution equal to 6% of their monthly 

pension.

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old 

Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are 

provided.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

36 months of contributions including at least 12 months 

in the 36 months immediately before the expected date of 

childbirth. Cash maternity benefits are paid to an insured 

woman only once in each 3-year period.

Medical benefits: The insured must have at least 3 months 

of contributions immediately before the medical issue 

began.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 100% of the 

insured woman’s average daily wage in the 6 months before 

the 20th week of pregnancy. The benefit is paid for up to 

12 weeks in one or two installments: 4 weeks before and 

8 weeks after childbirth (4 weeks after childbirth for a 

stillborn child).

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include inpatient and outpatient health care services. Medical benefits are provided by accredited hospitals 

under agreement with the National Social Security Fund.

Prenatal and postnatal care is provided from the 24th week 

of pregnancy and ceases 2 days after childbirth; 7 days 

after childbirth for a cesarean section; up to 12 weeks if 

prolonged care is necessary.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include inpatient and outpatient health care services. Medical benefits are provided by accredited hospitals 

under agreement with the National Social Security Fund.

Eligible dependents are the spouse and up to four of the 

insured’s children younger than age 18 (age 21 if a full-time 

student).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour, Youth, and Sports Development 

(http://www.tanzania.go.tz/labour.htm) provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a director general, the National Social Security 

Fund (http://www.nssf.or.tz) administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1948.

Current law: 1997 (social insurance), implemented in 2002.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed workers in the private sector (except in private 

companies covered by the parastatal special system), organized groups (such as cooperative members) in the formal 

sector, and public employees and self-employed persons not 

covered under the parastatal special system.

Exclusions: Household workers.

Special system for certain employed workers.
174 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Tanzania

Source of Funds

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old 

Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, 

and Survivors, above.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: The insured must be registered with 

the National Social Security Fund and assessed with a work 

injury or an occupational disease.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 50% of the insured’s average daily 

wage and is paid for up to 26 weeks.

The average daily wage is based on the insured’s earnings 

in the 6 months before the month the disability began.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the benefit is equal to 60% of the 

insured’s average monthly earnings and is paid for up to 

7 years.

Partial disability: If the assessed degree of disability is 

less than 30%, a lump sum is paid. The maximum partial 

disability benefit is equal to 84 times the insured’s average monthly earnings, according to the assessed degree of 

disability.

Constant-attendance allowance: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

25% of the permanent disability benefit is paid.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, hospital, and nursing 

care; prostheses; and the cost of medicines, appliances, and 

transportation up to a maximum.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum is paid equal to twice the 

deceased’s average monthly earnings.

Death benefit: A lump sum is paid to eligible survivors, up 

to 300,000 shillings.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Labour, Youth, and Sports Development 

(http://www.tanzania.go.tz/labour.htm) provides general 

supervision.

Managed by a director general, the National Social Security 

Fund (http://www.nssf.or.tz) administers the program.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

No statutory benefits are provided.

The labor code requires employers to provide severance pay 

to employees with continuous service of at least 3 months.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 175

Togo

Togo

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

479.50 CFA francs.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1968.

Current law: 1973 (social security), with 2001 amendment.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including salaried agricultural workers 

and household workers.

Voluntary coverage for persons previously insured for at 

least 6 consecutive months.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special supplementary old-age pension system for managerial staff of public and semipublic companies.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of gross earnings. Voluntarily insured 

persons contribute based on average gross earnings in the 

last 3 months of salaried activity.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 8% of gross payroll; contributions are reduced 

to 7.4% of gross payroll if at least 5% of the employer’s 

workforce is assessed with a disability.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 50 if prematurely aged) or 

has at least 30 years of coverage, including at least 10 years 

of contributions. Retirement from salaried employment is 

necessary.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Old-age settlement: Age 60 and does not satisfy the 

qualifying conditions for the old-age pension. The insured 

must have at least 12 months of coverage. Retirement from 

salaried employment is necessary.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

loss of earning capacity of at least 66.7% and have at least 

5 years of coverage, including 6 months of contributions in 

the last year. There is no qualifying period for a disability 

that is the result of a nonwork-related accident.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor pension: The deceased met the pension requirements, was a pensioner at the time of death, or had at least 

180 months of coverage.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

An orphan receiving a survivor pension may not receive 

family allowances.

The pension is payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.

Survivor settlement: The deceased did not satisfy 

the qualifying conditions for a pension but had at least 

12 months of coverage.

Eligible survivors are a widow aged 40 or older (no age 

limit if disabled) who was married to the deceased for 

at least 1 year or who is pregnant or has a child by the 

deceased; a dependent, disabled widower who was married 

to the deceased for at least 1 year; and children younger 

than age 16 (age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or 

disabled).

An orphan receiving the survivor settlement may continue 

to receive family allowances.

Old-Age Benefits

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

the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 5 years 

plus 1.33% of average monthly earnings for each 12-month 

period of contributions exceeding 180 months.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 100 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is equal to 28,000 CFA 

francs.

The insured may receive two or more pensions. The total 

amount received is calculated based on 100% of the higher 

pension plus 50% of the lower pension(s).

Old-age settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 1 month 

of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 5 years 

for each year of coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum 
176 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Togo

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system. 

(The last adjustment was made in 1997.)

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The monthly pension is equal to 20% 

of the insured’s average monthly earnings in the last 5 years 

plus 1.33% of average monthly earnings for each 12-month 

period of contributions exceeding 180 months. The insured 

is credited with a 6-month contribution period for each year 

that the claim is made before the normal retirement age.

The minimum pension is equal to 80% of the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 100 times the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is equal to 28,000 CFA 

francs.

Constant-attendance supplement: 50% of the insured’s pension is paid.

The insured may also receive disability benefits under the 

work injury program. The total amount received is calculated based on 100% of the work injury disability pension 

plus the portion of the nonwork injury disability pension 

that exceeds this amount.

The disability pension ceases at age 50 and is replaced by 

an old-age pension of the same value.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examinations by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system. 

(The last adjustment was made in 1997.)

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: An eligible spouse receives 50% of the 

monthly pension the deceased received or would have been 

entitled to receive at the time of death. If there is more than 

one widow, the pension is split equally.

