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info@socialsecurity.org.bz
Short Term: Sickness Benefit After Maternity
SICKNESS BENEFIT
Sickness Benefit immediately following Maternity Leave Period (Weekly Cash Benefit)
HOW TO QUALIFY
| YOU MUST | REQUIREMENTS | TIME REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Be unable to return to work due to complications arising from delivery | Submit claim on prescribed form (SB1)The medical certificate on SB1 section must show cause of illness and number of days you are unable to work | Submit claim on prescribed form (SB1), within 14 days from the first day of illness shown on the medical certificate |
| Be 14 years or over and under 65 years | Claim must be signed by a registered doctor in Belize. Claim must be signed and dated by the insured woman. | If claim is not submitted within 14 days, good reason must be given and recorded by the insured contributor |
| Have 50 paid contributions | Employer must declare claimant’s employment status. Record the salary or wages (SM2 Form) of the insured woman 13 weeks before the week illness commenced. Attach SM2 to the SB1Form | No sum shall be paid for any period, more than 13 weeks before the date the claim was made |
| Have 5 paid contributions in 13 weeks, immediately before going on Maternity Leave |
RATE AND PAYMENT OF BENEFIT
| Rate of Benefit Payment | Period of Benefit Payment |
|---|---|
| 80% of Average Weekly Insurable Earnings of insured contributor, in 13 weeks before Maternity Leave commenced | As of 1st day of illness |
| If sickness period exceeds 26 weeks, additional 13 weeks are paid at 60% of Average Weekly Insurable Earnings | Payment includes Sundays |
| Payment to continue as long as employee is medically certified unable to work | |
| Continues as long as employee is not at work, due to illness (complications arising from delivery) | |
| For a maximum period of 39 weeks |