Social Security Act (Cap. 318), article 136

136. (1) All regulations and orders in force under the Old Age Pensions Act, the Director of So cial Services Act, the National Insurance Act, and the National Assistance Act shall, with the necessary modifications, adaptations and limitations, and insof ar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, cont inue in force and have effect as if they had been made under this Act a nd may be revoked, amended o r suspended accordingly. (2) Any references in any other enactment to the enactments mentioned in sub-article (1), being references of a general nat ure, shall be substituted by refere nces to the title of this Act. SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 131 Amended by: XVI. 1989.26; VIII. 1992.39; XXI. 1996.57. Substituted by: L.N. 100 of 2006. Amended by: XXXII. 2007.67; L.N. 218 of 2012. FIRST SCHEDULE [ARTICLE 5] INSURABLE EMPLOYMENT PART I EMPLOYMENTS 1. Employment in Malta under a ny contract of service or apprenticeship, written or oral, and whether expressed or impli ed, including employment by or under the Government of Malta. Provided that, saving the provisions of any agreement with any other country, employment as aforesaid outside Malta shall be treated as employment in Malta if the employee concerned is ordinarily resident in Malta and the employer is the Government of Malta or has a place of business in Malta. 2. Employment as aforesaid outside Malta: (a) as master or a member of the crew of any ship or vessel registered in Malta; (b) as pilot, commander, navigator or a member of the crew of any aircraft licensed in Malta; (c) on board any ship or vessel, otherwise than as master or a member of the crew: Provided that - (i) this employment is for the purposes of the ship or vessel or her crew or of any passengers or cargo or mails carried thereon; (ii) where the employee con cerned is not a citizen of Malta, the contract is entered into in Malta, and, in all cases, irrespective of the employee’s nationality, with a view of its performance (in whole or in part) while the ship or vessel is on her voyage; and (iii) the employer has a place of business in Malta; (d) on board any aircraft, otherwise than as pilot, commander, navigator or a member of the crew: Provided that - (i) this employment is for the purposes of the aircraft or its crew or of any passengers or cargo or mails carried thereon; (ii) where the employee con cerned is not a citizen of Malta, the contract is entered into in Malta, and, in all cases, irrespective of the employee’s nationality, with a view to its performance (in whole or in part) while the aircraft is on its flight; and (iii) the employer has a place of business in Malta. 3. Services after the 14th August, 1979, in any of the offices 132 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY specified in articl es 48, 59(1), 80 and 88 of the Constitution . 4. Service after the 5th January, 1981, as a member of the House of Representatives, ot her than service in any offices specified in articles 59(1), 80 and 88 of the Constitution , except where the person concerned is self-occupied. 5. Any period after the 1st April, 1978, during which a person is following a full-time course of studies or instruction under the Worker-Student or Pupil-Worker Scheme or other similar schemes, involving distinct work and study periods, for which he is rece iving remuneration. Cap. 442. 6. Government employees who have been released on unpaid leave from performing duty with Government in order to become members of a co-operative prim ary society in terms of the Co- operative Societies Act . PART II EXCEPTED EMPLOYMENTS 1. Employment of a casual nature otherwise than for the purposes of the employe r’s trade or business. 2. Employment of a person who is not ordinarily resident in Malta if the employer of that person is not resident in Malta a nd has no place of bus iness there. 3. Employment by any one employer for less than eight hours in a calendar week. 4. Employment as secretary or c l e r k o f a s o c i e t y , c l u b , philanthropic institution, school or other similar body or institution, where personal serv ice is ordinarily required only occasionally and outside the ord inary hours of work, provided t he hours referred to in p aragraph 3 of this Pa rt are not exceeded. 5. Employment of a person who is not ordinarily resident in Malta if the employer of that person is paying contributions in respect of that person under a scheme of social insurance in an other country. 6. Employment of any of the directors in any partnership, for the purposes of that partnership, wherein such partnership has been entered into between or among persons that are related to one another, up to and including cousins of the first degree and/or their spouses, provided any such directors are themselves such partne rs or the spouses of such partners. 7. Employment of any majority shareholder in any partnership, for the purposes of that partnership; and for this purpose any shareholder shall still be deemed to be a majority shareholder if, notwithstanding t he fact that the number of his shares do not constitute the majority, the value or powers atta ched to his holding exceed the aggregat e total value or powers attac hed to the holding of the other shar eholders in that partnership. SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 133 8. With effect from the 6th January 1992: (a) employment entered into prior to the 5th January 2008 of a person who has reached pension age prior to the 5th January 2008; or (b) employment of an actual widow under pension age, if she so elects, who is in receipt of a pension in respect of widowhood under this Act: Cap. 452. Provided that the weekly wage or salary of such person or acual widow does not exceed the N ational Minimu m Wage, or its monthly equivalent, as is applic able to persons of eighteen yea rs of age or over established by a National Standard Order issued under t he Employment and Indust rial Relations Act . 9. With effect from the 4th July, 1988, employment of a person as a Casual Social Assist ant by the Department for the C are of the Elderly of the Government of Malta. 134 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY Amended by: XIV . 1988.17; XVI. 1989.27; XVI. 1990.50; XIII. 1991.42; VIII. 1992.40; XXIV . 1993.15; XXV . 1994.2,33; XXVII. 1995.13; XXI. 1996.58; II. 1999.20; L.N. 21 of 2001; L.N. 4 of 2001; II. 2002.75, 76, 77. Substituted by: L.N. 422 of 2002; L.N. 436 of 2003; L.N. 100 of 2006; L.N. 101 of 2006; L.N. 318 of 2007. Substituted by: L.N. 424 of 2007. Amended by: XXXII. 2007.68. Substituted by: L.N. 149 of 2008. Amended by: II. 2009.25. Substituted by: L.N. 143 of 2009; L.N. 437 of 2010. Amended by: IV . 2011.30. Substituted by: L.N. 330 of 2011. Amended by: V . 2012.31; L.N. 218 of 2012. Substituted by: L.N. 342 of 2012. Amended by: IX. 2013.8; XII. 2014.38; XIII. 2015.90; XV . 2016.6; XVI. 2017.38; VII.2018.44; VII.2019.37; VIII.2020.33; VII.2022.41; XIII.2024.26; IX.2025.30. SECOND SCHEDULE [Articles 12, 20, 23, 27, 3 0, 66, 68, 73, 76 and 76A ] Calculation of means for the purposes of an exemption from the payment of Class Two Contributions and for the award of Social Assistance, Sickness Assistance, Free Medical Aid, an Age Pensi on, Severe Disability Assistance, Dis ability Assistance, an Assista nce for the Visually Impaired, Childre n’s Allowance, a Supplementary Allowance, and a Disa bled Child Allowance. PART I Exemption from the Payment of Class Two Contributions 1. In calculating the means for the purposes of article 12 account shall be taken of: (a) the value of any property including any settlement of property in trust (excluding the house of residence) belonging to that person which is, or could be, invested or put to profitable use, excluding furniture, jewellery and other personal effects: Provided that where the cash at bank and in hand (including any liquid assets, time deposits, bonds, stocks, shares or other secu rities), cash settled in any trust and the capital valu e of any urban immovable property including any settlement of such property in trust (excluding the house of residence) which is not being put to profitable use, together exceed €9,320 in the case of a single or widowed person, or €16,310 in the case of a married person, the person requesting an exemption from the payment of a Class Two contribution shall be deemed not to be entitled to such an exemption; and (b) save as provided in paragraph 3 of this Part, any income or privilege which is, or could be, received or enjoyed by that person including any person entitled to benefit under a trust or in which favour a discretion to distribute property, including income or privilege, held in trust may be exercised. 