Orphan’s pension: Each eligible orphan receives 25% of 

the monthly pension the deceased received or would have 

been entitled to receive at the time of death; 40% for each 

full orphan.

The value of the orphan’s pension must not be less than the 

value of family allowances.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% 

of the pension the deceased received or would have been 

entitled to receive at the time of death; otherwise, the pensions are reduced proportionately.

The insured may also receive survivor benefits under the 

work injury program. The total amount received is calculated based on 100% of the work injury survivor pension 

plus the portion of the nonwork injury survivor pension that 

exceeds this amount.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum equal to 1 month of 

the pension the deceased would have been entitled to with 

at least 120 months of coverage is paid for each 6-month 

period of coverage.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system. 

(The last adjustment was made in 1997.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, and Employment provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1973 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system. Maternity 

benefits only.

Coverage

Employed women, including agricultural salaried workers, 

household workers, and casual or temporary workers.

Exclusions: Self-employed women, cooperative members, 

apprentices, and students.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: See source of funds under Family Allowances, 

below.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness benefits: No statutory benefits are provided. (The labor code requires employers to provide paid 

sick leave.)

Cash maternity benefits: The insured woman must have 

at least 12 months of coverage before the expected date of 

childbirth.

Benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 177

Togo

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: No statutory benefits are provided. (The 

labor code requires employers to provide paid sick leave.)

Maternity benefit: The daily benefit is equal to 100% of 

the insured’s average daily wage in the last 3 months (the 

employer pays 50% of the benefit). The benefit is paid for 

up to 8 weeks before and 6 weeks after the expected date of 

childbirth; may be extended for up to 3 weeks in the event 

of complications arising from pregnancy or 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 health care and 

welfare services are provided to mothers and children under 

Family Allowances, below.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, and Employment provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1964.

Current law: 1973 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including under certain conditions agricultural salaried workers, household workers, casual and 

temporary workers, and civil servants temporarily assigned 

to work for a public company.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.5% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The daily benefit is equal to 66.7% of the insured’s average 

daily wage in the last 3 months and is paid from the day 

after the disability began until full recovery or certification 

of permanent disability. The benefit may be paid weekly or 

monthly.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a total disability, the pension is equal to 85% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the 3 months before the disability began.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full pension is 

paid according to the assessed degree of disability; if the 

assessed disability is less than 20%, a lump sum equal to 

3 years of pension is paid.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

50% of the disability pension is paid.

The pension may be partially converted to a lump sum after 

receiving the pension for 5 years.

The insured may also receive disability benefits under 

the old-age, disability, and survivors program. The total 

amount received is calculated based on 100% of the work 

injury disability pension plus the portion of the nonwork 

injury disability pension that exceeds this amount.

The combined receipt of the work injury permanent disability pension with the old-age pension is allowed under 

certain conditions.

The pension is paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, 

depending on its value.

The insured may be required to undergo medical examinations by a doctor approved or designated by the National 

Social Security Fund every 6 months during the first 

2 years; thereafter, once a year.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system. 

(The last adjustment was made in 1997.)
178 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Togo

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, and surgical care; hospitalization; medicines; appliances; transportation; and 

rehabilitation.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: The widow(er) receives 30% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the 3 months before the date 

of the accident.

Eligible survivors are a widow or a dependent, disabled 

widower who was married to the deceased before the date 

of the accident. If there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: Each orphan younger than age 16 

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

receives 10% of the deceased’s average earnings in the 

3 months before the date of the accident; 15% for each full 

orphan.

Dependent parent’s and grandparent’s pension: Each 

dependent parent and grandparent receives 10% of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the 3 months before the date 

of the accident.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s total permanent disability pension; otherwise, the pensions are reduced proportionately.

The pension is paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, 

depending on its value.

An eligible survivor may receive survivor benefits under 

the old-age, disability, and survivors program. The total 

amount received is calculated based on 100% of the work 

injury survivor pension plus the portion of the nonwork 

injury survivor pension that exceeds this amount.

Funeral grant: The grant is equal to 30 days of the 

deceased’s average earnings in the 3 months before the date 

of the accident.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in the cost of living and the legal minimum 

wage, depending on the financial resources of the system. 

(The last adjustment was made in 1997.)

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, and Employment provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers contributions and 

benefits.

Employers must be insured against liability with the 

National Social Security Fund.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1956.

Current law: 1973 (social security), with 2001 amendment.

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural salaried workers, household workers, casual or temporary workers, and 

certain pensioners and other recipients of social insurance 

benefits.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, cooperative members, 

apprentices, and students.

Special systems for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 6% of gross payroll.

The employer’s contributions also finance maternity benefits under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Contributions are paid monthly by employers with 20 or 

more employees or quarterly by employers with 1 to 19 

employees.

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

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

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

parent must have at least 3 consecutive months of employment and be currently working at least 18 days or 120 hours 

a month; a social insurance beneficiary.

The child must not receive an orphan’s pension.

If a parent receives family allowances from the special 

system for civil servants, only the higher benefit amount is 

paid.

Prenatal allowance: The woman must undergo prescribed 

medical examinations.

Birth grant: Paid for the birth of each of the first three 

children. The insured’s spouse must not be in salaried 

employment.

Benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal 

agreement.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 179

Togo

Family Allowance Benefits

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

each of the first six children. The benefits are paid every 

6 months.

Prenatal allowance: 500 CFA francs a month is paid 

for 9 months. The allowance is paid in three 3-month 

installments.

Birth grant: A lump sum of 6,000 CFA francs is paid for 

each of the first three births.

Some health care and welfare services are also provided to 

mothers and children.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Function, Labor, and Employment provides general supervision.

Managed by a tripartite council and a director, the National 

Social Security Fund administers the program.

Employers may pay benefits directly to their employees.
180 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Tunisia

Tunisia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1.33 dinars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1960.

Current laws: 1960 (nonagricultural workers), implemented in 1974; 1981 (agricultural workers); 1985 (civil servants); 1989 (commercial agriculture); 1995 (self-employed 

persons); 2002 (low-income earners); and 2002 (artists).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Private-sector employees from non-agricultural sectors.

