News Categories: Social Security

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security takes note of the article “Gov’t Pension Payments To Be Made By Direct Deposit Come September 1, Some Stakeholders Concerned,” published on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. The Ministry wishes to advise the public that this policy is only applicable to pensioners who receive payments from the Accountant General’s Department. Therefore, pension payments from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) will not be affected.

NIS pensioners who are paid through pension order books, will continue to receive their payments with vouchers. However, pensioners have the option to receive their payments through direct deposit by completing a Direct Deposit Form available at their MLSS Parish Office or downloading the form from the Ministry’s website: www.mlss.gov.jm.

For more information, please contact the Ministry at the following numbers (876) 929 – 4206 or (876) 929 – 7177.

SCORES of people with disabilities are benefitting from greater access to skills training and employment opportunities under the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project.

The US$2.9-million programme is funded by the Japan Policy Human Resources Development Grant and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank).

It also involves partnership with the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH), and is implemented through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Beneficiary of the programme, Abilities Foundation, has spent more than $14 million since January to provide its students with employability skills and work opportunities.

“It has been one of the best projects, in terms of impact in the workplaces. The impact has been extremely positive, as many persons with disabilities have been empowered, and feeling better about themselves,” Managing Director, Abilities Foundation, Susan Hamilton, said.

She was speaking at a development workshop held at the institution’s Constant Spring Road, Kingston offices last Thursday.

According to Hamilton, along with the training of people with disabilities, the organisation, through the programme, has been able to launch its website as well as improve its social media presence.

“That has been phenomenal in engaging the public, and ensuring that persons know who we are…we couldn’t do that with our normal budget,” the managing director added.

The development workshop was held for 18 of 40 students who participated in the Summer Apprentice Programme. The students were able to learn more about workplace protocol, following feedback received from employers.

Hamilton said that this was necessary as it will “ensure that our students get all the soft skills needed to transition into the workplace”.

Meanwhile, student at the Abilities Foundation, Janet Wright, said going to the organisation was “the best choice I have made”.

“When they send you to jobs, employers don’t look down on you, because they know the institution that you are coming from,” Wright said.

Another beneficiary of the Summer Apprentice Programme, Barrington Roberts, said it “has helped me to gain more experience”.

“Abilities [Foundation] focuses on helping individuals, and training persons so that they can be successful,” he said.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/scores-of-disabled-being-equipped-for-work-environment_141209?profile=1373

Scores of persons with disabilities are benefitting from greater access to skills training and employment opportunities under the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project.

The US$2.9 million programme is funded by the Japan Policy Human Resources Development Grant and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank).

It also involves partnership with the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH), and is implemented through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Beneficiary of the programme, Abilities Foundation, has spent over $14 million since January to provide its students with employability skills and work opportunities.

“It has been one of the best projects, in terms of impact in the workplaces. The impact has been extremely positive, as many persons with disabilities have been empowered, and feeling better about themselves,” Managing Director, Abilities Foundation, Susan Hamilton, said.

She was speaking with JIS News at a development workshop held at the institution’s Constant Spring Road offices on August 9.

Ms. Hamilton, underscored that along with the training of persons with disabilities, the organisation, through the programme, was able to launch its website, as well as improve its social media presence.

“That has been phenomenal in engaging the public, and ensuring that persons know who we are…we couldn’t do that with our normal budget,” the Managing Director added.

The development workshop was held for 18 of 40 students who participated in the Summer Apprentice programme. The students were able to learn more about workplace protocol, following feedback received from employers.

Ms Hamilton said that this was necessary as it will “ensure that our students get all the soft skills needed to transition into the workplace.”

Meanwhile, student at the Abilities Foundation, Janet Wright, said coming to the organisation was “the best choice I have made.”

“When they send you to jobs, employers don’t look down on you, because they know the institution that you are coming from,” Miss Wright said.

Another beneficiary of the Summer Apprentice Programme, Barrington Roberts, said it “has helped me to gain more experience.”

 “Abilities [Foundation] focuses on helping individuals, and training persons so that they can be successful,” he told JIS News.