2. Where the total capital resou rces referred to in paragraph 1(a) of this Part do no t exceed the limits laid down therein: (a) the first €585 of such capital resources shall be ignored; and (b) the value of any urban immovable property as is referred to in the proviso to the aforesaid sub- paragraph (a) shall be treated as producing an annual income equivalent to 5.5% of its capital value. 3. In calculating the income or privilege which is, or could be, received or enjoyed by the person requesting an exemption from the payment of a Class Tw o contribution, no account shall be SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 135 taken of: (a) any assistance, pension, ben efit or allowance payable under this Act; (b) any sickness benefit from a friendly society or a trade union; (c) any sum paid out of a charitable fund; Cap. 207. (d) any pension, other than a pension payable by virtue of article 16A of the Malta Dockyard Act, which is paid apart from this Act; and (e) the first €470 by way of earnings derived by any person from the carrying out of hand knitting, lace making, crochet and embro idery activities at home, and the manufacture of which does not involve any mechanical processes. PART II Sickness Assistance 1. In calculating the means fo r the purposes of article 20 account shall be taken: (a) save as provided for in parag raph 3 of this Part, of the value of any property including any settlement of property in trust (excluding the house of residence) belonging to all the members of the household who are neither employed persons nor self-employed or self- o c c u p i e d p e r s o n s i n t e r m s o f t h i s A c t , w h i c h i s , o r could be invested or put to profitable use excluding furniture, jewellery or other personal effects: Provided that where the cash at bank and in hand (including liquid assets, time deposits, bonds, stocks, shares and other securities), cash settled in any trust and the capital value of any urban immovable property including any settlement of such property in trust (excluding the house of residence) which is not being put to profitable use, together exceed: (i) €16,000 in the case of a household consisting of one member only or of a number of members headed by a single person or a single parent; or (ii) €26,000 in the case of a household consisting of at least the head of household and the spouse of such head of household, the person claiming Sickness Assistance shall not be deemed to be entitled to such assistance: Provided further that, with effect from 1st January 2024, in the case of a person who has been in receipt of Sickness Assistance in accordance with the provisions of article 20 for a period of five (5) years or more and who comes into possession of other property or assets through inheritance, in lieu of the limits laid down in the first proviso, shall instead be taken in the 136 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY calculation of the capital m eans the amount of thirty thousand euro (€30,000) in the case of a single or widowed person, or the amount of fifty thousand euro (€50,000) in the case of a married person. So however that, when calculating the cap ital means in such cases, no account shall be taken of: (a) a donation of a property by the beneficiary of the Sickness Assistance to a son or daughter, provided that such property is being donated to the son or daughter in order for the son or daughter to form his or her future house of residence; (b) a donation of part of the house of residence of the Sickness Assistance beneficiary to the son or daughter including the space above such property, provided that such donation is being made in order for the son or daughter to form his or her future house of residence; and (c) a donation of up to a maximum of twenty thousand euro (€20,000) to the son or daughter by the beneficiary of the Sickness Assistance, provided such donation is made in accordance with the provisions of the laws of Malta; and (b) save as provided for in paragraph 4 of this Part, of any income or privilege which i s, or could be received or enjoyed by any member of the household including any entitlement of such m ember to benefit under a trust or in whose favour a discretion to distribute property, including income or privilege, held in trust may be exercised who is neither an employed person nor a self-employed or sel f-occupied person in terms of this Act: Provided that any such property or income that has to be taken into account for the purposes of this Part, in accordance with the fore going provisions of this paragraph, shall include any property or income which any member of the household as aforesaid in this Part had directly or indirectly d eprived himself of in order to become entitled to Sic kness Assistance or to become so entitled at a m ore advantageous rate: Cap. 452. Provided further that wher e a member, not being the head of household and the spouse of such head of household, is an employed person or a self-employed or self-occupied person, and his gross wage or gross income, as the case may be, does not exceed 35% of the National Minimum Wage as is applicable to persons of eighteen years of age or over established by a National Standard Order issued under the Employment and Industrial Relations Act during the SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 137 period in respect of which such assistance is due, such a member shall, for the pur poses of this paragraph, not be deemed to be an employed person or a self- employed or self-occupied person. 2. Where the total capital resour ces referred to in paragraph 1(a) of this Part do not exceed the limit laid down therein: (a) the first €585 of such capital resources shall be ignored; and (b) the value of any urban immovable property as is referred to in the proviso to the aforesaid sub- paragraph ( a) shall be treated as producing an annual income equivalent to 5.5% of its capital value. 3. Where any member of the household as aforesaid in this Part, other than the head of household and the spouse of such h ead of household, is in possession of any property as is referred t o in paragraph 1( a) of this Part: (a) the entire value of any future house of residence or part thereof belonging to such member in view of marriage shall be ignored; and (b) one-half of the value of any other such property shall be disregarded unless such property had been transferred or donated to him by the head of household or the spouse of such head of household within the twelve months immediately preceding the claim for Sickness Assistance. 4. In calculating the income or privilege which is, or could be received or enjoyed by any member of the household as aforesaid in this Part no account shall be taken of: (a) the first €95 arising out of the use of property; (b) any Social Assistance, Leprosy Assistance, Tuberculosis Assistance, Milk Grant, Carer’s Allowance, Increased Carer’s Allowance and Sickness Assistance payable under this Act and any pension or pensions (whether paid under this Act or not) up to a maximum aggregate amount equivalent to the aggregate of the highest rate of the National Minimum Pension, inclusive of the Additional Allowance payable according to the cla imant's marital status as specified in the Twelfth Schedule; (c) any Increased Severe Disability Assistance, Severe Disability Assistance, Ass istance for the Visually Impaired and Disability Assistance being paid to one (1) of the spouses, provided that such spouse is neither in insurable employment nor self-occupied; (d) any Supplementary Allowance, Children’s Allowance, Care Allowance, Disabled Child Allowance or Maternity Benefit payable under this Act; 138 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY Cap. 123. (e) 84.3% of the total net income or of any privilege, benefit or allowance or of any excess pension which is being, or