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<h1>Social Security Programs Throughout the World: The Americas, 2005</h1>
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<h1>Belize</h1>
<div class="exchangeRate">Exchange rate: US$1.00 equals 2.20 Belize dollars (B$).</div>
<h2>Old Age, Disability, and Survivors</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First and current law:</span> 1979 (social security), with amendments.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance and social assistance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Social insurance:</span> Employed persons aged&nbsp;14 to 64, including public servants and self-employed persons. (Persons aged&nbsp;60 or older who have previously received an old-age benefit and who return to work are covered for work injury benefits only.)</p>
<p>Exclusions: Casual labor, persons employed for less than 8&nbsp;hours a week, and military personnel.</p>
<p>Voluntary coverage for old-age and survivor benefits for workers younger than age&nbsp;65 who become self-employed and who have paid at least 150&nbsp;contributions as an employee.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Social assistance:</span> Women aged&nbsp;65 or older who are citizens or permanent residents of Belize.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<h4>Social insurance</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Insured person:</span> Weekly contributions vary according to eight wage classes:</p>
<ul>
<li>B$0.83 if weekly earnings are under B$70;</li>
<li>B$1.35 if B$70 to B$109.99;</li>
<li>B$1.95 if B$110 to B$139.99;</li>
<li>B$3.15 if B$140 to B$179.99;</li>
<li>B$4.75 if B$180 to B$219.99;</li>
<li>B$6.35 if B$220 to B$259.99;</li>
<li>B$7.95 if B$260 to B$299.99; and</li>
<li>B$9.55 if B$300 or over.</li>
</ul>
<p>The insured's contributions also finance sickness and maternity benefits and work injury benefits.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Self-employed person:</span> 7% of weekly income between B$55 and B$320.</p>
<p>The self-employed person's contributions also finance sickness and maternity benefits and work injury benefits.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employer:</span> Weekly contributions vary according to eight wage classes:</p>
<ul>
<li>B$3.57 if weekly earnings are under B$70;</li>
<li>B$5.85 if B$70 to B$109.99;</li>
<li>B$8.45 if B$110 to B$139.99;</li>
<li>B$9.65 if B$140 to B$179.99;</li>
<li>B$11.25 if B$180 to B$219.99;</li>
<li>B$12.85 if B$220 to B$259.99;</li>
<li>B$14.45 if B$260 to B$299.99; and</li>
<li>B$16.05 if B$300 or over.</li>
</ul>
<p>The employer's contributions also finance sickness and maternity benefits and work injury benefits; work injury benefits only for employees between ages&nbsp;60 and 64 who have previously received an old-age benefit and for all employees aged&nbsp;65 or older.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Government:</span> Covers any deficit; contributes as an employer.</p>
<h4>Social assistance</h4>
<p><span class="h5">Insured person:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Self-employed person:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Employer:</span> None.</p>
<p><span class="h5">Government:</span> Total cost of the noncontributory old-age pension.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Old-age pension:</span> Age&nbsp;65 with 500&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions including 150 paid contributions. Retirement from employment is not necessary if aged&nbsp;65 or older.</p>
<p>Early pension: From age&nbsp;60 and retired from insured employment, with a total of at least 500&nbsp;weeks of paid or credited contributions including 150 paid contributions.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Retirement grant:</span> Paid at age&nbsp;60 to an insured person who has at least 26&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions but does not meet the qualifying conditions for an old-age pension.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Noncontributory old-age pension:</span> Women aged&nbsp;65 or older who have inadequate or no income.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Disability pension:</span> Younger than age&nbsp;60 and incapable of work with at least 150&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions since 1981, with at least 110 paid contributions in the 5 consecutive contribution years before the year of the onset of disability, and 5 paid or credited contributions in the 13&nbsp;weeks immediately before the week in which the incapacity leading to the onset of disability began.</p>
<p>The degree of disability is assessed by the medical board.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Disability grant:</span> Paid to an insured person younger than age&nbsp;60 who has at least 26&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions but does not meet the qualifying conditions for a disability pension.</p>
<p>The degree of disability is assessed by the medical board.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Survivor pension:</span> The deceased was eligible to receive or was receiving an old-age or disability pension at the time of death.</p>
<p>Eligible survivors are a widow who is pregnant or caring for the deceased's children or is aged&nbsp;50 or older (or disabled) and was married to the insured for at least 3&nbsp;years; a widower who was dependent on the deceased for at least 3&nbsp;years; each child younger than age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;21 if a full-time student); and, in the absence of other survivors, parents aged&nbsp;55 or older.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Survivor grant:</span> The deceased was not eligible to receive an old-age or disability pension but had at least 26 paid contributions.</p>
