|
Q.2 |
For
how long must a man and woman have been living together to be
considered in a common law relationship? |
|
A |
There
is a 3-year co-habitation period to allow a common law spouse to
qualify for survivors’ benefits.
|
|
Q.3 |
What
is required to qualify for Invalidity benefit?
|
|
A |
Invalidity
benefit has been de-linked from Sickness Benefit and
a minimum of 150
contributions are required in the last
3 years,
or
250 contributions in the last 7 years or 750 contributions.
The applicant must be under age of 60. |
|
Q.4 |
What
is required to qualify for a Funeral Grant? |
|
A |
For funeral grant, the insured must have made a minimum of
twenty-five contributions
while engaged in insurable employment. |
|
Q.5 |
What
is required to qualify for Survivors’ benefit?
|
|
A |
Survivors’
benefit shall be paid on the death of an insured person who,
having died otherwise than by way of employment injury, had made a
minimum of fifty contributions to the National Insurance System.
Survivors’ benefit is paid to a widow, widower, child,
step-child, orphan or a dependant parent of the deceased insured
person. For additional information, see Survivors’ Benefit
pages.
|
|
Q.6 |
If
one is a step relation e.g. Step-child, step-mother, step-father,
of the deceased am I entitled to claim any benefits? |
|
A |
Yes
from May 03, 1999. |
|
Q.7 |
What is the
Minimum Retirement Pension Paid? |
|
A |
As of
October 2003, it is $1000.00. |
|
Q.8 |
Why
must the deceased have made 50 contributions for the survivor to
qualify for a benefit? |
|
A |
The
survivors benefit is a long term benefit and requires a longer
period of insurance.
|
|
Q.9 |
Why
am I not receiving a pension in the highest class even though all
my contributions were made in the highest class? |
|
A |
With
the amendments to the National Insurance System in 1980 and 1999,
respectively, contribution and benefit classes have shifted from
their original levels. See the 1999 Amendments page for further
information. |
|
Q.10 |
Why
would the board pay my late claim for survivors benefit from the
date of receipt instead of the date of contingency?? |
|
A |
Because
benefit may be in payment for other persons who qualify under the
legislation. This rule allows for an orderly transfer of benefit
payments. |
|
Q.11 |
If
my husband had received a retirement grant, when he dies, am I
entitled to survivors benefit? |
|
A |
No. |
|
Q.12 |
If
my employer pays me full pay while I was on maternity leave. Am I
entitled to claims for maternity benefit and maternity grant? |
|
A |
Yes.
As of March 1, 2004, loss of earnings is no longer a criteria for
receiving the maternity benefit. You can receive your full
salary and receive the maternity benefit up to a maximum of 13 weeks
and the maternity grant. |
|
Q.13 |
What is the time frame for submission of claims? |
|
A |
For
benefits such as sickness, maternity, employment injury, invalidity,
disablement and medical expenses, you have three months from the
date the contingency arose to submit your claims. Retirement,
Survivors and Death benefits are 12 months. |
|
Q.14 |
What happens if I submit my claims later than the time period? |
|
A |
For
claims with the timeline of 3 months you have up to one year to
submit with a letter giving good cause. After 12 months the
law now states you shall lose your benefit. This is effective
March 01, 2004. |
