Belize (BZ)
Belize is an English-speaking Central American country known for its barrier reef, rainforest, and cultural mix of Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo and Creole heritage.
Social Security in Belize
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
The Social Security Board of Belize (SSB; socialsecurity.org.bz; Tel: +501 227-7163) administers the national social insurance programme. All persons working in Belize — whether Belizean or foreign — who are employed by a Belizean employer are required to register with SSB and make weekly contributions. Employer contribution rate: 5.5% of insurable earnings; employee contribution rate: 3.5% of insurable earnings. Self-employed persons can contribute voluntarily. SSB provides short-term benefits (sickness, maternity, injury) and long-term benefits (invalidity pension, retirement pension, survivor benefit).
Social Security Card
SSB Card / Social Security Number
Apply at any SSB office with your passport and proof of address. Your employer can also initiate registration for you. The card and number are issued within 1–2 weeks. SSB offices: Belize City (main office), Belmopan, Dangriga, San Ignacio, Corozal, Orange Walk, and Punta Gorda.
- Employment registration with your employer
- SSB contribution tracking and benefit claims
- Application for SSB benefits (sickness, maternity, retirement)
- Some government service registrations
Benefits & Support Payments
Sickness Benefit
SSB Sickness Benefit
Weekly cash benefit for qualifying contributors who are unable to work due to illness or injury (non-work-related).
At least 50 qualifying contributions with at least 5 in the 13 weeks before the incapacity. Incapacity must exceed 3 days. Medical certificate from a licensed doctor required.
Submit a claim form and medical certificate to any SSB office within 14 days of incapacity start. Forms available at socialsecurity.org.bz.
Maternity Benefit
SSB Maternity Benefit
Weekly cash benefit for qualifying female contributors during maternity leave (14 weeks).
At least 50 qualifying contributions in the 12 months before the expected delivery date, with at least 10 contributions in the 26 weeks immediately before the expected delivery.
Apply at any SSB office with completed maternity benefit claim form, medical certificate confirming pregnancy and expected delivery date, and your SSB card. Apply at least 6 weeks before expected delivery.
Employment Injury Benefit
SSB Injury Benefit
Benefit for work-related accidents or occupational diseases. Covers medical costs and provides income replacement during recovery.
All employed SSB contributors who suffer a work-related injury or disease. Report to SSB within 14 days of injury.
Employer must report the accident to SSB within 7 days. Employee should also submit a claim form. Contact SSB: +501 227-7163.
Retirement Pension
SSB Retirement/Old-Age Pension
Monthly pension from age 65 for contributors with sufficient contribution history.
Age 65 and at least 500 qualifying weekly contributions (approximately 10 years of full-time covered employment).
Apply at any SSB office at least 3 months before your 65th birthday. Bring your SSB card, passport, birth certificate, and a recent bank statement for direct deposit setup.
Invalidity Benefit
SSB Invalidity Benefit
Ongoing pension for contributors who become permanently unable to work before retirement age.
At least 150 qualifying contributions with recent contributions in the period before incapacity. Medical assessment required.
Apply at any SSB office with medical documentation confirming permanent incapacity. SSB arranges a medical panel assessment.
Survivor / Death Benefit
SSB Survivor Benefit
Lump-sum funeral grant plus ongoing pension for eligible dependants of a deceased contributor.
Dependants (spouse, dependent children) of a deceased contributor who had qualifying contribution history.
Contact SSB within 12 months of death with death certificate, contributor's SSB card, and dependant documentation.
Contribution Overview
Weekly SSB contributions are based on insurable earnings bands. For 2026: employee rate is 3.5% of insurable earnings; employer rate is 5.5% of insurable earnings. Both contributions are paid by the employer through payroll deduction and remittance. Insurable earnings are capped at a weekly maximum—verify the current ceiling with SSB (socialsecurity.org.bz). Self-employed persons contribute both employee and employer portions voluntarily. Failure to register employees with SSB or to remit contributions on time results in employer fines and interest charges.
International Social Security Agreements
Belize has limited bilateral social security agreements with other countries as of 2026. Check with SSB and your home country's social security authority for any applicable reciprocal agreement. There is no comprehensive totalization agreement with the USA, UK, or EU countries.
Foreign nationals on work permits in Belize are required to participate in SSB in the same way as Belizean employees. QRP holders who are not locally employed are not required to contribute to SSB. Voluntary contributions are available for self-employed persons and returning Belizean residents. Keep your SSB contributions card or contribution history printout as evidence for any future benefit claims.
Social Security
Unlock the complete Social Security guide for Belize — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere