An Introduction to our Services

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An Introduction to the Services of the Social Security Department

Part One - General Information

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The purpose of this leaflet

This leaflet is an introduction to the Social Security Department. It tells you what services we provide and how to find out more about each service.

What does the Department do?

The Department is responsible for running a number of services including:

·  A Social Security Insurance Scheme

·  Benefit Payments

·  A Health Care Insurance Scheme

·  Employment and Training

·  H M Forces Support and Welfare

·  Health and Safety at Work

Part Two - The Social Security Insurance Scheme

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What is the Social Security Insurance Scheme?

Social Security is an insurance scheme. You pay contributions into a central fund so that you can claim benefit when you are unable to work because you are ill or have had an accident, on widowhood or at pension age. There are also benefits when you have a baby.

Who belongs to the Social Security Scheme?

Everyone between school leaving age and pension age has to belong to the scheme. The money to pay for benefits comes from employees, employers, the State of Jersey and the investments of the Social Security Fund.

People arriving in or leaving Jersey

If you arrive in Jersey for the first time, you must start paying contributions:

·  As soon as you begin work for an employer or

·  6 months after your arrival in Jersey, if you are self-employed or not employed.

You can start sooner, if you wish - it may be to your advantage.

If you are returning to Jersey, and have paid contributions in Jersey at any time since 10 September 1951 you may be liable to restart your contributions on your return. Please contact us as soon as you return to the Island.

On leaving Jersey your contribution liability ends. You must tell us the date you leave the Island and send back your registration and health benefits cards.

Social Security registration cards

There are 2 types of registration card:

Full rate insurance - this is a blue card for people who have to pay contributions to the scheme

Exempt rate insurance - this is a red card for people who are excused from paying contributions

The colour of the card tells your employer if contributions from your wages should be deducted or not. If an employer does not hold your registration card you must not be employed for more than 2 days, or be paid wages.

What are contributions?

The Social Security scheme is an insurance scheme. Contributions are like insurance premiums. You pay them so that you can claim benefit.

There are 2 types of contributions:

Class 1 - paid by people working for an employer

Class 2 - paid by everyone not working for an employer

Class 1 contributions

These are paid through your employer. There are 2 parts to a Class 1 contribution.

Primary Class 1 - your employer may deduct this part from your wages before they are paid to you.

Secondary Class 1 - this is paid by your employer.

Your employer is responsible for paying Class 1 contributions for you. The primary and secondary Class 1 contributions are percentages of all payments of gross earnings made to you by your employer during a month.

There is a monthly earnings ceiling. Contributions are not paid on earnings above this ceiling.

For more information please see leaflet entitled Employed People

Class 2 contributions

These are paid by people who are:

·  self-employed

·  not employed

·  unemployed

·  in part time employment earning below a specified monthly wage

There are 2 types of Class 2 contribution:

The Standard Rate and The Earnings Related Rate.

1. The Standard Rate contribution is a set monthly figure. This is the amount we need each month to be able to pay you the standard rate benefit.
2. The Earnings Related Rate contribution is based on your earned income as detailed on a specified Income Tax Notice of Assessment. This type of Class 2 contribution is lower than the standard rate.

For more information about Class 2 contributions please see leaflet entitled People who are Self Employed or Non Employed

Does everyone have to pay contributions?

No. There are special rules for certain groups of people.

You are not liable to pay contributions if you are:

·  under school leaving age

·  over pension age

·  in prison or legal custody

You can elect not to pay contributions if you are:

·  a woman who married and first became liable to pay Jersey Social Security contributions before 1 April 2001

·  fully retired and over the age of 60

Please note: You must contact the Department to complete the appropriate form if you elect not to pay contributions.

What happens if I am not working?

We may be able to protect your contribution record with credits if you:

·  are sick

·  have a disability

·  are unemployed

·  are a student in full time education

·  are staying at home to look after a child under 5

·  are caring for a child or adult who has a severe disability and requires a very high level of personal care

What are credits?

Credits take the place of Class 2 contributions. They protect your future entitlement to benefit.

The advantages of paying contributions?

A full contribution record will entitle you to the range of benefits. Because you can only get these benefits if you have paid contributions, we call this type of benefit a “contributory benefit”.