Voluntary coverage for Tunisian workers employed abroad 

who are not covered by the host country or by a reciprocal 

agreement.

Exclusions: Prisoners working in prison workshops.

Special systems for civil servants, members of parliament, 

armed forces personnel, agricultural workers, farmers, selfemployed persons, household workers, artists, and certain 

categories of fishermen and low-income earners.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4.74% of gross earnings.

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The insured person’s contributions finance all old-age, disability, and survivors benefits except the death grant and 

death allowance, which are financed under Sickness and 

Maternity, below.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 7.76% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The employer’s contributions finance all old-age, disability, 

and survivors benefits except the death grant and death 

allowance, which are financed under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Government: None; the government subsidizes contributions to enhance economic activity in low-income areas and 

to encourage the employment of young graduates, persons 

with disabilities, and other categories of workers.

Government contributions finance all old-age, disability, 

and survivors benefits except the death grant and death 

allowance, which are financed under Sickness and Maternity, below.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 with at least 120 months of contributions; age 50 with at least 180 months of contributions 

if prematurely aged because of arduous work, involuntarily 

unemployed for at least 6 months, or the mother of three or 

more children. Insured employment must cease.

Early pension: Paid from age 50 with at least 360 months of 

contributions.

Partial pension: The insured must have between 60 and 

119 months of contributions at retirement.

If the insured has fewer than 60 months of contributions at 

retirement, the value of the insured’s share of contributions 

is refunded.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed with a 

permanent loss of earning capacity of at least 66.7% and 

have at least 60 months of contributions. Employment must 

cease.

A medical commission assesses the degree of disability 

annually until the insured is aged 55.

Constant-attendance supplement: Paid if the insured 

requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily 

functions.

Survivor pension: The insured was a pensioner at the time 

of death or had at least 60 months of contributions.

Eligible survivors are the widow(er) and children younger 

than age 16 (age 21 if a student, age 25 if a student without a scholarship, no limit if disabled or for an unmarried 

daughter without income).

Death grant: The insured had at least 50 days of employment in the last two quarters or 80 days in the last four 

quarters before death. The employment qualifying condition is waived if the death was the result of an accident.

Death allowance: Paid to the insured for the death of a 

spouse or dependent child. The insured must have had at 

least 50 days of employment in the last two quarters or 

80 days of employment in the last four quarters.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the 10 years before retirement 

plus 0.5% of average earnings for each 3-month period of 

contributions exceeding 120 months, up to 80% of average 

earnings.

The average earnings for benefit calculation purposes must 

not exceed six times the legal monthly minimum wage. 

Periods of contributions with declared earnings of less 

than 66.7% of the legal minimum wage are not taken into 

account in the benefit calculation.

The minimum pension is equal to 66.7% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 181

Tunisia

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of average earnings, 

up to six times the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 251.80 dinars.

Early pension: The pension is reduced by 0.5% for each 

quarter that the pension is taken before age 60.

Partial pension: A reduced pension is paid in proportion to 

the insured’s number of quarters of contributions.

The minimum partial pension is equal to 50% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 251.80 dinars.

If the insured has fewer than 60 months of contributions 

at retirement, a lump sum is paid equal to the value of the 

insured’s contributions.

The pension is paid monthly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are indexed to changes in the 

legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment was made in 

July 2008.) The legal minimum wage is adjusted by government decree, after consultation with labor unions and 

employers’ representatives, according to changes in the cost 

of living.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 50% of the 

insured’s average earnings in the last 10 years before the 

disability began plus 0.5% of average earnings for each 

3-month period of contributions exceeding 180 months, up 

to 80% of average earnings.

The average earnings for benefit calculation purposes must 

not exceed six times the legal monthly minimum wage. 

Periods of contributions with declared earnings of less 

than 66.7% of the legal minimum wage are not taken into 

account in the benefit calculation.

The minimum pension is equal to 66.7% of the legal 

monthly minimum wage.

The maximum pension is equal to 80% of average earnings, 

up to six times the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 251.80 dinars.

Constant-attendance supplement: 20% of the disability pension is paid.

The pension is paid monthly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are indexed to changes in the 

legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment was made in 

July 2008.) The legal minimum wage is adjusted by government decree, after consultation with labor unions and 

employers’ representatives, according to changes in the cost 

of living.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 75% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

to a widow(er) without a dependent child; 70% with one 

dependent child; or 50% with two or more dependent 

children.

The pension ceases if the surviving spouse remarries before 

age 55.

Orphan’s pension: 30% of the deceased’s pension is paid 

for one orphan or 50% for two or more orphans; 30% for 

one full orphan, 60% for two full orphans, 90% for three 

full orphans, or 100% for four or more full orphans.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 100% of 

the deceased’s pension.

Benefits are paid monthly.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are indexed to changes in the 

legal minimum wage. (The last adjustment was made in 

July 2008.) The legal minimum wage is adjusted by government decree, after consultation with labor unions and 

employers’ representatives, according to changes in the cost 

of living.

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

deceased’s monthly average earnings in the last 3 or 5 years 

(whichever amount is greater) plus one month of average 

earnings for each year of contributions, up to 18 months of 

earnings. The death grant is reduced by 50% for the death 

of a pensioner; the calculated amount is reduced to 40%, 

30%, 20%, or 10% if the death occurs at age 70, age 75, 

age 80, or age 85, respectively. The average monthly earnings must not be more than six times the legal monthly 

minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 251.80 dinars.

The minimum death grant is equal to the legal annual 

minimum wage.

The legal annual minimum wage is 3,022.66 dinars.

Dependent child’s supplement: A lump sum equal to 10% of 

the death grant is paid for each dependent child.

Death allowance: A lump sum equal to between 10 and 

90 days of the insured’s sickness benefit is paid for the 

death of a dependent spouse or child. The daily sickness 

benefit is equal to 66.7% of the insured’s average daily 

earnings, up to twice the daily minimum wage.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians 

Abroad (http://www.social.tn) provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.nat.tn) 

administers the program through regional offices.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

First and current laws: 1960 and 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system.
182 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Tunisia

Coverage

Cash and medical benefits: Private- and public-sector 

employees from the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, self-employed persons, and fishermen.