could be received or enjoyed by such member of the household, other than the head of household or the spouse of such head of household, and for this purpose the total net income, privilege, benefit, allowance or excess pension shall be reduced by any income tax payments made by the person concerned in acco rdance with the Income Tax Act , and the term "excess pension" shall mean any pension over the National Minimum Pension as indicated in sub- paragraph ( b); (f) any amounts as are refe rred to in paragraphs 3( b) and (c) of Part I of this Schedule; (g) any stipend received by any member of the household, other than the head of the household or the spouse of such head of household during a full-time course of studies or instruction under any scheme run by the Government of Malta, whether involving or not distinct work and study periods; and for this purpose, "stipend" shall not include any wage or other remuneration which may be payable to the person concerned during any work phase which may form part of such a scheme; and (h) the first €470 by way of earnings derived by any person from the carrying out of hand knitting, lace making, crochet and embroidery activities at home, and the manufacture of which does not involve any mechanical processes. Cap. 452. (i) In calculating the means for the purposes of article 20 no account shall be taken of net earnings derived by a self- occupied homeworker, as defined in article 2, if such net earnings do not exceed 35% of the National Minimum Wage as is applicable to pers ons of eighteen years of age or over as established by a National Order issued under the Employment and Industrial Relations Act . 5. For the purposes of this Part, "spouse" shall include such person who, in the opinion of the Director, is living with the head of household as if that person was the lawful wedded spouse of the head of household, during any period in which Sickness Assistan ce is being, or could be. paid to the head of household under the provisions of this Act. 6. Where a head of household or the spouse is in receipt of Sickness Assistance under this A ct, any increase taking effect at any time after the 6th January, 1989, to which they or any other me mber of the household (as aforesaid in this Part) may become entitled i n respect of any pension, benefit , assistance or Supplementary Allowance as is payable to them or to any other member of the household under this Act during the same period within which th ey are in receipt of the aforesaid Sickness Assistance, shall not be t aken into account in calculating the means of that household for the purp oses of SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 139 establishing the continued right or otherwise to such Sickness Assistance. 7. With effect from the 4th January 2014, where a person who is divorced or is married but legally or de facto separated from the other spouse proves to the satisfaction of the Director that he is paying an amount of money to his spouse or to his former spouse as an integral part of their separa tion or of their divorce, that amount of money shall be deducted when the means of that person are calculated. PART III Free Medical Aid 1. In calculating the means fo r the purposes of article 23 account shall be taken: (a) save as provided for in parag raph 3 of this Part, of the value of any property including any settlement of property in trust (excluding the house of residence) belonging to all the members of the household which is, or could be, invested or put to profitable use excluding furniture, jewellery or other personal effects: Provided that where the cash at bank and in hand (including liquid assets, time deposits, bonds, stocks, shares and other securities), cash settled in any trust and the capital value of any urban immovable property including any settlement of property in trust (excluding the house of residence) which is not being put to profitable use, together exceed: (i) €16,000 in the case of a household consisting of one member only, or a number of members headed by a single person or a single parent; or (ii) €26,000 in the case of a household consisting of at least the head of household and the spouse of such head of household, the person claiming Free Medical Aid shall not be deemed to be entitled to such aid; and (b) save as provided for in paragraph 4 of this Part, of any income or privilege which is, or could be, received or enjoyed by any member of the household including any entitlement of a member of the household to benefit under a trust or in wh ose favour a discretion to distribute property, including income or privilege, held in trust may be exercised: Provided that any such property or income that has to be taken into account for the purposes of this Part in accordance with the foreg oing provisions of this paragraph shall include any property or income which any member of the household had directly or indirectly deprived himself of in order to become entitled to Free Medical Aid. 140 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY 2. Where the total capital resou rces referred to in paragraph 1(a) of this Part do not exceed the limit laid down therein: (a) the first €585 of such capital resources shall be ignored; and (b) the value of any urban immovable property as referred to in the proviso to the aforesaid sub-paragraph ( a) shall be treated as producing an annual income equivalent to 5.5% of its capital value. 3. Where any member of the ho usehold, other than the head of household and the spouse of such head of household, is in possession of any property as referred to in paragraph 1( a) of this Part: (a) the entire value of any future house of residence or part thereof belonging to such member in view of marriage shall be ignored; and (b) one-half of the value of any other such property shall be disregarded unless such property had been transferred or donated to such member of the household by the head of household or the spouse of s u c h h e a d o f h o u s e h o l d w i t h i n t h e t w e l v e m o n t h s immediately preceding the claim for Free Medical Aid. 4. In calculating the income or privilege which is, or could be, received or enjoyed by any member of the household, no account shall be taken of: (a) the first €95 arising out of the use of property; (b) any Social Assistance, Leprosy Assistance, Tuberculosis Assistance, Milk Grant and Sickness Assistance payable under this Act and any pension or pensions (whether paid under this Act or not) up to a maximum aggregate amount equivalent to the aggregate of the highest rat e of the National Minimum Pension, inclusive of the Additional Allowance payable according to the claimant’s marital status as is specified in the Twelfth Schedule to this Act; (c) any Supplementary Allowan ce, Children’s Allowance, Disabled Child Allowan ce or Maternity Benefit payable under this Act; (d) 84.3% of the total net income, or of any wage or salary or of any privilege, benef it or allowance or of any excess pension which is being, or could be received or enjoyed by any member of the household, other than the head of household or the spouse of such head of household, and for this purpose the total net income, wage, salary or pension shall be taken as the total gross income, wage, salary or pension less any payment made by the person concerned by way of: Cap. 123. (i) income tax under the Income Tax Act ; (ii) expenses incurred for travelling by public SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 141 transport or by any other form of transport as may be provided by the employer of the person concerned, to and fro m the place of work; and (iii) any expenses incurred by the person concerned in generating that income, and the term "excess pension" shall mean any pension over the National Minimum Pension as indicated in sub-paragraph ( b); (e) any amounts as referred to in paragraph 3( b) and ( c) of Part I of this Schedule; S.L. 452.62 (f) any weekly allowance payable by any employer in terms of the Weekly Allowance National Standard Order ; (g) any benefit, income, privile ge or grant accruing to any member of the household under and in accordance with the provisions of any of the Manpower Incentive Schemes announced by the Government of Malta, for the first twelve weeks of entitlement; (h) any stipend received by any member of the household, other than the head of household or the spouse of such head of household during a full-time course of studies or instruction under any scheme which is run by the Government of Malta, whether involving or not distinct work and study periods; and for this purpose "stipend" shall not include any wage or other remuneration which may be payable to the person concerned during any work phase which may form part of such a scheme; (i) contributions payable under this Act; and (j) the first €470 by way of earnings derived by any person from the carrying out of hand knitting, lace making, crochet and embroidery activities at home and the manufacture of which does not involve any mechanical processes. 