Both Class 1 and Class 2 contributions give cover for all contributory benefits. You may lose benefit if contributions are paid late or not paid at all.

Are there any benefits not based on contributions?

Yes. There is a range of benefits paid for from general taxation.

Claiming benefits?

You are responsible for making a claim to benefit. We cannot pay you a benefit until you claim it. There is a time limit for claiming each benefit. If you claim late you may lose some benefit.

No double payment of benefit

Two payments from Social Security funds cannot usually be made for the same period. For example, Survivor’s Pension would not be payable at the same time as Incapacity Benefit.

Right of appeal

If you are not satisfied with our decision on whether benefit can be paid or not you may have a right of appeal to the Social Security Tribunal.

A medical board decides on medical questions such as the loss of faculty you have. If you disagree with their decision you may be able to appeal to a Medical Appeal Tribunal. There is no appeal against the Tribunal’s decision except to the Royal Court on a point of law.

Social Security Agreements with other Countries

Some countries have Social Security schemes that are linked with Jersey by a “Reciprocal Agreement”. Contributions paid to the Jersey Social Security scheme can be used towards the contribution conditions for the payment of benefit in those countries. Similarly, contributions paid in any of these countries can be used towards the contribution conditions for payment of benefit in Jersey.

When this leaflet was printed, Jersey had Reciprocal Agreements with:

Please ask the Department for further information.

Work Secondment

If your employer sends you to work in one of the countries previously listed, you may be able to continue to pay contributions to Jersey. Your employer should ask us for a Certificate of Secondment.

You must show this certificate to the Social Security Authorities in the country you go to work in. The certificate proves that your employer is continuing to pay contributions for you in Jersey. Under the terms of Reciprocal Agreements you will only pay contributions to one country for any one period.

If you are being sent to Jersey to work, your employer should ask your local Social Security Authority for a “Certificate of Continuing Liability”. You must show this to us when you register in Jersey.

 Part Three - The Health Scheme

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General Information

You do not have to register with a particular doctor or practice. Doctors are not under service contracts with the States to provide a service to any particular patient. Each doctor can set the fee he/she wishes to charge for the services given. You have to pay the full fee unless you qualify to be part of the Health Scheme.

Are there any qualifying conditions?

Yes. There is a residence condition and you must have paid any contributions due. To prove that you qualify for health benefits we give you a Health Benefits card.

This card shows that you can claim benefits under the scheme. You must show your card when you visit your doctor or take a prescription to a chemist. Your Health Benefits card also covers your children under the age of 16.

What are the benefits?

There are 2 benefits:

Medical Benefit - for visits to the doctor

Pharmaceutical Benefit - for medicines and drugs

Medical benefit

Most doctors use a “direct settlement” system. The amount of medical benefit is taken off the doctor’s fee you pay to your doctor. You will be asked to sign a form agreeing that you have visited or received a medical service from your doctor. This allows your doctor to claim the medical benefit direct from us.

Some doctors ask you to pay the full fee. You can then claim a refund from us. Remember to do this promptly. There is a time limit for claiming a refund.

For further information please refer to the leaflet entitled The Health Scheme, Medical and Pharmaceutical Benefits

Pharmaceutical benefit

Your doctor, or registered dentist, will make out a prescription on a Health Scheme prescription form. You take the prescription to a chemist of your choice. The chemist will give you the medicines free of charge.

The chemist can only do this for medicines and drugs on the “Prescribed List”.

What is the Prescribed List?

The List is made up of a range of medicines and drugs that are approved by the Social Security Minister. It is updated every 4 - 6 months.

The Committee receives advice on what should be on the list from a special committee made up of local doctors, chemists and representatives of the Health and Social Services and Social Security Departments.

Health agreements with other countries

When this leaflet was printed we had health agreements with the following countries:

Visitors to Jersey

Visitors to the Island and residents who have lived on the Island for less than 6 months do not qualify for subsidy under the Health Scheme and so may be required to pay for hospital treatment, doctor’s fees and prescription costs in full.

If you wish to see a General Practitioner you should telephone 616833 and you will be given the name and address of the rota surgery.

A charge may be made for your visit and for any prescriptions you require. Please check when you make an appointment.