<p>Eligible survivors are a widow who is pregnant or caring for the deceased's children or is aged&nbsp;50 or older (or disabled) and was married to the insured for at least 3&nbsp;years; a widower who was dependent on the deceased for at least 3&nbsp;years; each child younger than age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;21 if a full-time student); and, in the absence of other survivors, parents aged&nbsp;55 or older.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Funeral grant:</span> The deceased insured had 50&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions; 150&nbsp;weeks of paid contributions for the funeral of a spouse or dependent child younger than age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;21 if a full-time student).</p>
<h3>Old-Age Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Old-age pension:</span> The pension is equal to 30% of the insured's average weekly insurable earnings, plus 2% of earnings for each <span class="nobr">50-week</span> period of contributions beyond 500&nbsp;weeks up to 750&nbsp;weeks, plus 1% of earnings for every <span class="nobr">50-week</span> period of contributions over 750&nbsp;weeks.</p>
<p>Average weekly insurable earnings are based on the best 3&nbsp;years of earnings.</p>
<p>Early pension: Calculated in the same way as the old-age pension. The pension is suspended if the insured returns to work before age&nbsp;65.</p>
<p>The minimum weekly pension is B$47. The pension is paid monthly.</p>
<p>The maximum pension is equal to 60% of average weekly insurable earnings, up to a weekly maximum of B$192.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Retirement grant:</span> The grant is equal to six times the sum of average weekly insurable earnings in the best 3&nbsp;years of earnings, divided by 150, and multiplied by the number of <span class="nobr">50-week</span> contribution periods; or twice the sum of weekly insurable earnings, divided by the number of contributions, and multiplied by the number of <span class="nobr">50-week</span> contribution periods. The higher amount is paid.</p>
<p>The minimum grant is B$800.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Noncontributory old-age pension:</span> B$75 a month.</p>
<h3>Permanent Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Disability pension:</span> With at least 500&nbsp;weeks of contributions, the pension is equal to 30% of the insured's average weekly insurable earnings. With less than 500&nbsp;weeks of contributions, the pension is equal to 25% of average weekly insurable earnings.</p>
<p>Average weekly insurable earnings are based on the best 3&nbsp;years of earnings.</p>
<p>The minimum weekly pension is B$47. The pension is paid monthly.</p>
<p>The maximum pension is equal to 60% of average weekly insurable earnings.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Disability grant:</span> The grant is equal to six times the sum of average weekly insurable earnings in the best 3&nbsp;years of earnings, divided by 150, and multiplied by the number of <span class="nobr">50-week</span> contribution periods; or twice the sum of weekly insurable earnings, divided by the number of contributions, and multiplied by the number of <span class="nobr">50-week</span> contribution periods. The higher amount is paid.</p>
<p>The minimum grant is B$800.</p>
<h3>Survivor Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Survivor pension:</span> 66.6% of the old-age or disability pension paid or payable to the deceased is payable to an eligible widow(er).</p>
<p><span class="h4">Orphan's pension:</span> 25% of the old-age or disability pension paid or payable to the deceased is payable to each child younger than age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;21 if a full-time student); 40% if disabled.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Dependent parent's pension (in the absence of other eligible survivors):</span> 40% of the old-age or disability pension paid or payable to the deceased is payable to a parent aged&nbsp;55 or older.</p>
<p>The minimum weekly survivor pension is B$47 and is split among eligible survivors. Survivor pensions are paid monthly.</p>
<p>The total maximum survivor pension is 100% of the pension paid or payable to the deceased. If the maximum pension exceeds the limit, each pension is reduced accordingly.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Survivor grant:</span> The grant is equal to six times the sum of average weekly insurable earnings in the best 3&nbsp;years of earnings, divided by 150, and multiplied by the number of <span class="nobr">50-week</span> contribution periods; or twice the sum of weekly insurable earnings, divided by the number of contributions, and multiplied by the number of <span class="nobr">50-week</span> contribution periods. The higher amount is paid.</p>
<p>The minimum grant is B$800.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Funeral grant:</span> B$1,500 is payable for the insured's death; B$1,000 to the insured on the death of a spouse; and B$500 to the insured on the death of a dependent child.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Finance, National Development, and the Public Service provides general supervision.</p>
<p>Social Security Board (<a href="https://www.socialsecurity.org.bz/">http://www.socialsecurity.org.bz</a>) administers the program.</p>
<h2>Sickness and Maternity</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First and current law:</span> 1979 (social security), with amendments.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system. Cash benefits only.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>Employed persons aged&nbsp;14 to 64, including public servants and self-employed persons.</p>
<p>Exclusions: Casual labor, persons employed for less than 8&nbsp;hours a week, and military personnel.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> Covers any deficit; contributes as an employer.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Cash sickness benefits:</span> Currently employed with 50&nbsp;weeks of contributions, including 5 of the 13&nbsp;weeks before the onset of incapacity.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Cash maternity benefits:</span> Must have 50&nbsp;weeks of contributions, including 25&nbsp;weeks of the 39&nbsp;weeks ending 6&nbsp;weeks before the expected date of childbirth or the day on which the benefit was claimed.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Maternity grant:</span> Must have 50&nbsp;weeks of contributions, including 25&nbsp;weeks of the 50&nbsp;weeks before the expected date of childbirth. The grant is payable to an insured woman or to an insured man whose wife or common-law spouse has given birth and is not entitled to the benefit.</p>