5. For the purposes of this Par t, "spouse" shall include such person who, in the opinion of the Director, is living with the head of household as if such person were the lawful wedded spouse of the head of household, during an y period in which Free Medical Aid is being, or would be, accord ed to the head of household un der the provisions of this Act. 6. With effect from 1st January 2018, where a person who is divorced or is married but legally or de facto separated from the other spouse proves to the satisfaction of the Director that he is pa ying an amount of money to his spouse or to his former spouse as an int egral part of their separation or of their divorce, that amount of mo ney shall be deducted when the means of that person are calculated. PART IV Age Pension 1. In calculating the means for the purposes of article 66, 142 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY account shall be taken of any pr operty including any settlement of property in trust (excluding the house of residence), income or privilege as is indicated in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of this Sche dule; and save as provided in paragraph 3 of this Part, where the lim its laid down in the proviso to paragraph 1( a) of Part I of this Schedule are exceeded, the person making a claim for an Age Pension, as the case may be, shall be deemed not to be entitled to such pension : Provided that in calculating the means in terms of this paragraph, instead of the limits stipulated in the proviso to p aragraph 1(a) of Part I, €16,000 in the case of a single or a widowed pe rson or €26,000 in the case of a married p erson shall be taken in the calculation of means: Provided further that, with eff ect from 1st January 2022, in the case of a person who has been in receipt of an Age Pension in accordance with the provisions of article 66 for a period of fi ve (5) years or more and comes into possession of other property or as sets through inheritance, in lieu of the limits laid down in the fir st proviso, shall instead be taken in the calculation of the capit al means the amount of thirty thous and euro (€30,000) in the case of a single or widowed person, or the amount of fifty thousand euro (€50,000) in the case of a married person. So however that, whe n calculating the capital means in such cases, no account shall b e taken of: (a) a donation of a property by the beneficiary of the Age Pension to a son or daughter, provided that such property is being donated to the son or daughter in order for the son or daughter to form his or her future house of residence; (b) a donation of part of the house of residence of the Age Pension beneficiary to the son or daughter including the space above such property, provided that such donation is being made in order for the son or daughter to form his or her future house of residence; (c) a donation of up to a maximum of twenty thousand euro (€20,000) to the son or daughte r by the beneficiary of the Age Pension, provided such donation is made in accordance with the provisi ons of the laws of Malta. 2. The means accruing, or which could accrue, from any property, income or privilege as is described under Part I of t his Schedule shall be calculated in t he manner laid down in paragra phs 2 and 3 (with the exclusion of paragraph 3( a) and ( d) of the said Part I); so however that no account shall be taken of: (a) the first €385 of such means in the case of a married couple; or (b) the first €270 of such means in the case of a single or widowed person; and (c) any Medical Assistance, S upplementary Allowance, Children’ s Allowance, Car e Allowance, Disabled Child Allowance or Materni ty Benefit payable under this Act; and SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 143 (d) any Increased Severe Disability Assistance, Severe Disability Assistance, Ass istance for the Visually Impaired and Disability Assistance payable to the spouse who is not the head of household; and (e) the first €470 by way of earnings derived by any person from the carrying out of hand knitting, lace making, crochet and embroidery activities at home and the manufacture of which does not involve any mechanical processes. 3. Any such property or income that has to be taken into account for the purposes of this Part in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Part shall include any property or income which the person concerned had directly or indirectly deprived himself of in order to become entitled to an Age Pensi on, as the case may be, or to become so entitled at a more advantag eous rate; so however that where the income that the person concerne d had directly or indirectly depri ved himself of is connected wit h some other scheme of financial a id or subsidy for pensioners th at is run by the Government of Malta or on its behalf, the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply i n respect of such aid or subsid y. 4. In calculating the means o f a m a r r i e d c o u p l e f o r t h e purposes of awarding an Age Pension, account shall be taken of the property including any settlement of property in trust (excludi ng the house of residence) belonging to the couple or the income t hat is being received or t hat could be received, by each of the cou ple: Provided that where there is no community of acquests between them either because such community of acquests was excluded by contract or because it was dissolved as a result of their legal separation, account shall only be taken of the property belonging to, or the income that is being received or that coul d be received by each of the couple, so however that in the case whe re such married couple is de facto separated, accoun t shall be taken of: (a) the property belonging to the community of acquests; and (b) only the income that is being received or that could be received by the claimant: Provided further that each of the couple in respect of whom the foregoing proviso applies shall be entitled to receive the rate applicable to a single or wido wed person in accordance with Par t II of the Sixth Schedule as abated by the weekly means attributabl e to each one of them. 5. Where a person is divorced o r is a married person who is legally or de facto separated from the other spouse proves to the satisfaction of the Director that any sum is being paid to that person’s spouse or former spouse as an integral condition of th eir separation or divorce, that sum shall be deducted when calculat ing such person’s means. PART V 144 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY Severe Disability Assistance, Disability Assistance and Assistance for the Visually Impaired (Deleted by VII.2022.41 ) PART VI Social Assistance 1A. In calculating the means for the purposes of article 30 account shall be taken of any property, income or privilege as indicated in paragraph 1 of Part II of this Schedule; so howeve r that no account shall be taken of the first €470 by way of earnings derived by any person from the carrying out of hand knitting, lace making, crochet and embroidery activities at home, and the manufacture of which does not involve any mechanical processes; and where the limit laid down in the proviso to paragraph 1(a) of Part II of this Schedule is exceeded, the person making a claim for Social Assistance shall be deemed not to be entitled to such assistance. Cap.452. 