Dental care for young people

You will normally have to pay the full cost for dental care. There is however a scheme to help young people with the cost of their dental treatment. It is called the Jersey Dental Scheme.

The scheme helps with the cost of routine dental care. You can get a list of the treatments covered by the scheme from the Department.

Your dentist will set a monthly charge for the routine dental care needed to keep your teeth fit. The scheme pays a standard amount towards this charge and you pay the balance.

An independent Board of Management administers the scheme and all payments are paid to the board.

Further information on the Health Scheme

This leaflet gives general information and does not try to give full details on any particular Health Scheme matter. We have leaflets explaining more about the Health Scheme. These are listed on the inside back cover of this leaflet.

Get in touch with us if you are in any doubt or have any questions about the Health Scheme. Our staff will be pleased to help you.

Part Four - The Benefits

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Family

Maternity Benefits

Grant - a maternity grant is a lump sum payment to help with the general expense of having a baby. It may be paid on the mother’s own contribution record or her husband’s, but not on both. This grant is also available to adoptive parents and is payable to the person named in the adoption order.

Allowance - a maternity allowance is a weekly benefit that can be paid for a maximum of 18 weeks. It is paid on the mother’s own contributions and cannot be paid for any week that the mother is working.

Please note: If the birth of your baby is late, we may be able to pay for additional weeks. Please ask us for more information.

Child Care Allowance

If you are working and not paying tax you may get some help towards the cost of child care. You must use a registered nursery, playgroup or childminder to get the allowance. The amount of allowance that can be paid depends on your income. For more information please contact us.

If you are working and paying tax you cannot get child care allowance. But you may be able to get tax relief for some of your child care costs. For more information please contact the Income Tax Department.

Pensions

Contributory Pension

Pension age for men and women in Jersey is 65. But, a woman who joined the Jersey Social Security scheme before 1 January 1975 can claim a pension on her own contribution record at 60.

The amount of pension payable depends on the contributions you have paid over your working life.

For instance, if there are 82% contributions recorded on your account we will pay you 82% of the standard rate pension.

You do not have to give up work to get a pension.

Flexible Pensions

If your pension age is 65 you can choose to take your pension at any time between age 63 and 65.

Please note: your pension entitlement will be reduced by 0.58% for each month the pension is paid early.

This means that if you have paid for 45 years and take your pension at age 63 you will receive approximately 86% of a standard rate pension. (24 months x 0.58% = 13.92% reduction).

The reduced rate is payable for life.

Survivor’s Benefits

Survivor’s Allowance - this is paid for the first 52 weeks following the death of your spouse. It is paid at a slightly higher rate than Survivor’s Pension.

Survivor’s Pension - If you are under pension age this takes over when Survivor’s Allowance ends. We can pay Survivor’s Pension until you reach the normal pension age.

Survivor’s Benefits are based on your late spouse’s contribution record. The rate of benefit payable depends on the average of contributions that your late spouse has built up.

Survivor’s Benefits stop if you remarry or cohabit with another person.

War Disabled and War Widow’s Pensions

Her Majesty’s Forces Support and Welfare Officer for the Channel Islands has an office in the Department. This officer looks after the welfare of all ex service personnel in the Islands and administers War Disabled and War Widow’s Pensions.

Death Grant

A death grant is a lump sum paid on the death of a contributor, his/her spouse or their child. If there is a will, or a letter of administration the grant is normally paid to the executors or administrators. Otherwise it is paid to the person paying the funeral expenses or to the next of kin.

Non-contributory Death Grant

A non-contributory death grant may be paid if there is no entitlement to a contributory death grant from Jersey or any other country with which we have a Social Security agreement.

Health

Short Term Incapacity Allowance

Short Term Incapacity Allowance is a daily benefit which may be payable when you send in a medical certificate stating you are unfit for work due to illness or injury.

You must not work, even in a voluntary or honorary capacity whilst claiming this benefit as it is a replacement of earnings. Furthermore, you must not behave in a way which might delay your recovery.

Short Term Incapacity Allowance is payable for a minimum of two days and a maximum of 364 days. When your claim to Short Term Incapacity Allowance stops you may be able to claim Long Term Incapacity Allowance.

Long Term Incapacity Allowance

Long Term Incapacity Allowance is a weekly benefit, payable as a compensation for a loss of faculty. You may undertake paid or voluntary work whilst receiving this allowance.