Special systems for civil servants, members of parliament, 

and armed forces personnel.

Medical benefits only: Pensioners, interns, household 

workers, and construction workers.

Voluntary coverage for medical benefits for Tunisian 

workers employed abroad who are not covered by the host 

country or by a reciprocal agreement.

Special system for students and low-income earners.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 3.17% of gross earnings (July 2009).

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The insured person’s contributions finance all sickness and 

maternity benefits except parental leave, which is financed 

under Family Allowances, below. The insured person’s contributions also finance the death grant and death allowance 

provided under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Self-employed person: Information is not available.

Employer: 5.08% of gross payroll (July 2009).

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The employer’s contributions finance all sickness and 

maternity benefits except parental leave, which is financed 

under Family Allowances, below. The employer’s contributions also finance the death grant and death allowance 

provided under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and medical benefits: The insured must 

have at least 50 days of insured employment in the last 

two calendar quarters or 80 days of insured employment 

in the last four quarters. Long-term sickness (for a period 

greater than 180 days) must be certified by the medical 

commission.

Medical benefits are provided to the insured and the 

insured’s spouse and dependent minor children (without 

limit if disabled), dependent parents, and nonmarried 

daughters without income.

Cash maternity benefits: The insured must have at least 

80 days of insured employment in the last four quarters.

Parental leave: Paid within the first 7 days after childbirth.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Sickness benefit: The benefit is equal to 66.7% of the 

average daily wage, up to twice the legal minimum daily 

wage. The benefit is paid after a 5-day waiting period for up 

to 180 days. Benefits are paid every 2 weeks.

The average daily wage for benefit calculation purposes 

is based on the highest earnings received by the insured 

during one quarter among the last four quarters before the 

incapacity began.

The legal daily minimum wage is 7,749 dinars.

There is no waiting period or limit to duration for hospitalization, recognized long-term illnesses, or for an incapacity 

that is the result of a non-work-related accident. The benefit 

is reduced by 50% from the first day of the fourth year of 

sickness.

Maternity benefit: The benefit is equal to 66.7% of the 

average daily wage, up to twice the legal minimum daily 

wage. The benefit is paid for 30 days; may be extended in 

the event of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth for a further 15 days. Benefits are paid monthly.

The average daily wage for benefit calculation purposes is 

based on the highest earnings received by the insured in 

one quarter among the last four quarters before the claim to 

benefits.

Parental leave: The benefit is equal to the average daily 

wage, calculated based on the insured’s earnings received 

in the last quarter. The benefit is paid for 1 day.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Insured persons can choose from three options: medical 

services provided by hospitals and clinics operated by the 

government, the social security system, or under contract 

with the National Health Insurance Fund; medical services 

coordinated by a private physician who is chosen by the 

insured person and under contract with the National Health 

Insurance Fund; or reimbursement by the National Health 

Insurance Fund for medical services provided by public or 

private health care providers according to the schedule in 

law.

Benefits include medical care, hospitalization, surgery, specialist care, laboratory services, kidney dialysis, appliances, 

and medicines.

Cost sharing is based on the schedule in law. The insured 

person’s contribution to the cost of medical services cannot 

exceed 1.5 times the insured’s average salary or pension in 

the last calendar year.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

The dependents of insured persons can choose from three 

options: medical services provided by hospitals and clinics 

operated by the government, the social security system, or 

under contract with the National Health Insurance Fund; 

medical services coordinated by a private physician who 

is chosen by the insured person and under contract with 

the National Health Insurance Fund; or reimbursement by 

the National Health Insurance Fund for medical services 
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 183

Tunisia

provided by public or private health care providers according to the schedule in law.

Benefits include medical care, hospitalization, surgery, specialist care, laboratory services, kidney dialysis, appliances, 

and medicines.

Cost sharing is based on the schedule in law. The dependent’s contribution to the cost of medical services cannot 

exceed 1.5 times the insured’s average salary or pension in 

the last calendar year.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians 

Abroad (http://www.social.tn) provides general supervision.

National Health Insurance Fund (http://www.cnam.nat.tn) 

administers the program through regional offices.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1921.

Current law: 1994, with 1995 amendment; and 2004.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

All salaried employees, including occasional, temporary, 

and household workers; members of cooperatives; fisherman; apprentices; students; and prisoners working in prison 

workshops.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and artists.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Voluntary contributions only.

Employer: From 0.4% to 4.0% of gross payroll, depending 

on the assessed degree of risk. (The contribution rate may 

be reduced, depending on the employer’s reported accident 

rate.)

Contributions are paid quarterly.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period. Accidents that occur while commuting to and from 

work are covered.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 66.7% of the highest average daily 

wage received by the insured in one quarter among the last 

four quarters before the one in which the disability began. 

The benefit is paid after a 3-day waiting period (after 1 day 

if hospitalized) until full recovery or certification of permanent disability.

The average daily wage for benefit calculation purposes 

must not be lower than the legal daily minimum wage. The 

legal daily minimum wage is 7,749 dinars.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: The monthly pension is 

equal to the insured’s annual earnings multiplied by 0.5 

times the assessed degree of disability for the portion of 

disability between 15% and 50% and by 1.5 times the 

assessed degree of disability for the portion greater than 

50%.

The annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to four times the highest quarterly salary received 

by the insured in one quarter among the last four quarters 

before the one in which the disability began. The annual 

earnings for benefit calculation purposes must not exceed 

six times the legal annual minimum wage. The legal annual 

minimum wage is 3,022.66 dinars.

The minimum pension is equal to the legal monthly 

minimum wage. The legal monthly minimum wage is 

251.80 dinars.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

25% of the annual earnings used for benefit calculation 

purposes is paid.

The permanent disability pension can be paid as a lump 

sum after a 5-year period if the assessed degree of disability 

is 35% or less. On receiving the lump sum, entitlement to 

the pension ceases. The lump sum is calculated according 

to the schedule in law.

For an assessed disability of between 5% and 15%, a lump 

sum is paid equal to 150% of the annual earnings used for 

benefit calculation purposes multiplied by the assessed 

degree of disability.

