The National Insurance Board is pleased to advise the status of Unemployment Benefit and Unemployment Assistance Payments as of Friday 15th May, 2020.

Covid-19 related Unemployment Benefit (UEB) payments now stand at 26,185 claimants paid, for a total payout of $28.7 million. Through the cooperation of employers, NIB has been provided with recent C10 forms for thousands of outstanding claims, which will be processed using an expedited approach. NIB has also been granted approval to pay claims where there is a reasonable expectation that the claimants would meet the necessary eligibility requirement. NIB will utilize digital payments (i.e. direct bank deposit or digital vouchers) to facilitate quick payment to claimants.

There are, however, some claims for which recent contribution information is not available, and further follow up with the employer is necessary before claims can proceed. Employers are again urged to supply the necessary C10 forms using NIB’s official MS Excel format to support the claims. The MS Excel file format, found on the NIB’s website, allows for easy uploading of contribution information to the insurance administration system.

With respect to the Government Unemployment Assistance (UEA) Programme, NIB has now completed $6.2 million in payments to 6,105 recipients. NIB notes the considerable slow down in applications for this programme over the last few weeks. As the economy reopens, self employed recipients are urged to notify NIB of their return to work.

NIB’s system, operations and processes have been stretched over the past weeks to deal with the unprecedented level of unemployment applications, while addressing ongoing claims for other benefits, such as maternity and sickness. However, given the new streamlined approach and innovations to its payment processes towards digital solutions, NIB anticipates concluding the remaining claims in the shortest possible time in a safe and efficient manner.

NIB thanks the public for its patience during this crisis.

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For more information regarding NIB visit our website at: www.nib-bahamas.com or our Facebook page. Media Contact:| Tonique Williams, Manager, Public Relations | tonique.williams@nib-bahamas.com

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