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General
• Can an agent collect a benefit cheque on a claimant's behalf, and if so, what documents are needed to collect? • In cases where salary fluctuates - how are benefit payments determined in such cases? • Is it possible to obtain a loan from National Insurance based on the contributions one has paid? • Why does it take so long to process some short-term benefits claims? • Are short-term benefit cheques paid in a lump sum or on a weekly basis? • When did National Insurance start?
Can an agent collect a benefit cheque on a claimant's behalf, and if so, what documents are needed to collect? Yes, the agent may collect the cheque provided the claimant gives him/her written authorization to do so. This can be either in the form of a letter or by filling out a National Insurance authorization form. The agent is required to bring his/her picture ID and National Insurance card as well as the claimant's National Insurance card.
In cases where salary fluctuates - how are benefit payments determined in such cases? The employee's average insurable salary/wage is determined, and benefits are paid, based on this average.
Is it possible to obtain a loan from National Insurance based on the contributions one has paid? No. National Insurance does not lend money based on contribution payment, nor does National Insurance make individual, personal loans. It does however, make money available, through established government approved lending institutions, for the consumer to borrow.
Why does it take so long to process some short-term benefits claims? A claim usually takes, under normal circumstances, about a week to be processed. However, where a claimant's contribution records are not up to date, this may cause a delay in the claim being processed, as a request for needed contributions information would have to be sent to the employer.
Are short-term benefit cheques paid in a lump sum or on a weekly basis? Some short-term benefit cheques are paid in a lump sum, for example, Funeral Benefit, and Maternity Grant; others are paid on a weekly basis.
When did National Insurance start? National Insurance was implemented on October 7,1974.National Insurance was implemented on October 7,1974.