If the insured is entitled to the old-age pension or the 

non-work-related disability pension and the work injury 

permanent disability pension, all benefits combined must 

not exceed the value of the annual earnings used for the 

calculation of the higher of the pensions.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in wages.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

All necessary medical and surgical care, hospitalization, 

medicines, and appliances are provided, according to the 

schedule in law.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: 50% of the annual earnings used to 

calculate the deceased’s permanent disability pension is 
184 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Tunisia

paid to a widow(er) without children; 40% if the surviving 

spouse has one or more children.

The pension ceases on remarriage.

Orphan’s pension: 20% of the annual earnings used to 

calculate the deceased’s permanent disability pension is 

paid for one orphan, 30% for two, or 40% for three or more 

orphans; and 50% for one full orphan, 60% for two, 70% 

for three, or 80% for four or more full orphans.

Orphans must be younger than age 16 (age 21 if a secondary or professional school student, age 25 if a university 

student, no limit if disabled or for an unmarried daughter 

without income).

Other eligible survivors (in the absence of the above):

20% of the annual earnings used to calculate the deceased’s 

permanent disability pension is paid for each dependent 

parent, grandparent, and grandchild, up to 50% of the 

annual earnings.

The annual earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

equal to four times the highest quarterly salary received by 

the deceased in one quarter among the last four quarters 

before the one in which the disability began. The annual 

earnings for benefit calculation purposes must not exceed 

six times the legal annual minimum wage. The legal annual 

minimum wage is 3,022.66 dinars.

All survivor benefits combined must not exceed 80% of the 

deceased’s earnings.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted by decree according to changes in wages.

Funeral grant: One month of earnings is paid to the 

deceased’s eligible survivors. The maximum grant is equal 

to the legal monthly minimum wage. The legal monthly 

minimum wage is 251.80 dinars.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians 

Abroad (http://www.social.tn) provides general supervision.

National Health Insurance Fund (http://www.cnam.nat.tn) 

administers the program through regional offices.

Unemployment

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1982.

Current law: 1996 (workers’ social protection), implemented in 1997, with 2002 amendment.

Type of program: Social assistance system.

Coverage

All nonagricultural salaried employees.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, agricultural workers, 

and household workers.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: None.

Government: None.

The cost of all benefits is financed by the National Social 

Security Fund according to available resources.

Qualifying Conditions

Unemployment benefits: The insured must have paid at 

least 12 quarters of contributions to the National Social 

Security Fund and must be involuntarily unemployed, 

ineligible for an old-age pension or a disability pension, and 

registered at an employment office.

Unemployment Benefits

The benefit is equal to 1 month of salary, up to the legal 

monthly minimum wage. The benefit is paid for up to 

6 months.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 251.80 dinars.

Unemployed persons can also receive family allowances 

and supplements and have access to medical benefits for up 

to a year beginning from the first day after the end of the 

quarter in which employment ceased.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians 

Abroad (http://www.social.tn) provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.nat.tn) 

administers the program through regional offices.

Family Allowances

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1944.

Current laws: 1960, 1980 (family supplement), and 1994 

(nursery school fees).

Type of program: Employment-related system.

Coverage

Private-sector employees, including occasional and temporary workers; fishermen; members of agricultural cooperatives; employees of farms employing 30 or more workers; 

students younger than age 28; and trainees of any age.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons, household workers, and 

employees of farms with less than 30 workers.

Special system for civil servants and armed forces 

personnel.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 185

Tunisia

Source of Funds

Insured person: 0.89% of gross earnings.

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The insured person’s contributions also finance parental 

leave provided under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 2.21% of gross payroll.

Contributions are paid quarterly.

The employer’s contributions also finance parental leave 

provided under Sickness and Maternity, above.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Family allowances: The child must be younger than age 16 

(age 18 if an apprentice, age 21 if a student or the insured’s 

daughter providing care for her brothers and sisters, no 

limit if disabled). Allowances are paid for up to three 

children.

Family supplements: Paid to families with a nonworking 

spouse. The children must be eligible for family allowances.

Nursery school fees (means-tested): Paid to working 

mothers with monthly earnings of less than 2.5 times the 

legal minimum wage based on a working week of 48 hours. 

The child must be between 2 months and 36 months of age 

and be eligible to receive family allowances.

The legal monthly minimum wage is 251.8 dinars.

Family Allowance Benefits

Family allowances: 18% of the insured’s earnings is paid 

for the first child, 16% for the second, and 14% for the third. 

The allowances are paid quarterly.

The maximum earnings for benefit calculation purposes are 

122 dinars a quarter.

Family supplements: 9.37 dinars a quarter is paid for 

the first child, 18.75 dinars a quarter for two children, and 

23.47 dinars a quarter for three children.

Nursery school fees (means-tested): 15 dinars a month 

is paid for up to 11 months for each eligible child.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity, and Tunisians 

Abroad (http://www.social.tn) provides general supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.cnss.nat.tn) 

administers the program through regional offices.
186 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Uganda

Uganda

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 1,935 shillings.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1967.

Current law: 1985 (social security fund).

Type of program: Provident fund system.

Coverage

Persons aged 16 to 54 employed in firms with five or more 

workers.

Voluntary coverage is possible.

Exclusions: Temporary employees and self-employed 

persons.

Special systems for public-sector employees, military 

and prison personnel, and government teaching service 

employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of gross monthly earnings.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 10% of gross monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age benefit: Age 55; age 50 if employment ceased at 

least a year before the time of the claim.

Drawdown payments: The withdrawal of contributions 

and interest is permitted if covered by an alternative social 

security program approved by the Ministry of Finance, 

Planning, and Economic Development or if permanently 

leaving the country.

Disability benefit: The fund member must have a permanent total disability for any work or a permanent partial 

disability resulting in a serious loss of earning capacity.

Survivor benefit: Paid for the death of the fund member 

before retirement.

Eligible survivors (in order of priority) are the surviving spouse and dependent children; parents and brothers; 

grandparents or other relatives; and the person who paid for 

the funeral.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age benefit: A lump sum is paid equal to total 

employee and employer contributions plus interest.