1B. In calculating the means for the purposes of article 30 no account shall be taken of net ea rnings derived by a self-occupi ed homeworker, as defined in article 2, if such net earnings do no t exceed 35% of the National Minimum Wage as is applicable to persons of eighteen years of age or over as established by a National Stan dard Order issued under the Employment and Industrial Relations Act ; and where the limit laid down in the said proviso to paragraph 1(a) of Part II of this Schedule is exceed ed, the person making a claim for Social Assistance shall be dee med not to be entitled to such as sistance. 2. The means accruing or which accrue from any property, income or privilege as is described under Part II of this Sched ule shall be calculated in the manner laid down in paragraphs 2 to 5 of the said Part II; so however that notwithstanding the provision s of paragraph 4( b) thereof, account shall be taken of any Social Assistance and, or pension, if an y, already being paid under th is Act to the same head of household and the spouse of such head o f household, if any, at the time w hen the claim fo r such assistan ce is made. 3. In calculating the income or privilege which is, or could be received or enjoyed by any member of the household, who is not the head of household, as afor esaid in this Part, no account sh all be taken of the income from: (i) a gainful activity; or (ii) Unemployment Benefit. PART VII Children’ s Allowance and Disabled Child Allowance 1. In calculating the means fo r the purposes of article 76 account shall be taken of the income derived from any property including any settlement of property in trust, which is investe d or put to profitable use, excluding furniture, jewellery and other personal effects and any income or privilege, including any SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 145 entitlement to benefit under a trust or in whose favour a discr etion to distribute property, including income or privilege held in t rust may be exercised, which is or c ould be received or enjoyed by t he head of household and the spouse of such head of household. For this purpose, such privilege shall include any pre-tax profits, whether distributed or not, held in any company or other commercial enterprise of which the head of household and his or her spouse are shareholders or owners, unless the Director is satisfied that such pre-tax profits could not reasonably be mad e available or enjoyed by the head of household and the spouse of such head of household: Provided that any such income that has to be taken into account for the purposes of this Part in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this paragraph shall include any income or privilege which the head of household and the spouse of such he ad of household, as the case may be, and as aforesaid in this Part , had directly or indirectly deprived himself of, or deprived themsel ves of, in order to become entitled to an allowance or to become so entitled at a more advantageous rate. 2. In calculating the income or privilege which is, or could be received or enjoyed by the head of household and the spouse of such head of household no account shall be taken of: (a) any allowance paid under articles 69, 76 and 77; (b) any medical assistance paid under articles 20, 21 and 22; (c) any injury grant or injury pension paid under article 29; (d) any allowance paid to a widow or widower in terms of the provisions of article 31; (e) contributions paid under this Act as from the 1st January, 1996; and (f) in the case of a first child, any income or privilege which is received or enjoyed prior to the date of marriage or the date of co-habitation, so however that in the case of single parents the period of assessment shall commence as from the first day of the month preceding the date of birth of the child by nine months. 3. A head of household who is in receipt of social assistance or of an age pension under this Act shall be deemed not to have any means for the purposes of calculating any income in terms of th is Part. 4. ( a) For the purposes of this Part the means taken for income assessment purposes shall be those accruing during the calendar year preceding the first Saturday in July of the year in which the claim is made. (b) Notwithstanding any change in circumstances such means shall be deemed to satisfy the conditions of the applicable scale rates in accordance with the Fourteenth Schedule, up to the last Friday preceding 146 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY the first Saturday in July of the year following the calendar year in respect of which such means were taken for assessment purposes: P r o v i d e d t h a t i n t h e e v e n t o f t h e d e m i s e o f t h e h e a d o f household or the spouse of such head of household, the survivin g spouse or the person deemed to be so in terms of article 82(2) shall be entitled to elect, if it is more beneficial to the surviving spouse that for the purposes of this Part, the entitlement to an allow ance of the surviving spouse is re-assessed with effect from the first Saturday following the demise of the spouse, and that such re- assessment shall take into consideration only the current means and income; so however that such req uest for a re-assessment may on ly be made within six months from the date of the demise of the spouse: P r o v i d e d f u r t h e r t h a t i n t h e c a s e o f a p e r s o n w h o i s i n receipt of a pension (whether pai d under this Act or not) and w ho is not gainfully occupied, the yearly means taken for the purposes of this Part shall be the current yearly means accruing to the hea d of household and the spouse of such head of household: Provided further that in the case of a married couple where any of the spouses is no longer gainfully occupied, the head of household shall be entitled to elect, if it is more beneficial to him or her, that for the purposes of this Part his or her entitlement to an allowance is re-assessed with effect from the first Saturday following the cessation from a gainful occupation of the other spouse, and that such re-assessme nt shall take into considerati on only the current means and income of such household. So however that such request for a re-assessment may only be made within six months from the date of the cessation from such gainful occupat ion by the spouse. 5. For the purposes of this Par t "spouse" shall include such person who, in the opinion of the Director, is living with the head of household as if that person were the lawfully wedded spouse of such head of household, during any period in which an allowance under this Part is being, or could be, paid to the head of household under the provisions of this Act. PART VIII Supplementary Allowance 1. In calculating the means fo r the purposes of article 73 account shall be taken of the income derived from any property including any settlement of property in trust which is invested or put to profitable use, excluding furniture, jewellery and other personal effects, and any income or privilege which is received or enjoyed by the head of household and the spouse of such head of household, including any entitlement to benefit under a trust o r in whose favour a discretion to distribute property, including inc ome or privilege, held in trust may be exercised, if any. 2. In calculating the income or privilege which is or could be received or enjoyed by the hea d of household and the spouse of such head of household no account shall be taken of: SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 147 (a) any medical assistance paid under articles 20, 21 and 22; (b) any injury grant or injury pension paid under article 29; (c) contributions paid under this Act; and Cap. 123. (d) 84.3% of the total net income or of any privilege, benefit or allowance or of any excess pension which is being, or c o u l d b e , r e c e i v e d o r e n j o y e d b y a m e m b e r o f t h e household other than the head of household or the spouse of such head of household, and for this purpose the total net income, privilege, benefit, allowance or excess pension shall be reduced by any income tax payments made by the person concerned in accordance with the Income Tax Act , and the term "excess pension" shall mean any pension over the national minimum pension, inclusive of th e additional allowance, according to claimant’s marita l status as is specified in the Twelfth Schedule: Provided that, the provisions of paragraph (d) do not apply with effect from 1 st January 2020, or thereafter so that from this date no part of such income is taken into account. 