If you have claimed Short Term Incapacity Allowance for the maximum 364 days you will then be sent a form on which to claim Long Term Incapacity Allowance. However, if you have some loss of faculty but return to work or your doctor does not consider that you are totally incapable of work you may obtain a claim form from this Department. You do not need to send in medical certificates to claim Long Term Incapacity Allowance.

The Medical Board, appointed by this department, will assess the percentage of your loss of faculty within the agreed guidelines. If you are entitled to more than one separate claim to Long Term Incapacity Allowance the percentages are added together but to a maximum of 100%. An initial assessment will usually be provisional i.e. for a limited period. Subsequent assessments may be final indicating a permanent loss of faculty. Long Term Incapacity Allowance may continue to be paid until pension age.

Incapacity Pension

Incapacity Pension is paid as a compensation for the loss of earnings to people who, because of their loss of faculty, are unlikely to work again. Whilst claiming Incapacity Pension you must not work even in a voluntary or honorary capacity. Incapacity Pension is payable up to pension age.

Invalid Care Allowance

This taxable allowance is for carers of working age who spend 35 hours per week caring for someone who has a severe disability and requires a very high level of personal care. The carer must be over 16 and under 65. It is designed for carers who cannot undertake full time work or who have to substantially reduce their working week because of this commitment. The allowance also protects the carers’ contribution records if they were paying contributions prior to receiving the allowance so that they do not lose their own rights to Social Security benefits.

To claim, please complete the appropriate form and send it to the Department with your birth certificate.

Gluten-free food subsidy

This subsidy is to help anyone who needs to buy gluten-free food because of a medical condition which needs a gluten free diet.

You must have the support of your doctor to apply for the subsidy. The Medical Officer of Health decides on applications. The decision is based on medical grounds.

You can get an application form from the Department.

The Jersey 65+ Health Plan

The Department operates a scheme to help with dental, optical and chiropody costs for the over 65’s. The scheme is funded by the States of Jersey.

Westfield Health has been appointed to run and underwrite the scheme. You can benefit from a range of help including financial assistance towards eye tests, new prescriptions, chiropody treatments, dental check-ups, treatment and dentures. To qualify you must satisfy several income rules and conditions.

Registration is through the Department. Please telephone 445505 for more details.

Part Five - Employment Services

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The Social Security Department has a Work Zone which offers a complete vacancy and job matching service as well as advice on related Social Security matters.

You are able to come into the centre at any time during opening hours and have access to all current vacancies placed by local employers. Should you need further help, our front line team are there to help you. They will explain vacancy details and match your skills to the vacancy.

There is a wide variety of vacancies displayed with appropriate details - usually on a self-service basis. Some employers need application forms or Curriculum Vitae (CV). A CV is an outline of the knowledge, experience and qualifications you have and the jobs you have done. There is a learning and resource area to help individuals develop a range of skills to include keyboard and general IT skills.

The Department has a website which provides a job vacancy system to enhance employment opportunities in Jersey. Whether you have just left school and are looking for your first job or thinking of a change of direction, www.jobsinjersey.gov.je will help you take control of your career.

You do not have to register with your name and contact details but if you choose to do so, the site offers you even more employment opportunities.

These include the ability to:

·  Save your search criteria which will save time on future visits

·  Ask to be notified by email when new jobs are added to the site, which match your search criteria

·  Apply for jobs using the online application form, which is sent to the employer.

Unemployment Registration

If you are out of work you should visit the Work Zone as soon as possible, where you will be registered as unemployed. An adviser will explain your rights and entitlements under the Social Security scheme.

Even though you are out of work you are still liable to pay Social Security contributions. You may qualify to have your Social Security contributions credited for you while you look for work. Unemployment credits take the place of contributions. The Adviser will inform you if you qualify and how the system works.

There is no contributory unemployment benefit scheme in Jersey. If you are unemployed and need financial help, you may be able to claim Income Support. The minimum requirement is that you have lived in Jersey for 5 years.

If you claim Income Support

Every adult within an Income Support Unit is expected to be paid in full-time work (at least 35 hours per week) or be exempt from full-time work.

