NIC clarifies payment structure under Economic Relief Programme

The National Insurance Corporation wishes to clarify the payment structure under the Economic Relief Programme (ERP). The ERP was designed to provide income support for a period of three (3) months – April, May, and June 2020 – to NIC contributors directly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The amount payable under ERP is 50% of monthly salary between $1000 and $3000. If your salary is less than $1,000 the amount payable is initially calculated at $500. If your salary is over $3,000, the amount payable is capped at $1,500. However, if you receive financial assistance or income from your employer during the month or period you are claiming for then the amount payable by the NIC will be reduced by the amount paid by your employer. Payment is calculated based on the information on our system as well as information submitted by employers along with the information provided on the application.

The programme is meant to ensure all NIC contributors get a minimum payout of $500.00 per month. That can be a combination of payout from employers and the NIC. For example, if you normally earn $1,000.00 or less per month and your employer pays you $300.00 you will then get $200.00 ($500 less $300) from the NIC to get you to the $500.00.

To qualify for payment under the ERP, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

-Claimant was in employment in February 2020 and is currently out of work due to COVID-19.

-Claimant must have contributed to the fund for at least at least one month prior to February 29th, 2020 or in the case of self-employed persons, must have paid at least one contribution within the last twelve months prior to February 29th, 2020.

-Claimant is not in receipt of any other benefit from the NIC other than Funeral Grant. Where claimant is in receipt of such a benefit, the higher amount – ERP or the NIC Benefit already being received – will be paid.