3. A head of household who is in receipt of social assistance or of an age pension under this Act shall be deemed not to have an y means for the purposes of calculating any income in terms of th is Part. 4. For the purposes of this Part in the case of a head of household who is in receipt of a pension (whether paid under th is Act or not), any income, or any privilege, benefit or allowance der ived by any member, not being the head of household or the spouse of su ch head of household shall not be taken into account. 5. ( a) For the purposes of this Part, the means taken for income assessment purposes shall be those accruing during the calendar year preceding the first Saturday in July of the year in which the claim is made. (b) Notwithstanding any change in circumstances, such means shall be deemed to continue to satisfy the conditions of the applicable scale rates in accordance with the Fourteenth Schedule to this Act, up to the last Friday proceeding the first Saturday in July of the year following the calendar year in respect of which such means were taken for assessment purposes: P r o v i d e d t h a t i n t h e e v e n t o f t h e d e m i s e o f t h e h e a d o f household, the surviving spouse or the person deemed to be so i n terms of article 82(2), shall be entitled to elect, if it is mo re beneficial to that person, that for the purposes of this Part entitlement to an allowance is re-assess ed with effect from the first Saturday fo llowing the spouse’s demise and that such reassessment shall take into consideration only the current means and income; so however that such request for a re-assessment may only be made within six mo nths from the date of the demise of the spouse: Provided further that in the case of a person who is in receipt of a pension (whether paid under this Act or not), and who is n ot gainfully occupied, the yearly means taken for the purposes of this Part shall be the current yearly means accruing to the head of household and the spouse of such head of household, if any. 148 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY 6. For the purposes of this Par t "spouse" shall include such person who, in the opinion of the Director, is living with the head of household as if such person were the lawful wedded spouse of th e head of household, during any period in which a Supplementary Allowance is being, or would be, accorded to the head of household under the provisions of this Act. SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 149 PART I Rates of Sickness, Unemployment, Special Un employment and Injury Benefits, Injury Grant and Injury Pension Substituted by: XVI. 1990.51. Amended by: XIII. 1991.43. Substituted by: VIII. 1992.41. Amended by: XXIV . 1993.16; XXV . 1994.2,34. Substituted by: XXVII. 1995.14; XXI. 1996.59; XXII. 1997.7; L.N. 56 of 1999; L.N. 84 of 1999; L.N. 10 of 2000; L.N. 21 of 2001; L.N. 4 of 2002; L.N. 422 of 2002; L.N. 436 of 2003; L.N. 100 of 2006; L.N. 101 of 2006; L.N. 318 of 2007; L.N. 424 of 2007; L.N. 149 of 2008; L.N. 143 of 2009; L.N. 437 of 2010; L.N. 330 of 2011; L.N. 342 of 2012; L.N. 355 of 2013; L.N. 62 of 2014; L.N. 123 of 2015; L.N. 309 of 2017; L.N. 6 of 2018; L.N. 195 of 2018; L.N. 94 of 2019; L.N. 251 of 2020; L.N. 331 of 2021; L.N. 232 of 2023; L.N. 257 of 2023; L.N. 10 of 2025. THIRD SCHEDULE (Articles 18, 28, 29, 30, 69) Daily Rate of Benefit A. Type of Benefit A Single Parent or a Married Person maintaining a Spouse who is not employed on a full- time basis Any Other Person Sickness Benefit €24.56 €15.91 Injury Benefit €36.85 €27.73 150 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY PART II Amounts of Injury Gran t B. Type of Benefit Daily Rate of Benefit Unemployment Benefit The first thirty-six (36) days of unemployment are paid at a rate of 60% of the person’s salary or earnings The following sixty (60) days of unemployment are paid at a rate of 55% of the person’s salary or earnings During the last sixty (60) days of unemployment a rate of 50% of the person's salary or earnings is paid Minimum rate calculated on one hundred per cent (100%) of the National Minimum Wage Maximum rate calculated on one hundred and seventy-five per cent (175%) of the National Minimum Wage Degree of Disablement Amount of Grant % € 1 293.23 2 583.36 3 879.52 4 1172.62 5 1465.65 6 1758.79 7 2051.93 8 2345.09 9 2638.24 10 2931.34 11 3224.45 12 3517.60 13 3810.73 14 4103.88 15 4396.93 16 4690.01 SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 151 PART III Highest Rate of Injury Pension PART IV Orphan’s Allowance PART V Orphan’s Supplementary Allowance 17 4983.18 18 5276.25 19 5569.42 Weekly Rate €84.09 Weekly Rate €74.70 Weekly Rate €126.66 152 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY Substituted by: L.N. 342 of 2012. FOURTH SCHEDULE (ARTICLE 28) INDUSTRIAL DISEASES OR INJURIES Description of disease or injury Poisoning by: Nature of Occupation Any occupation involving: 1. Lead or a compound of lead The use or handling of, or exposure to the fumes, dust or vapour of, lead or a compound of lead, or a substance containing lead. 2. Manganese or a compound of manganese The use or handling of, exposure to the fumes, dust or vapour of, manganese or a compound of manganese, or a substance containing manganese. 3. Phosphorus or phosphine or poisoning due to the anti- cholinesterase action of organic phosphorus compounds The use or handling of, or exposure to the fumes, dust or vapour of, phosphorus, or a compound of phosphorus, or a substance containing phosphorus. 4. Arsenic or a compound of arsen ic The use or handling of, or ex posure to the fumes, dust or vapour of, arsenic, or a substance containing arsenic. 5. Mercury or a compound of mercu ry The use or handling of, or e xposure to the fumes, dust or vapour of, mercury or a compound of mercury, or a substance containing mercury. 6. Carbon bisulphide The use or handling of, or exposure to the fumes, or vapour of carbon bisulphide, or a compound of carbon bisulphide, or a substance containing carbon bisulphide. 7. Benzene or a homologue The use or handling of, or exposure to the fumes of, or vapour containing benzene or any of its homologues. 8. A nitro- or amino- or chloro- derivative of benzene, or of a homologue of benzene, or poisoning by nitrochlorobenzene The use or handling of, or exposure to the fumes of, dust or vapour containing, a nitro- or amino- or chloro-derivative of benzene or homologue of benzene or nitrochlorobenzene. 9. Dinitrophenol or a homologue or by substituted dinitrophenols or by the salts of such substances The use or handling of, or exposure to the fumes of, or vapour containing, dinitrophenol or a homologue or substituted denitrophenol or the salts of such substances. 10. A halogen derivative of a hydrocarbon of the aliphatic series The use or handling of, or exposure to the fumes of, or vapour containing, a halogen derivative of a hydrocarbon of the aliphatic series. SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 153 11. Tri-cresyl phosphate The use or handling of, or exposure to t he fumes of, or vapour containing, tri-cresyl phosphate. 12. Tri-phenyl phosphate The use or h andling of, or exposure to t he fumes of, or vapour containing, triphenyl phosphate. 13. Diethylene dioxide (dioxan) The use or handling of, or exposu re to the fumes of, or vapour containing, diethylene dioxide (dioxan). 14. Chlorinated naphthalene The use or handling of, or exposure t o the fumes of, or dust or vapour containing, chlorinated naphthalene. 15. Nickel carbonyl Exposure to nickel carbonyl gas. 16. Nitrous fumes The use or handling of nitric acid or exposure to nitrous fumes. 17. Beryllium or a compound of beryllium The use or handling of, or exposure to the fumes, dust or vapour of, beryllium or a compound of beryllium, or a substance containing beryllium. 18. Cadmium Exposure to cadmium fumes. 19. Gonioma kamassi (African boxwood) The manipulation of gonioma kamassi or any process in or incidental to the manufacture of articles therefrom. 20. Anthrax The handling of wool, hair, bristles, hides or skins or other animal produces or residues, or contact with animals infected with anthrax, or the loading, unloading or transport of merchandise. 21. Glanders Contact with equine animals or their carcasses. 