Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Emergency Unemployment Benefit

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nissvg.org (17.04.2020) The NIS has implemented the COVID-19 Emergency Unemployment Benefit for workers who have been laid-off as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a cap of XCD 2 million, with a fixed amount of $300.00 per month ($75.00 East Caribbean Dollars/USD $27 per week. ) and duration is earlier of 3 months  and date of exhaustion of funds. This help to provide financial support to approximately 2,000 households and prevent households from falling into poverty or severe deprivation. Also, it maintains a minimum income and expenditure levels.

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Insured workers have access to an Emergency Unemployment Benefit for workers who have been laid-off as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a cap of XCD 2 million, with a fixed amount of $300.00 per month ($75.00 East Caribbean Dollars/USD $27 per week. ) and duration is earlier of 3 months  and date of exhaustion of funds. This help to provide financial support to approximately 2,000 households and prevent households from falling into poverty or severe deprivation. Also, it maintains a minimum income and expenditure levels. Workers have to have at least 26 weeks of contributions and submit a declaration of unemployment status form. 

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Temporary Unemployment Benefit

The current and anticipated debilitating impact of COVID-19 on the lives and livelihoods of our people require, among other things, targeted, timely and temporary responses by Social Protection Systems. The NIS, which serves as a vital social protection pillar, will continue its mandate of protecting its people in uncertain times. Accordingly, the NIS has implemented the COVID-19 Temporary Unemployment Benefit for workers who have been laid-off as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

EligibilityQualifying ConditionsSupport of ClaimCommencement of Payment

Insured PersonInsured PersonLayoff certificate from employer and a letter with list of laid off employees.From the later date: April 17th 2020 or the 15th consecutive day of unemployment.

Under pensionable age (62 years old).At least 26 weekly contributions, 8 of which must be within the 13 weeks preceding unemployment.“Declaration of unemployment status form” from the employee.

Laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Timing of ClaimingClosure DateBenefit RatePayment Frequency

Submitted within 20 days subsequent of the date of employment.The earlier of July 17th, 2020 or the depletion of the fund.$75.00 per week.Fortnightly via direct deposit.