An adult who is not in full-time work may be referred by the Income Support team to the Work Zone for assistance in finding work.

A Work Zone Adviser will interview the Jobseeker and agree an appropriate course of action.  A Jobseekers Agreement will be issued and regularly monitored by the Work Zone.

As a jobseeker you will need to provide proof that you are actively seeking work including a record of your job applications and any steps that you take to find work.

Adult Careers Advice

If you are thinking about improving your prospects in your current job, updating your skills, applying for a new job, changing career direction or wanting to return to education or training we will match your strengths to job requirements and identify any training needs you may have.

We also offer, if appropriate Psychometric Testing. These tests identify your key ability characteristics, enabling you to unlock your potential. The service includes a full written report and an in depth interview to explain the findings.

Employment opportunities for people with a Special Employment Need

A great deal of work is being undertaken by the Social Security Department to develop the work and training opportunities for people with a special employment need.

As a priority the Department also hopes to seek more support from employers for jobs in the open market and improve the level of support and guidance available to people with a special employment need.

Finding the right job can be a problem for anyone, but if you have a disability or have been ill for a long time, getting work can be even more difficult. However, there are several services to help you prepare for work and to find a suitable job.

Advice is also available if you are already employed but are having difficulty with your present job. Simply get in touch with Workwise. For advice and assistance in finding a suitable job. It may be necessary to know how your disability has affected you and you may be asked about your medical history. In that case you will be asked to give us permission to consult your doctor.

Finding a job is not the only consideration. The Adviser tries to ensure that you find work that you like and which will make the best use of your abilities.

If appropriate, a variety of training courses are available to help you into employment. These range from basic hygiene to computing. There is also a learning area within the Department with access to computers. This area offers the opportunity to improve or update your skills.

Depending on individual circumstances, voluntary unpaid placements can be arranged to enable you to gain valuable work experience.

We realise that many people with special employment needs will not have worked for a long time and, in some cases, have never worked in open employment. Your adviser may arrange a mock interview to help develop your confidence. The interviews are held with major organisations within the business community who give feedback.

Job Coach Scheme

Your adviser may suggest that you would benefit from having a Job Coach work with you to assist in finding suitable employment and prepare you for work. If needed, the Job Coach will start with you in your new job and provide support as you learn your role. The Job Coach is there as a source of support and liaison between you and your employer, ensuring a smooth transition into work.

Jersey Employment Trust - JET

The Jersey Employment Trust (JET) supports the progress of people with disabilities into sustained supported open employment, while continuing to provide on-going training, support and personal development for all those who fall under their remit.

In partnership with other agencies, JET provides a range of complementary training, development and sheltered work; equipping clients with the skills (vocational and social) necessary for supported open employment.

These include Workforce Solutions Ltd., Sunflower Nurseries and Oakfield Industries Ltd.

Jersey Employers Network on Disability - JEND

There is a growing number of employers in the Island who are committed to providing real jobs for people with a disability. Employers work in partnership with Workwise in maximising employment opportunities for disabled people. JEND is an organisation which helps employers access potential employees with a disability.

Is there any other help I can claim?

Income Support - Income Support is an income-related benefit that provides financial support to individuals and families that satisfy conditions relating to residency in Jersey and employment.

Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Service (JACS) - JACS gives impartial, confidential and free advice on a range of employment problems. These include contracts, holiday entitlement, length of notice or any breakdown in communication with your employer.

Citizen’s Advice Bureau - You can get free and confidential advice on debt and many other problems from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Part 7 of this leaflet gives the address and telephone number for each of these services.

Part Six - Health and Safety at Work

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General

Health and safety legislation places duties on employers, employees, self-employed persons and others in respect of working activities. It requires persons to take appropriate action with the aim of preventing accidents and injuries occurring to others.

The Health and Safety Inspectorate is responsible for enforcing the health and safety at work legislation and also provides an advisory service for persons with regard to the practical implications of the legal requirements.

The aim of the Inspectorate is ‘to establish and maintain a working environment in which health, safety and welfare standards are adequately controlled for anybody who may be affected’.

Health and Safety Legislation

Law and Regulations

The Health and Safety at Work ( Jersey) Law 1989 is the principal piece of legislation which places general duties on certain persons to ensure the health and safety of others.

