Sickness Benefit

Discover your benefits at the Social Security Board.

What is Sickness Benefit

Sickness Benefit is paid to an insured person who is sick and unable to work. To qualify for sickness benefit, you must:

Be between the ages of 15 and 65 years
Have paid at least 26 weeks of contributions
Have paid at least 8 contributions out the last 13 contribution weeks immediately before the sickness began
Be unable to work because of the sickness

The Rate of Sickness Benefit is 66 2/3% of the average insurable earnings during the 13 contribution weeks immediately before the sickness began.

Sickness Benefit is paid for a period of up to 26 weeks providing the sickness continues.

To claim for Sickness Benefit:

Have the doctor complete the Medical Certificate. (A medical certificate covers a period of up to 14 days. You must submit certificates promptly for the periods you remain unable to work.)
Complete the Sickness Benefit Claim Form, which is on the reverse of the Medical Certificate.
You submit the Claim Form to the Social Security office within 30 days from the day you were unable to work.

A claim for Sickness Benefit must be filed within 30 days from the day you were unable to work.

Note

If you are going overseas for medical treatment, a referral by a local doctor is necessary prior to leaving the Territory.
The Board does not pay medical expenses when you are sick.
Sickness Benefit is not payable when the duration of the sickness is for 3 days or less.
If you engage in any work during the period of sickness, you will lose your sickness benefit.