According to the 2022 Standing Finance Committee (SFC) report, Penn asked about the point at which the Social Security Board (SSB) would normally intervene in such situations.

Director of the Social Security Board, Jeanette Scatliffe–Boynes responded by explaining that after three months, the SSB usually issues a letter to the employer.

Scatliffe-Boynes told the SFC if the delinquency exceeds six months, the employer is directly contacted for follow-ups.

And according to the Director, SSB inspectors recently restarted visiting employers who are in default of this legislative provision.

She further explained that by engaging with the defaulters, the aim has been to discuss options and get commitments for the payment of instalments for companies that cannot afford the contributions.

Subsequent to this action, the Director related that the SSB realised a decrease in defaulted contributions.

Good standing certificates brought increase of millions

Meanwhile, Scatliffe-Boynes further explained that the Certificate of Good Standing initiative started by the government enabled the employees to confirm employers paid contributions ensuring employees could receive their benefits.

She said it served as a safeguard since employees’ contributions must be current in order to receive a good standing certificate.

The Director told the SFC that the SSB realised an increase of millions of dollars from employers to facilitate the process of work permit renewals.

She further related that the SSB employed an in-house legal counsel and increased the number of inspectors for SSB and NHI to aid in recovering monies from defaulters.