Source: https://jis.gov.jm/persons-with-disabilities-being-equipped-for-the-work-environment/

The filing of returns for NIS contributions has been a chronic problem over the years among some employers, and even government bodies, but now the state pension agency is trying another tactic to drive compliance.

The parent ministry of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has taken to writing to them.
NIS Director Portia Magnus told the Financial Gleaner that the agency has been able to reduce outstanding liabilities from employers by bringing them under the watchful eye of the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labour & Social Security.

The correspondence with delinquents ­ saying we know who you are, so please pay up ­ has so far borne fruit in at least one instance.

The NIS is a compulsory social security scheme which requires contributions from persons 18-65 years who are employed.

“The support from top management, which included the involvement of our permanent secretary in communicating with employers with the largest liabilities, resulted in most of the arrears being paid by one such employer,” Magnus said.

The unit has also deployed new software, which will help it in tracking payments and funds owed more accurately. Right now, the arrears are merely estimated.

Magnus said the agency does not know the entirety of the arrears, nor could it provide a breakdown of which sectors are most inclined not to pay.

The NIS spotlight on individual employers is an added tool to the company’s compliance arsenal. It’s meant to complement “regular compliance meetings and support provided by the Compliance Unit to parish offices”. NIS is also planning to take more employers to court to force payment.

For fiscal year 2018-19, NIS had set target collections for delinquencies at $850 million, down from $1.4 billion targeted in the previous year.

The current target is under review, but Magnus is not saying whether the reset is expected to be higher or lower collections.

She notes that it is an annual exercise for NIS targets to be assessed based on current realities, and revised.

Guaranteed benefits

The NIS, which is 52 years old this year, provides minimum guaranteed benefits to over 113,000 beneficiaries locally and overseas. Those benefits are funded from NIS contributions, which averages about $14 billion annually, according to the labour ministry.
NIS contributions are invested by subsidiary agency National Insurance Fund to drive up the value of the pool. But the most recent assessments of the contribution pool has shown worrying signs the viability of the system is at risk.

It’s within that context that the NIS is trying to devise creative means to go after payments that have been held back by employers.

“To support the thrust to improve compliance, more emphasis will be placed on training; the continued involvement of top management in communicating with the employers with the largest arrears; conducting research; and the completion and deployment of the Compliance Module of the new software used by the National Insurance Division,” Magnus said.

avia.collinder@gleanerjm.com

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/business/20180803/nis-banking-high-profile-contact-increase-compliance

Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Zavia Mayne, says the implementation of the Disabilities Act remains a high priority for the Government.

The Disabilities Act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica.

“This legislation protects and promotes the equal rights of the disabled and prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities,” he said.

The State Minister was speaking at the second staging of the Ministry’s employers’ consultation under the theme ‘Workability’, at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters, Mona, St. Andrew, on July 26.

Mr. Mayne said the Government is committed to the provision of access to services, intervention and other opportunities aimed at improving the participation of persons with disabilities in social, cultural, economic and cultural opportunities.

“We will ensure that persons with disabilities are guaranteed all human rights, so that they are treated with respect and dignity at all levels of society,” he said.

Mr. Mayne said the Government remains resolute to removing barriers that prevent the disabled from participating, while at the same time enabling them to unlock their vast potential.

He also noted that policies have been developed to enable cooperation between Government and civil society in addressing the equalisation of opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“It is not that persons with disabilities do not have the ability to achieve in all areas of life… but too often the disabled experience barriers in accessing services that able-bodied persons oftentimes take for granted,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mayne said the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project, implemented in partnership with the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), has resulted in increased training and employability for beneficiaries who have been placed on a path to economic independence.

He noted that the Government continues to work diligently to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to find gainful employment, as they remain one of the most vulnerable groups within Jamaica.

“It is for this reason we continue to take steps to ensure that programmes are put in place to support the welfare and rights of the disabled. We will continue to collaborate with employers to ensure that persons with disability who are trained and certified have equal access to employment opportunities,” Mr. Mayne added.