A number of regulations have also been produced, which contain standards for health and safety relating to specific industries or activities.

Approved Codes of Practice

In addition to the law and regulations, a number of Approved Codes of Practice have been introduced. These offer practical examples of good practice and give advice on how to comply with the Law.

A full list of health and safety legislation is available from the Health and Safety Inspectorate

Employers Liability Insurance Legislation

The Health and Safety Inspectorate also administers the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance)( Jersey) Law 1973 which requires employers to hold sufficient insurance for any liability that may arise as a result of an accident at work.

Work of the Inspectorate

The Health and Safety Inspectorate carries out both reactive and proactive work which includes investigations into accidents and complaints, ad-hoc visits to workplaces and awareness raising campaigns.

Advice on health and safety matters

We are able to offer help and advice on health and safety issues relating to work activities and have many leaflets and guidance documents available free of charge.

Copies of the Health and Safety at Work ( Jersey) Law 1989 and existing statutory provisions can be obtained from the States Greffe Book Shop, Morier House.

Part Seven - Useful Addresses

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For information on employment matters

Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Service (JACS)

Trinity House
Bath Street
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 4ST

http://www.jacs.org.je/
Tel: 730503 Fax: 733942
Email: jacs@jacs.org.je

For information about your rights and other sources of help

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Annexe
St Paul’s Community Centre
New Street
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 3WP

http://www.cab.org.je/

Tel: 724942
or 0800 7350 249 (Freefone)
Fax : 617508

Email: advice@cab.org.je

For information on housing matters and rent rebate

The Housing Department

Jubilee Wharf
PO Box 587, 24 Esplanade
St Helier
Jersey
JE4 8XT

www.housing.gov.je

Tel: 445510
Fax: 445530

Email: housing-finance@gov.je

For information about The Jersey 65 + Health Plan

Westfield Health Scheme

Westfield House
87 Division Street
Sheffield
S1 1HT

www.westfieldhealth.com

Tel: 738111

Email: enquiries@westfield-health.org.uk

Voluntary welfare societies and organisations

In addition to the services provided by the States there are many services provided by voluntary welfare societies and organisations. A list of help lines and support services is printed in the front of the Jersey telephone directory.

Our Website

If you become unemployed you may wish to visit our website www.jobsinjersey.gov.je and search for current vacancies online.

Part Eight - Further Information

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This leaflet gives general information and does not try to give full details on any particular matter. It cannot be treated as a statement of the Law.

Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions about the information contained in this leaflet.

Our staff are here to help you, please telephone us on 445505 or call into our office.

If you become unemployed you may wish to visit our website www.jobsinjersey.gov.je and search for current vacancies online.

The Social Security Department is covered by the current Jersey Data Protection (Jersey) Law

Please note: calls to the Department may be monitored for training purposes.

Other leaflets that may be of interest

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General

·  A Quick Guide to Employment and Social Security in Jersey

·  Contribution Levels & Benefit Rates

·  Social Security & Health Agreements between Jersey & France

·  Social Security & Health Agreements between Jersey & Portugal

·  Social Security & Health Agreements between Jersey/UK & Guernsey

Health Zone

.  Caring for a Child at Home

·  Gluten-Free Food Subsidy

·  Health Scheme

·  Incapacity Benefit

·  Maternity Benefit

·  The Jersey Traveller's Guide to Health

Income Support Zone

.  Income Support

Pension Zone

·  Death Grant

·  Pensions

·  Survivor's Benefit

·  The Jersey 65+ Health Plan

Contributions Zone

·  Contribution Tables

·  Employed People

.  Employer's Guide

·  Labour-only Contractors & Sub-contractors

·  Leaving School

·  Options for the Married Woman

·  People who are Self-Employed & Non-Employed

·  People who need not pay Contributions

·  Separating or Divorcing

·  Students over 18

·  Workwise

·  Workwise Adaptation Grant

·  The Work Zone

Employment Services

Leaflets on the range of employment services are available from the Department. Our staff will be delighted to assist you. If you have any queries please telephone 445505.

Health and Safety

Leaflets on health and safety matters are available from the Health and Safety Inspectorate - telephone 447298.

Large print versions of most of our leaflets are available. Please call us on 445505 and we will be happy to send them to you.