The interest rate is 14% a year (2008).

Interest rate adjustment: The annual rate of interest is based 

on the rate of return on National Social Security Fund 

investments and is set in consultation with the Minister of 

Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability benefit: A lump sum is paid equal to total 

employee and employer contributions plus interest.

The interest rate is 14% a year (2008).

Interest rate adjustment: The annual rate of interest is based 

on the rate of return on National Social Security Fund 

investments and is set in consultation with the Minister of 

Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum is paid equal to total 

employee and employer contributions plus interest. If the 

benefit is paid to the person who pays for the funeral, the 

cost of the funeral is reimbursed.

The interest rate is 14% a year (2008).

Interest rate adjustment: The annual rate of interest is based 

on the rate of return on National Social Security Fund 

investments and is set in consultation with the Minister of 

Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development 

(http://www.finance.go.ug) provides general supervision.

Bank of Uganda (http://www.bou.or.ug) provides substantive supervision.

National Social Security Fund (http://www.nssfug.org) 

administers the program.

National Social Security Fund is governed by a tripartite 

board of directors consisting of the managing director, the 

chairman, and other members appointed by the Minister of 

Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1946.

Current law: 2000 (workers’ compensation).

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a specified insurer.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 187

Uganda

Coverage

Employed persons, including government employees.

Exclusions: Active members of the armed forces and selfemployed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is normally met through insurance premiums.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: The insured must have a permanent 

incapacity or an incapacity lasting for at least 3 consecutive 

days that results in the loss of earnings.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is paid periodically or as a lump sum. The benefit amount depends on the circumstances of the accident, 

the assessed degree of disability, the loss of earnings, and 

the probable duration of the disability. The benefit is paid 

for up to 96 months; may be extended, subject to a medical 

examination.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefit: If the insured has a total 

disability, a lump sum is paid equal to 60 months of earnings, up to a maximum.

Constant-attendance supplement: If the insured requires the 

constant attendance of others to perform daily functions, 

25% of the lump-sum benefit (but not less than a predetermined minimum) is paid.

Partial disability: A percentage of the full benefit is paid 

according to the assessed degree of disability.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Benefits include medical, surgical, and nursing care; hospitalization; and medicines.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A lump sum is paid equal to 60 months 

of earnings, up to a maximum, minus 50% of the value 

of any disability benefits paid to the insured for the same 

accident before his or her death.

The full benefit is paid to fully dependent survivors; in the 

absence of dependent survivors, the employer pays any 

expenses related to medical care provided to the deceased 

and the cost of the funeral.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development (http://

www.mglsd.go.ug) enforces the law, approves settlements, 

and pays benefits from money deposited by employers.

Employers must insure against liability with private insurance companies.
188 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Zambia

Zambia

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 4,880 kwacha.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1965 (provident fund).

Current law: 1996 (pension scheme), implemented in 2000.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Coverage

Employed persons, including agricultural workers, household workers in urban areas, apprentices, and all employees 

of the national public service and local authorities who 

began work on or after February 1, 2000.

Voluntary coverage for self-employed persons and some 

categories of informal-sector workers who were previously 

covered for at least 60 months.

Exclusions: Workers younger than age 16, older than age 55, 

or earning less than 15,000 kwacha a month; armed forces 

personnel.

Special system for employees of the national public service 

and local authorities who began work before February 1, 

2000.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 5% of covered earnings; 10% of covered 

earnings for voluntary contributors.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to four times the national average 

monthly earnings.

Self-employed person: 10% of covered earnings for voluntary contributors.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to four times the national average 

monthly earnings.

Employer: 5% of covered payroll.

The maximum monthly earnings for contribution calculation purposes are equal to four times the national average 

monthly earnings.

Government: None; contributes as an employer.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 55 with at least 180 months of 

contributions. Retirement from regular employment is 

necessary.

Early pension: Paid from age 50 with at least 180 months of 

contributions and if the resulting reduced pension is at least 

equal to the minimum pension. Retirement from regular 

employment is necessary.

Old-age settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy 

the qualifying conditions for the old-age pension.

All old-age benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal agreement.

Disability pension: The insured must be assessed as permanently incapable of any work as the result of a physical 

or mental disability and have at least 60 months of contributions, including at least 12 in the 36 months before the 

disability began.

The disability is assessed by a medical board appointed by 

the Minister of Labor and Social Security.

Disability settlement: Paid if the insured does not satisfy 

the qualifying conditions for the disability pension.

All disability benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal agreement.

Survivor pension: The deceased had at least 60 months of 

contributions or was receiving an old-age or disability pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors are the spouse and children younger than 

age 18 (age 25 if a student, no age limit if disabled).

A surviving spouse caring for one or more of the deceased’s 

children is eligible for a pension until death or remarriage. 

If the surviving spouse is younger than age 45 and without children by the deceased, a limited pension is paid for 

2 years.

Survivor settlement: Paid to survivors if the deceased did 

not satisfy the qualifying conditions for a pension.

Funeral grant: Paid if the deceased had at least 12 months 

of contributions in the 36 months before death.

All survivor benefits are payable abroad only under reciprocal agreement.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The monthly pension is equal to the 

insured’s average adjusted monthly earnings multiplied by 

the number of months of contributions.

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 20% of national 

average monthly earnings.

The maximum monthly pension is equal to 40% of the 

insured’s average adjusted monthly earnings.

Early pension: A reduced pension is paid. The minimum 

monthly early pension is equal to 20% of national average 

monthly earnings.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted annually according to changes in national average earnings.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 189

Zambia

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

adjusted contributions from the insured and the employer 

plus accrued interest.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The insured’s monthly calculated oldage pension or the minimum pension (whichever is greater) 

is paid plus compensation for lost years of work.

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 20% of national 

average monthly earnings.

Disability settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the 

total adjusted contributions from the insured and the 

employer plus accrued interest.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: If the insured was employed at the time 

of death, the pension is equal to the monthly calculated 

pension or the minimum pension (whichever is greater) plus 

compensation for lost years of work. If the deceased was 

receiving an old-age or disability pension, the pension is 

replaced by a survivor pension.