Source: https://jis.gov.jm/implementation-of-disabilities-act-remains-a-high-government-priority/

ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) — State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Zavia Mayne, says that the Government is working to ensure that people with disabilities (PWDs) have greater access to skills training and employment opportunities.

He said that alliances are being forged with employers for the inclusion of more PWDs in the workplace.

Mayne noted that PWDs remain one of the most vulnerable groups in Jamaica, and while census reports indicate that approximately 200,000 Jamaicans are currently living with a disability, fewer than one per cent are employed.

“The Government of Jamaica is working diligently to address these gaps and continues to strive to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to find gainful employment,” he said.

Mayne was addressing a Ministry consultation on creating access to job opportunities for PWDs at the Sandals Royal Plantation hotel in Ocho Rios on Thursday (July 19).

He said that progress has been made in improving skills training and employability outcomes for PWDs, through the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project, which involves partnership with the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH).

The initiative is funded by the Japan Policy Human Resources Development Grant and implemented through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank).

Mayne said that through the project, beneficiaries have been placed “on a path to self-sufficiency and economic independence”.

“Over 500 persons have accessed training opportunities and 320 of them participated in work experience training, and 77 of these persons have been able to secure permanent employment,” he indicated.

Meanwhile, Mayne said that the passage of the Disabilities Act remains a top-priority for the Government.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the necessary legislation is in place to support the welfare and rights of persons with disabilities,” he noted.

The legislation seeks to promote the fundamental rights of PWDs and their individual dignity and autonomy, ensure their full and effective participation and inclusion in society and prevent or prohibit discriminatory practices against them.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20180720/ARTICLE/180729961&Show=0

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security distributed grants totalling $125.4 million during the last financial year under its Rehabilitation Programme.

As contained in the ministry’s annual performance report, a total of 5,183 persons benefited from the grants, which was 63.2 per cent of the programme’s target for the year.

Of that number, 2,191 persons received compassionate grants totalling $54 million to assist with medical, funeral and other expenses, while 609 beneficiaries received grants amounting to $16 million to assist them in starting income-generating projects and to boost existing operations.

Additionally, 2,029 families received emergency relief assistance totalling $47.7 million; and 354 students received education and social-intervention grants amounting to $7.6 million.

The report noted that females accounted for 64.3 per cent of the total grant beneficiaries, an increase of 7.2 per cent over the previous period.

Meanwhile, the ministry is projecting to provide grants to 8,200 persons, who have met with some form of disaster during the current financial year, and assistance to 1,000 families affected by man-made disasters.

Training Programmes

The ministry also indicates that it intends to develop and implement new training programmes in order to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of the Rehabilitation Programme.

Officers will continue to receive training in shelter management and damage assessment through collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and Jamaica Red Cross.

An electronic register of persons who benefit from the programme is also to be maintained this fiscal year.

The rehabilitation programme was established by Cabinet in 1972 to provide assistance to individuals in need of social assistance for compassionate purposes or to improve their economic base through income-generating projects.

The initiative provides grants to persons who have exhibited self-supporting potential but are experiencing circumstances that prevent them from providing for their basic needs or that of their families.

It constitutes four types of grants – rehabilitation assistance; compassionate assistance; emergency assistance; and education and social intervention.

The programme includes the Short-Term Poverty-Intervention Project, implemented in 2013, which assists the needy when the country is affected by harsh economic conditions brought on by circumstances such as a national disaster.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20180720/labour-ministry-distributes-grants-totalling-1254-million

Pointing to the many challenges faced by parents of children with various types of developmental disabilities (DDs), Michael McKenzie, father of a six-year-old who suffers from autism, has charged parents to play their part in the growth of all special-needs children, not just their own.

“Disability affects every child differently, and there’s also a question of what level of disability, whether mild, moderate or severe. So, different parents will go through different challenges. Some parents can’t handle it, so we have to chip in to try and help that child realise his/her full potential,” reasoned McKenzie.

