Brunei has an excellent social security system. Only those who are citizens of the country or who are permanent residents and who pay into the insurance scheme will qualify for benefits from the system.

Benefits which are available for those who qualify include old age pension benefits. Pensions can be claimed after the age of 55 and up to this point contributions from salaries are compulsory. Those who chose to continue working after this age can continue to make contributions on a voluntary basis. Those who are self employed can also contribute on a voluntary basis. Foreign workers do not pay into this scheme. The worker contributes 5% of the salary and this is matched by the employer. There is also a universal old age pension for which the cost is covered by the government and contributions do not need to be made.

There is also a disability benefit which can come out of a fund which the employee has paid into or is covered by the universal disability pension. For the universal pension the recipient must have been a resident of Brunei for a minimum of 10 years and must be prepared to undergo whichever treatment is deemed necessary by medical professionals.

Those who have to take time off work for short term injury and sickness will qualify for a benefit if they are a citizen of the country. The cost of this is covered by the employer. The amount is calculated on the recipient’s salary in the six months prior to the start of the illness but a maximum of B$130 is paid. This may be payable for up to 5 years. Permanent disability can mean a lump sum payment of a maximum of $9600. The amount will vary according to the extent of the disability. If a worker is injured at work, the costs of medical examinations must be paid for by the employer.

There are survivor benefits which are paid to the dependents of a deceased person. This may be the spouse, children or any member of the family who was financially dependent upon that person. The amount paid is a lump sum and will depend upon the salary which was earned by the deceased.

Other benefits which may be payable include unemployment benefit in the event that a person loses their job and maternity grants and benefits for new mothers. As most expats will not qualify for these benefits it is a good idea to make provision in the event that you need financial help.