When there is more than one eligible survivor, the pension 

is split according to a schedule in law.

The minimum monthly pension is equal to 20% of national 

average monthly earnings.

Survivor settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to the total 

adjusted contributions from the insured and the employer 

plus accrued interest.

Funeral grant: A lump sum equal to 10 times the minimum 

pension is paid to the survivor. In the absence of a survivor, 

the grant is paid to the person who paid for the funeral.

Administrative Organization

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

.gov.zm) 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.

No statutory cash benefits are provided. (Women who qualified for maternity benefits under the repealed provident 

fund act can claim maternity benefits under the repealed 

act.)

Coverage

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: No statutory 

benefits are provided. (Women who qualified for maternity 

benefits under the repealed provident fund act can claim 

maternity benefits under the repealed act.)

Medical benefits: Resident citizens of Zambia.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: None.

Employer: None.

Government: Most of the cost of medical benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: No statutory 

benefits are provided. (Women who qualified for maternity 

benefits under the repealed provident fund act can claim 

maternity benefits under the repealed act.)

Medical benefits: Must be a resident citizen of Zambia.

Sickness and Maternity Benefits

Cash sickness and maternity benefits: No statutory 

benefits are provided. (Women 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 resident citizens in government hospitals, clinics, and rural health centers at low cost. 

Medical services requiring the payment of fees have been 

introduced in selected medical institutions.

Dependents’ Medical Benefits

Medical care is available to all resident citizens in government hospitals, clinics, and rural health centers at low cost. 

Medical services requiring the payment of fees have been 

introduced in selected medical institutions.

Administrative Organization

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

.gov.zm) provides general supervision.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

First laws: 1929 (employer liability) and 1963 (compulsory 

insurance).

Current law: 1994.

Type of program: Employer-liability system, involving 

compulsory insurance with a public carrier.
190 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Zambia

Coverage

Employed persons, including casual workers, household 

workers, apprentices, and public-sector employees not covered by the special system.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Special system for public-sector employees.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost is met through contributions fixed 

annually according to the assessed degree of risk.

Government: None; contributes as an employer on behalf 

of covered employees.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If the insured is assessed with a degree of disability of 

10% or less, the benefit is equal to 50% of monthly covered 

earnings. The benefit is paid for up to 18 months; may be 

extended to 24 months. Medical certification is necessary.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 250,000 kwacha.

The minimum and maximum benefits vary according to the 

assessed degree of disability.

The degree of disability is assessed by a government institution or private clinic. Occupational diseases are assessed 

annually. Work injuries are assessed when the claim is 

made; a review of the assessed disability is possible if the 

worker’s medical condition changes.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: If the insured is assessed 

with a degree of disability greater than 10%, the pension is 

equal to 50% of monthly covered earnings when the disability began multiplied by the assessed degree of disability.

The maximum pension is paid for a permanent total disability of 100%.

The maximum monthly earnings for benefit calculation 

purposes are 250,000 kwacha.

Constant-attendance allowance: If assessed with a total 

disability and requiring the constant attendance of others to 

perform daily functions, an allowance is paid according to 

the insured’s assessed degree of disability.

Partial disability: A lump sum is paid if the total benefit 

payment is less than 31,000 kwacha or if the assessed 

degree of disability is 10% or less.

The degree of disability is assessed by a government institution or private clinic. Occupational diseases are assessed 

annually. Work injuries are assessed when the claim is 

made; a review of the assessed disability is possible if the 

worker’s medical condition changes.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

Medical benefits are determined by the Minister of Labor 

and Social Security through a statutory body.

There is no limit to duration.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: A widow or a disabled widower 

receives 80% of the deceased’s disability pension. The pension is paid monthly.

Remarriage settlement: The widow(er)’s pension ceases on 

remarriage and a lump sum is paid equal to 24 months of 

pension.

Orphan’s pension: 15% of the deceased’s disability pension is paid for the first orphan (30% for a full orphan) and 

5% for each additional orphan (10% for each additional full 

orphan) younger than age 18. The monthly pension is paid 

for up to eight orphans.

Other eligible survivors: In the absence of a surviving 

widow(er) or child, other eligible dependent survivors 

receive an amount that varies according to the degree of 

dependency on the deceased.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted periodically 

according to changes in the cost of living.

Funeral grant: The cost of the burial or an amount prescribed by the Minister of Labor and Social Security is 

paid.

Administrative Organization

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

.gov.zm) provides general supervision.

Managed by a board and a commissioner, the Workers’ 

Compensation Fund Control Board (http://www.workers

.com.zm) administers contributions and benefits.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 191

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 

6,000,000,000 Zimbabwean dollars (Z$).

Note: For benefit calculation purposes, amounts are listed 

in US dollars.

Old Age, Disability, and Survivors

Regulatory Framework

First law: 1993.

Current laws: 1995, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2008.

Type of program: Social insurance system.

Note: Under the 1998 Social Welfare Assistance Act, 

limited public assistance is provided by the Department of 

Social Welfare to destitute persons incapable of work and to 

persons aged 65 or older or with a disability.

Coverage

All employed persons between ages 16 and 65 who are 

citizens or residents of Zimbabwe.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons.

Source of Funds

Insured person: 4% of monthly earnings.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: 4% of monthly payroll.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Old-age pension: Age 60 (age 55 if in arduous employment) with at least 10 years of contributions.

Deferred pension: The pension may be deferred up to 

age 65.

Retirement grant: Paid if the insured does not meet the 

qualifying conditions for the pension and has more than 

1 year but less than 10 years of contributions.

Disability pension: The insured must be younger than 

age 60, assessed with a disability and a permanent incapacity for work by a medical doctor, and have at least 1 year of 

contributions.

Disability grant: The insured must be younger than age 60, 

assessed with a disability and a permanent incapacity for 

work by a medical doctor, and have less than 1 year of 

contributions.

Survivor benefit: Paid if the deceased was a pensioner or 

met the qualifying conditions for the old-age or disability 

pension at the time of death.

Eligible survivors (in order of priority) are the widow(er), 

children younger than age 18 (age 25 if a student, no age 

limit if permanently disabled), parents, and other dependents. If there is no widow(er), dependent children are paid 

through the legal guardian.