22. (a) Infection by Leptospira ictorohaemorrhagiae (b) Infection by Leptospira canicola Work in places which are, or are liable to be, infested by rats. Work at dog kennels or the care or handling of dogs. 23. Tuberculosis Close and frequent contact with a source or sources of tuberculosis infection by reason of employment - 154 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY (a) in the medical treatment or nursing of a person or persons suffering from tuberculosis, or in a service ancillary to such treatment or nursing; (b) in attendance upon a person or persons suffering from tuberculosis, where the need for such attendance arises by reason of physical or mental infirmity; (c) as a research worker engaged in research in connection with tuberculosis; (d) as a laboratory worker, pathologist or person taking part in or assisting at post-mortem examinations of human remains where the occupation involves working with material which is a source of tuber culosis infection. 24. Brucellosis Contact with bovine animals, sheep and goats infected by brucella organisms, their carcasses or parts thereof or their untreated products, or with laboratory specimens or vaccines of or containing brucella organisms, by reason of employment - (a) as a farm worker; (b) as a veterinary worker; (c) as a slaughterhouse worker; (d) as a laboratory worker; or (e) in any other work relating to the care, treatment, examination or handling of such animals, carcasses or parts thereof, or products including untreated milk. 25. Heat cataract Frequent or prolonged exposure to rays from molten or red-hot material. 26. Decompression sickness Subjection to compressed or rarefied a ir. 27. Subcutaneous cellulitis of the hand (Beat Hand) Manual labour causing severe or prolonged friction or pressure on the hand. 28. Bursitis or subcutaneous cellulitis arising at or about the knee due to severe or prolonged external friction or pressure at or about the knee (Beat Knee) Manual labour causing severe or prolonged external friction or pressure at or about the knee. SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 155 29. Bursitis or subcutaneous cellulitis arising at or about the elbow due to severe or prolonged external friction or pressure at or about the elbow (Beat Elbow) Manual labour causing severe or prolonged external friction or pressure at or about the elbow. 30. Traumatic inflammation of the ten- dons of the hand or forearm, or of the associated tendon sheaths Manual labour, or frequent or repeated movements of the hand or wrist. 31. Inflammation or ulceration of the mucuous membrane of the upper respiratory passages or mouth produced by dust, liquid or vapour Exposure to dust, liquid or vapour. 32. Non-infective dermatitis of external origin (including chrome ulceration of the skin but excluding dermatitis due to ionising particles or electromagnetic radiations other than radiant heat) Exposure to dust, liquid or vapour or any other external agent capable of irritating the skin (including friction or heat but excluding ionising particles or electromagnetic radiations other than radiant heat). 33. (a) Dystrophy of the cornea (including ulceration of the corneal surface) of the eye; (b) localised new growth of the skin, papillomatous of keratotic; (c) squamous-celled carcinoma of the skin, due in any case to arsenic, tar, pitch, bitumen, mineral oil (including parafin), soot or any compound, product (including quinone or hydroquinone) or residue of any of these substances The use or handling of, or exposure to, arsenic, tar, pitch, bitumen, mineral oil (including paraffin), soot or any compound, product (including quinone or hydroquinone), or residue of any of these substances. 34. Inflammation, ulceration or malignant disease of the skin or subcutaneous tissues or of the bones, or blood dyscrastia, or cataract, due to electromagnetic radiation (other than radiant heat), or to ionising particles Exposure to electro-magnetic radiations other than radiant heat, or to ionising particles. 35. (a) Carcinoma of the mucuous membrane of the nose or associated air sinuses; (b) primary carcinoma of a bronchus or of a lung Work in a factory where nickel is produced by decomposition of a gaseous nickel compound which necessitates working in or about a building or buildings where that process or any other industrial process ancillary or incidental thereto is carried on. 156 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY 36. Primary neoplasm of the epithelial lining of the urinary bladder (Papilloma of the bladder), or of the epithelial lining of the renal pelvis or of the epithelial lining of the ureter (a) Work in a building in which any of the following substances is produced for commercial purposes: (i) alpha-naphthylamine or betanaphtylamine; (ii) diphenyl substituted by at least one nitro or primary amino group or by at least one micro and primary amino group; (iii) any of the substances mentioned in sub paragraph (ii) above if further ring substituted by halogeno, methyl or methoxy groups, but not by other groups; (iv) the salts of any of the substances mentioned in sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) above; (v)auramine or magenta; (b) the use or handling of any of the substances mentioned in sub paragraphs (i) to (iv) of paragraph (a), or work in a process in which any such substance is used or handled or is liberated; (c) the maintenance or cleaning of any plant or machinery used in any such process as is mentioned in paragraph (b), or the cleaning of clothing used in any such building as is mentioned in paragraph (a) if such clothing is cleaned within the works of which the building forms a part or in a laundry maintained and used solely in connection with such works. 37. Primary malignant neoplasm of the mesothollum (diffuse mesothelioma) of the pleura or of the peritoneum (a) The working or handling of asbestos or any admixture of asbestos; (b) the manufacture or repair of asbestos textiles or other articles containing or composed of asbestos; (c) the cleaning of any machinery or plant used in any of the foregoing operations and of any chambers, fixtures and appliances for the collection of asbestos dust; (d) substantial exposure of the dust arising from any of the foregoing operations. SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 157 38. Pulmonary disease due to the inhalation of the dust of mouldy hay or of other mouldy vegetable produce, and characterised by symptoms and signs attributable to reaction in the peripheral part of the broncho-pulmonary system, and giving rise to a defect in gas exchange (Farmer’s lung) Exposure to the dust of mouldy hay or other mouldy vegetable produce by reason of employment: (a) in agriculture or horticulture; or (b) in loading or unloading or handling in storage such hay or other vegetable produce; or (c) in handling bagasse. 39. Byssinosis Work in any room where any process up to and including the carding process is performed in factories in which the spinning or manipulation of raw or waste cotton or flax is carried on. 40. Fibrosis of the lungs due to silica dust, asbestos dust or other fibrogenic dust, including the condition of the lungs known as dust reticulation (Pneumoconiosis); and silicotuberculosis provided that silicosis is an essential factor in causing the resultant incapacity or death Exposure to fibrogenic dust. 41. T eleg raphist’ s cramp The use of Morse key telegraphic instruments for prolonged periods. 42. Writer’s cramp Handwriting for prolonged periods. 43. T wister’ s cramp The twisting of cotton or woollen (including worsted) yarn. 44. Typhoid Close and frequent contact with a source or sources of typhoid infection by reason of employment - (a) as a research worker engaged in research in connection with typhoid; (b) as a laboratory worker where the occupation involves working with material which is a typhoid infection. 45. Brachial Neuralgi a Prolonged operation of industrial machinery involving the lifting, pushing and retracting of heavy, thick or bulky clothing material. 46. Siderosis Condition caused by inhalation of fumes or dust of metallic iron or iron oxide. 47. Conjuctival ailments Conditions of the eye such as kerato- conjuctivitis, photoretinitis caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. 