Application forms are now available for persons to file for unemployment or underemployment relief.

Forms can be picked up at the Social Security Board’s office located in the Joshua J. Smith Building or it can be downloaded from the Social Security Board’s website : http://www.vissb.vg/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/SSB-UAB-Form.pdf

The Social Security Board outlined the criteria for persons to be eligible for COVID-19 unemployment or underemployment benefits.

WHAT IS THE CRITERIA BEING USED TO QUALIFY PERSONS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS?

To qualify, an unemployed/Underemployed Insured Person must:

Have been insurable employment for at least one year prior to 30th March 2020

Have paid at least 13 out of 20 contribution weeks immediately prior to 30th March 2020

And be actively seeking employment.

Self-employment persons must have paid SSB/NHI contributions up to February 2020 in addition to meeting all conditions outlined for unemployed insured persons.

HOW MUCH COMPENSATION SHOULD A PERSON EXPECT FROM THIS UNEMPLOYMENT OR UNDEREMPLOYMENT RELIEF?

The benefit will be calculated at a rate of 50 percent of insurable earnings up to a maximum of $1000, and a minimum of $500.

HERE’S A FEW ADDITIONAL THINGS TO NOTE:

Benefits will only be paid for a maximum period of three months and although there are some qualifying factors, compensation will be granted on a case by case basis.