Survivor grant: The insured met the qualifying conditions 

for the retirement grant or disability grant.

Eligible survivors (in order of priority) are the widow(er), 

children younger than age 18 (age 25 if a student, no age 

limit if permanently disabled), parents, and other dependents. If there is no widow(er), dependent children are paid 

through the legal guardian.

Funeral grant: The deceased must have at least 1 year of 

contributions and the death must not be work-related. The 

grant is paid to the person who paid for the funeral.

Old-Age Benefits

Old-age pension: The pension is equal to 1.33% of 

monthly covered earnings in the month before retirement 

multiplied by the number of years of contributions up to 

30 years plus 1% of monthly covered earnings multiplied by 

the number of years of contributions exceeding 30 years.

Deferred pension: Calculated in the same way as the oldage pension.

The minimum monthly pension is US$25 (April 2009).

Retirement grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 0.083% of 

the insured’s annual covered earnings immediately before 

retirement multiplied by the number of years of contributions (including credited periods).

The minimum retirement grant is US$10 (April 2009).

Permanent Disability Benefits

Disability pension: The pension is equal to 1% of the 

insured’s average annual covered earnings when the disability began multiplied by the number of years of contributions up to 10 years. For a contribution period exceeding 

10 years, the pension is equal to 1.33% of monthly covered 

earnings at the time the disability began multiplied by the 

number of years of contributions (including credited periods) up to 30 years plus 1% of monthly covered earnings 

multiplied by the number of years of contributions exceeding 30 years.

The minimum monthly pension is US$10 (April 2009).

Disability grant: A lump sum is paid equal to 0.083% of 

the insured’s monthly covered earnings before the disability 

began multiplied by the number of years of contributions 

(including credited periods).

The minimum disability grant is US$10 (April 2009).
192 ♦ SSPTW: Africa, 2009

Zimbabwe

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit: A monthly pension equal to 40% of 

the deceased’s old-age or disability pension is paid to a 

widow(er) and 40% to children up to age 18 (age 25 if 

a student, no age limit if permanently disabled). In the 

absence of a surviving widow(er) or child, 12% is paid to 

the deceased’s parents. In the absence of a surviving parent, 

8% is paid to other eligible dependents.

If there is more than one eligible widow, the benefit is split 

equally.

Survivor grant: A lump sum equal to 40% of the 

deceased’s retirement or disability grant is paid to a 

widow(er) and 40% to children up to age 18 (age 25 if 

a student, no age limit if permanently disabled). In the 

absence of a surviving widow(er) or child, 12% is paid to 

the deceased’s parents. In the absence of a surviving parent, 

8% is paid to other eligible dependents.

If there is more than one eligible widow, the benefit is split 

equally between them.

Funeral grant: A lump sum is paid, as determined by the 

General Manager of the National Social Security Authority.

The minimum amount for a funeral grant is US$20 

(April 2009).

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Social Welfare 

(http://www.pslsw.gov.zw) provides general supervision.

National Social Security Authority administers the 

program.

Sickness and Maternity

Regulatory Framework

No statutory cash benefits are provided.

The labor relations act requires employers to provide a 

maternity benefit. The maternity benefit is equal to 100% 

of wages and is paid for at least 21 days before and 77 days 

after the expected date of childbirth.

A health care program provides free primary health care for 

low-paid workers.

Government and mission hospitals serve rural areas; 

government and private hospitals and doctors serve urban 

areas.

Work Injury

Regulatory Framework

Current laws: 1990, 1998, and 2008.

Type of program: Employer-liability system.

Coverage

All employed persons in the private sector.

Exclusions: Self-employed persons and household workers.

Special system for civil servants.

Source of Funds

Insured person: None.

Self-employed person: Not applicable.

Employer: The total cost for employees is met through 

insurance premiums based on monthly earnings.

Government: None.

Qualifying Conditions

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying 

period.

Temporary Disability Benefits

The benefit is equal to 100% of monthly covered earnings 

for the first 30 days; thereafter, monthly payments are equal 

to 51% of monthly earnings.

The benefit is paid for up to 18 months.

Child’s supplement: The first child receives 12.5% of the 

insured’s benefit; 5% each for the second to the fifth child. 

The amount paid for each subsequent child is determined 

by the General Manager of the National Social Security 

Authority.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability pension: The insured must have an 

assessed degree of disability greater than 30%. The pension 

amount must be greater than US$15 a month to receive the 

pension. A lump sum is paid if the insured’s pension is not 

greater than US$15 a month.

Constant-attendance allowance: If assessed with a total 

disability and requiring the constant attendance of others to 

perform daily functions, an allowance if paid for life.

Child’s supplement: The first child receives 12.5% of the 

insured’s pension; 5% each for the second to the fifth child. 

The amount paid for each subsequent child is determined 

by the General Manager of the National Social Security 

Authority.

Partial disability: A lump sum is paid if the insured has an 

assessed degree of disability of 30% or less.

Benefits are payable abroad.

Workers’ Medical Benefits

The National Social Security Authority meets the cost of all 

medical fees, including drugs, hospital care, prostheses, and 

transportation.
SSPTW: Africa, 2009 ♦ 193

Zimbabwe

Survivor Benefits

Survivor pension: A dependent widow(er) receives 66.7% 

of the deceased’s pension. If there is more than one eligible 

widow, the pension is split equally.

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

Remarriage settlement: A lump sum is paid equal to 

24 months of pension.

Child’s supplement: Paid until the child is aged 19 or is 

self-supporting, whichever is earlier. The first child receives 

12.5% of the insured’s pension; 5% each for the second to 

the fifth child. The amount paid for each subsequent child 

is determined by the General Manager. The child’s supplement does not cease if the surviving spouse remarries.

Dependent’s allowance: Paid to dependent parents, brothers, and sisters for the death of an unmarried worker.

Funeral grant: A lump sum of US$200 (April 2009) is 

paid for a work-related death, as determined by the General 

Manager of the National Social Security Authority.

Administrative Organization

Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Social Welfare 

(http://www.pslsw.gov.zw) provides general supervision.

National Social Security Authority administers the 

program.