<h3>Sickness and Maternity Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Sickness benefit:</span> The weekly benefit is equal to 80% of average weekly insurable earnings and is payable for up to a maximum of 26&nbsp;weeks; thereafter, the benefit may be payable for a further 13&nbsp;weeks at 60% of average weekly insurable earnings. After 39&nbsp;weeks, a disability pension may be payable.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Maternity benefit:</span> The benefit is equal to 80% of average weekly insurable earnings and is payable for up to 14&nbsp;weeks, beginning 7&nbsp;weeks before the expected date of childbirth or the day on which the benefit was claimed. The benefit is paid every 2&nbsp;weeks.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Maternity grant:</span> B$300 is paid for each child.</p>
<h3>Workers' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p>No statutory benefits are provided.</p>
<h3>Dependents' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p>No statutory benefits are provided.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Finance, National Development, and the Public Service provides general supervision.</p>
<p>Social Security Board (<a href="https://www.socialsecurity.org.bz/">http://www.socialsecurity.org.bz</a>) administers the program.</p>
<h2>Work Injury</h2>
<h3>Regulatory Framework</h3>
<p><span class="h4">First and current law:</span> 1979 (social security), with amendments.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Type of program:</span> Social insurance system.</p>
<h3>Coverage</h3>
<p>Employed persons aged&nbsp;14 to 64, including public servants, self-employed persons, and persons aged&nbsp;60 or older who have previously received an old-age benefit and who return to work.</p>
<p>Exclusions: Casual labor, persons employed for less than 8&nbsp;hours a week, and military personnel.</p>
<h3>Source of Funds</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Insured person:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Self-employed person:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Employer:</span> See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors, above.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Government:</span> Covers any deficit; contributes as an employer.</p>
<h3>Qualifying Conditions</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Work injury benefits:</span> There is no minimum qualifying period and no contribution requirement.</p>
<h3>Temporary Disability Benefits</h3>
<p>The weekly benefit is equal to 80% of average weekly insurable earnings in the 4&nbsp;weeks before the onset of disability and is payable from the first day of incapacity for up to 182&nbsp;days; thereafter, the benefit may be extended and paid at 60% of average weekly insurable earnings.</p>
<h3>Permanent Disability Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Permanent disability pension:</span> The pension is equal to 60% of average weekly insurable earnings in the 4&nbsp;weeks before the onset of the disability times the assessed degree of disability.</p>
<p>The minimum weekly pension is B$47. The pension is paid monthly.</p>
<p>Constant-attendance allowance: Equal to 25% of the disability pension, if the disability is assessed at 100%.</p>
<p>The degree of disability is assessed and reviewed periodically by the medical board.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Disablement grant:</span> If the assessed degree of disability is less than 25%, a lump sum is paid. The grant is equal to average insurable earnings in the 4&nbsp;weeks before the onset of disability times the assessed degree of disability times 260.</p>
<p>The degree of disability is assessed by the medical board.</p>
<h3>Workers' Medical Benefits</h3>
<p>Benefits include full medical care, including treatment abroad if deemed necessary.</p>
<h3>Survivor Benefits</h3>
<p><span class="h4">Survivor pension:</span> A <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span> receives 66.6% of the permanent disability pension paid or payable to the deceased.</p>
<p>Eligible widows are a dependent widow who is pregnant or caring for the deceased's children or is aged&nbsp;50 or older and was married to the deceased for at least 3&nbsp;years. A limited pension may be paid to a widow for 52&nbsp;weeks if the qualifying conditions are not met. A pension is also payable to a disabled widower who was fully dependent on the deceased for at least 3&nbsp;years.</p>
<p>The <span class="nobr">widow(er)</span> pension ceases on remarriage.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Orphan's pension:</span> 25% of the permanent disability pension paid or payable to the deceased is paid to each child up to age&nbsp;16 (age&nbsp;21 if a full-time student); 40% if disabled.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Dependent parent's pension (in the absence of other eligible survivors):</span> 40% of the pension paid or payable to the deceased is payable to parents aged&nbsp;55 or older.</p>
<p>The minimum weekly pension is B$47 and is split among the eligible survivors. Survivor pensions are paid monthly.</p>
<p>The total maximum pension for all survivors is 60% of the deceased's average insurable earnings in the 4&nbsp;weeks before the employment injury resulting in the insured's death. If the maximum pension exceeds the limit, each pension is reduced accordingly.</p>
<p><span class="h4">Funeral grant:</span> B$1,500 is payable for the death of the insured.</p>
<h3>Administrative Organization</h3>
<p>Ministry of Finance, National Development, and the Public Service provides general supervision.</p>
<p>Social Security Board (<a href="https://www.socialsecurity.org.bz/">http://www.socialsecurity.org.bz</a>) administers the program.</p>
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