Belize - Central America

The Board recognized the need to honor the nation’s senior citizens, so in 2000 the Golden Citizens Program was launched nationwide.

2001 marked major changes to scheme, thereby expanding coverage.  The insurable earning ceiling was raised from $130 to $320; there was also an increase for the lowest insurable wage bracket from $55 to $70, and corresponding increase in Benefits for low-income earners.

Employment Injury coverage was extended to include traveling from home to work and from work to home.  The period of Maternity Allowance was extended from 12 weeks to 14 weeks; the Maternity Grant was tripled from $100 to $300. In addition, existing pensions increased by 20%; and the minimum for Retirement, Invalidity, and Survivors’ Grant doubled from $400 to $800.

To compliment the scheme’s growth in coverage, there was further expansion in good-will programs, which now includes a High School Scholarship Program, launched with 15 scholarships. These scholarships continue to be awarded on an annual basis.

To cap off 2001, the National Health Insurance (NHI) pilot project was launched on the south side of Belize City.

2003 was another year of important modernization and reformation; most notable was the change in the composition of the Board of Directors, which now had 7 members as opposed to 5 members.  Also notable is the way in which the (General) Manager of the scheme was appointed, who then became an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.

During this year, the Customer Service Department was established, and the Employment Injury Message Center (501-822-1484) was introduced. 

The contribution rate was increased from 7% to 8%, allowing for contribution payments / collections to be re-allocated to favor the Long-term Benefits branch.

It was during this year that coverage was expanded to include women 65 years and older under Non-Contributory Pensions.

In 2004, with the expansion of coverage and the continuous growth of the scheme, both the San Pedro and the Independence Sub-offices were upgraded to Branch Offices, and Managers were appointed for each.

Meanwhile, the services to customers also improved with the introduction of the Customer Service Complaints line (501-822-0084) and the Customer Service Complaints Email:

The organization's Strategic Plan for 2004-2008 was implemented.

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Program was launched in 2005.  The Sixth Form Scholarship Program was also launched, with 17 scholarships being awarded on an annual basis.

At the end of 2005, the Social Security Board and the Vital Statistics Unit jointly spearheaded a six-month registration drive in the Toledo and Stann Creek Districts. 

2006 is the Board’s 25th Anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, the Board endeavored to have a series of activities, including the introduction of a Bachelor Degree Scholarship Program, with 6 scholarships being awarded on an annual basis has been introduced. 

In addition, the Board has committed to sponsoring an annual national Math Olympiad for High School students, as part of its 25th Anniversary Activities.  The first Math Olympiad took place in early 2007.

The National Health Insurance Program rollout has also commenced to now include the Toledo and Stann Creek Districts.