His son, Markeano, was part of the latest cohort that transitioned from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s (MLSS) Early Stimulation Programme, an intervention programme for children up to seven years old with various DDs.

The transition exercise was held at the Apostolic Church of Jamaica Bethel Temple in central Kingston on Wednesday for students who have reached a level to become part of the education system.

MAJOR ROLE

McKenzie told The Gleaner that in addition to teachers, parental involvement played a major role in bringing children to that point.

“When you go to the school and you see what is happening – some children who can’t walk, some with total muscle shutdown with not even their eyes can move – you realise that we are all in this together,” argued McKenzie. “You, as a parent, can’t just think about your child, because some parents are going through some serious stress. You have to help out other children and parents in any way you can – money, food, clothes, anything,” said McKenzie.

A computer science major, McKenzie explained that he researched the various disabilities and used science and technology to aid not only his son’s development, but that of the other children.

“I try to formulate programmes to bring out the speech in my child because I can often see what he’s trying to say,” he recounted. “So, I use my background and knowledge to make it a little easier, and I bring that same approach to the other parents during various presentations at monthly workshops. I’ve seen first-hand where they have improved greatly, and I’m very proud of all of them,” McKenzie stated.

Outspoken parent Michael McKenzie, father of a six-year-old who suffers from autism, said that he would continue to aid both parents and children following his son’s departure from the MLSS Early Stimulation Programme. He also used the platform to appeal to Government to do more.

“It’s a costly venture, and it takes a lot out of parents who already have to cope with so much emotionally and physically. So, it would bring some relief if the Government could provide any further assistance. I might have it a little easier, but it’s not the same for other parents.”

Speaking at Wednesday’s transition exercise, Zavia Mayne, state minister in the MLSS, reiterated the Government’s commitment to the educational advancement of the country’s most vulnerable children at all levels.

Where disabilities are concerned, the ministry is committed to the integration, inclusion and empowerment of all persons, and this was one such programme, Mayne said. He further commended parents for their commitment and encouraged them to continue caring for their children.

“Certainly, we’re extending ourselves, as a Government, for them (parents) to reach out to the different programmes within the ministry that will assist them going forward, be it the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education, Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities or the Abilities Foundation,” said the state minister.

syranno.baines@gleanerjm.com

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20180713/parents-special-needs-children-urged-help-each-other-costly-venture

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, is calling on parents not to place limitations on children with disabilities, as they can accomplish much with education and training.

Addressing a transitional ceremony for 48 students from the Early Stimulation Programme (ESP) on July 1, at the Apostolic Church of Jamaica Bethel Temple in Kingston, she pointed out that many of these children have overcome the challenge and are doing well in various fields.

The Minister emphasised that the obligation is on parents to access support such as that offered by her Ministry to build the capacity of the children, so that they can become able adults and “contribute meaningfully” to the society.

Mrs. Robinson stressed that their education should not be jeopardised due to disabilities. “Let us stop putting limitations on the children, and be mindful that (they) are great imitators. We must ensure that we give them something good to imitate,” she said.

Meanwhile, State Minister in the Ministry, Hon. Zavia Mayne, said the teachers at the ESP are loving and are dedicated to the programme.

He also encouraged parents to highlight the benefits that their children have received in the programme.

“Give the testimony, because there are others in your surroundings who may be in a similar position and might not know where to turn,” the State Minister said.

Mr. Mayne said that help is available, as the Ministry is committed to serve the special needs groups, and “no one will be turned away”.

Director at the ESP, Antonica Gunter-Gayle, told the gathering that the children entered the institution late in their development, but they have gained the “necessary prerequisite skills” to move on to primary-level education.

“Our aim is to reach all our children with special needs. We want them to be part of the programme, as so many children are locked away with so much potential. We have to reach them, we must reach them. It is our responsibility to reach our children with special needs,” the Director said.

The ESP caters to children zero to six with various types of developmental disabilities. Thirty of the graduating children will be going on to special education programmes, while 18 will be enrolled in the regular school system.

Source: https://jis.gov.jm/parents-encouraged-not-to-place-limitations-on-children-with-disabilities/