Barbados has a social security provision although it is fairly limited and there is no provision as yet for things such as paternity pay. Payments are dependent upon contributions as they are in many other countries.

Sick pay is available after the first three days of the illness; these are known as waiting days. In order to get sick pay the claimant must have made seven contributions in the quarter before they became ill. Payments will not be made to someone who is out of the country when they were ill. Someone who is earning $500 per week will qualify for $55.55 a day sick pay.

Maternity benefit for the employed is paid if the mother has been insured for at least 26 weeks and has paid 16 contributions in the 2 quarters prior to the benefit being paid. For the self employed they need to have made at least 39 contributions in the 4 consecutive quarters ending with the quarter but one before the benefit is paid. Maternity benefit is 100% of your insurable weekly earnings divided by 6. Anyone unable to work after the birth will be able to claim sickness benefit if it is due to complications during the birth. Anyone who has to go abroad for treatment during pregnancy will still be eligible for maternity benefit.

Those people who do not qualify for maternity benefit may be eligible for a maternity grant. This is generally those that are not insured and who have not made enough qualifying contributions. Their spouse must have made an equivalent amount of contributions. The amount payable as a maternity grant is $950.

Benefits are paid by cheque that can be cashed at any commercial bank. For payments less than $500 the cheques can be cashed at the National Insurance office or post office. Cheques are valid for 6 months from the date of issue but lost cheques can be replaced by filing a deed of indemnity. The NIS will need to be repaid if you find the missing cheque. If a cheque is not cashed after six months a replacement can be issued by the NIS. It is advisable for anybody who believes that they are eligible for benefits to claim them as soon as possible.

Many expats may also find that investing in private insurance is a good idea as it may be that medical expenses need to be covered.