158 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY 48. Diseases caused by atmospheric compression or decompression Certain disorders are associated with s p e n d i n g t i m e i n a c o m p r e s s e d atmosphere and are directly due to pressure itself, in response to changes of the pressure or to inhalation of compressed gas mixtures. Other disorders occur during or after decompression. These disorders affect professional divers and those working in compressed air. 49. Angioneurotic diseases caused by mechanical vibration Vibration-induced white fingers (Raynaud’s phenomenon of occupational origin): The disease is characterized by attacks of vasoconstriction of the digital arteries. Attacks can last for minutes to hours and are more likely to occur with exposure to the cold. 50. Diseases of the periarticular sacs due to pressure Occupational diseases of the periarticular sacs caused by mechanical pressure are called bursitis. Occupational bursitis may be caused by trauma, chronic overuse, pressure, friction, awkward posture. The friction type of bursitis may be related to excessive friction associated with specific occupations, for example, prepatellar bursitis is typical for home cleaners (housemaids), carpet layers, roofers, coal miners; olecranon bursitis - for draughtsmen, engravers, polishers, watchmakers; ischial bursitis – for weaver (weaver’s bottom). 51. Bursitis of the shoulder There are several bursae in the shou lder region: the subacromial, the subdeltoid, the subcoracoid, and the subscapular, which, as their names imply, lay beneath the acromion, deltoid, coracoid and scapula, respectively. Although any of the above mentioned bursae can become irritated, inflamed and painful as a result of overuse of or trauma to the shoulder region, the subacromial bursa is by far the most frequently afflicted and often occupational in origin. 52. Diseases due to overstraining of the peritendineum Condition caused by inflammation of the peritendineum (the fibrous layer around the tendon). This condition is common in the wrist but may involve other tendons. It is caused by prolonged periods of highly repetitive wrist/hand movements such as meat cutting, fish filleting, machine feeding, manual assembly, use of hand-held tools. The use of force and awkward position of the hand are aggravating factors. SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 159 1. Malignant Diseases 2. Cardiovascular Diseases: (a) congestive cardiac failure (b) persistent hypertension with a diastolic reading above 110 if left untreated 3. Endocrine: (a) Addison’s Disease (b) Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus (c) Enzyme deficiency disorders 4. Renal: (a) nephrotic syndrome (b) chronic renal failure 5. Digestive system: (a) chronic peptic ulcer (b) coeliac disease and id opathic steatorrhea (c) Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis 6. Diseases of the liver: (a) hepatic cirrhosis associated wi th ascites or neurological symp toms (b) Wilson’s Disease 53. Miner’s nystagmus Historical o ccupational disease associated with poor lighting in underground work, which involves problems in focusing. Pendular or rotating nystagmus may be accompanied by dizziness and headaches. This condition occurs after years of working in a poorly lit environment. FIFTH SCHEDULE [ARTICLES 20 AND 23] PART I DISEASES AND CONDITIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH SICKNESS ASSISTANCE MAY BE PAYABLE Amended by: XVI. 1990. 52; XIII. 1991.44; XXV . 1994.2,35. Substituted by: L.N. 56 of 1999; L.N. 84 of 1999; L.N. 62 of 2007. Amended by: I. 2012.18; L.N. 79 of 2014; L.N. 302 of 2015; IXV . 2017.39. L.N. 44 of 2018; L.N. 183 of 2019; VIII.2020.34; L.N. 307 of 2021; L.N. 55 of 2023; L.N. 56 of 2025; IX.2025.31; L.N. 282 of 2025. 160 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY 7. Chronic Schizophrenia 8. Infectious diseases: (a) H.I.V . positive. 9. Chronic lymphedema disease 10. Fibromyalgia 11. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis 12. Fibrous Dsyplasia 13. Miscellaneous: (a) serious bodily or mental impairment arising from Diabetes Mell itus whether congenital or acquired (b) all cases of diabetes. PART II DISEASES AND CONDITIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH FREE MEDICAL AID MAY BE ACCORDED 1. Malignant Diseases 2. Cardiovascular Diseases: (a) Chronic Heart Failure (b)H y p e r t e n s i o n (c) Coronary Artery Disease (d) Cardiac Arrhythmias (e) Peripheral Vascular Disease (f) Cerebrovascular disease (g) Genetic Dyslipidaemia (h) Venous Thromboembolic Disease 3. Respiratory Diseases: (a) Chronic Respiratory Failure (b) Cystic Fibrosis (c) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (d) Chronic Asthma 4. Digestive system diseases: (a) Gastro - Oesophag eal Reflux Disease (b) Gastric/Duodenal Ulcers (c) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (d) Coeliac Disease (e) Diverticular Disease requiring Stoma Care (f) Hirschprung’s Disease (g)I m p e r f o r a t e A n u s SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 161 (h) Small Intestinal Failure 5. Liver diseases: (a) Chronic Liver Disease 6. Haematological Diseases: (a) Inherited Bleeding Disorders (b) Inherited Haemoglobinopathies 7. Nervous System Diseases: (a) Epilepsy (b) Parkinson’s Disease (c) Myasthenia Gravis (d) Multiple Sclerosis (e) Motor Neurone Disease (f) Trigeminal Neuralgia (g) Huntington’s Chorea (h) Dementia (i) Schizophrenia (j)P s y c h o s i s (k) Chronic Mood Disorders (l) Chronic Neurotic Disorders (m) Addiction Disorders (n) Chronic Psychiatric Disord ers starting in Childhood (o) Chronic Eating Disorders (p) Cerebral Palsy (q) Narcolepsy (r) Spinal Cord Pathologies (s) Congenital Indiff erence to pain (t) Neuromyelitis Optica (u) Muscular Dystrophy 8. Renal diseases: (a) Chronic Kidney Disease 9. Endocrine diseases: (a) Diabetes Mellitus (b) Addison’s Disease (c) Precocious Puberty (d) Hypoparathyroidism (e) Hypopituitarism (f) Hypogonadism (g) Enzyme Disorders (h) Endometriosis and Adenomyosis 162 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY (i) Pituitary Adenomas (j) Benign Prostatic Enlargement 10. Skin diseases: (a)P s o r i a s i s (b) Chronic Immunobullous Disorders (c) Congenital Ichthyosis (d) Hidradenitis Suppurativa (e) Severe Refractory Atopic Dermatitis (f) Severe Chronic Urticaria 11. Infectious Diseases: (a) HIV/AIDS and HIV Related Diseases (b) Hepatitis B & C (c) Tuberculosis (d) Hospital Acquired Infections (e)L e p r o s y (f) Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome (g) Chronic Osteomyelitis 12. Rheumatic Diseases: (a) Rheumatoid Arthritis (b) Paget’s Disease (c) Lupus Erythematosus (d) Systemic Sclerosis (e) Dermatomyositis/Polymyositis (f) Polyartritis Nodosa (g) Spondyloarthritis (h) Crystal Deposition Disease (i) Polymyalgia Rheumatica (j) Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (k)F i b r o m y a l g i a (l) Osteoporosis 13. Metabolic Disorders (a) Inborn Errors of Metabolism 14. Eye diseases: (a)G l a u c o m a (b) Vascular Diseas e of the Retina (c) Non-Infectious Keratitis 15. Immunodeficiency: (a) Primary Immunodeficiency Disorder (b) Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorder SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 163 16. Chromosome Disorders: (a) Down Syndrome (b) Turner Syndrome (c) Prader-Willi Syndrome 17. Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics Related Conditions 18. Life threatening allergic reactions (a) Anaphylaxis PART I Scale Rates of Social Assistance per we ek inclusive of any measures under the SIXTH SCHEDULE (Articles 26, 27, 30, 66, 68, 90A, 93, 129) Substituted by: XIV . 1988.18. Amended by: XVI. 1989.28. Substituted by: XVI. 1990.53. Amended by: XIII. 1991.45. Substituted by: VIII. 1992.42. Amended by: XXIV . 1993.17; XXV . 1994.2,36; XXVII. 1995.15. Substituted by: XXI. 1996.60; XXII. 1997.8; L.N. 56 of 1999; L.N. 84 of 1999; L.N. 10 of 2000; L.N. 21 of 2001; L.N. 4 of 2002; L.N. 422 of 2002; L.N. 436 of 2003; II. 2004.33; L.N. 100 of 2006; L.N. 101 of 2006; L.N. 318 of 2007; L.N. 424 of 2007; L.N. 149 of 2008; L.N. 143 of 2009; L.N. 437 of 2010; L.N. 330 of 2011; L.N. 342 of 2012; L.N. 355 of 2013; L.N. 62 of 2014; L.N. 123 of 2015; XXXIX. 2015.12; L.N. 309 of 2016. Amended by: XVI. 2017.40. Substituted by: L.N. 6 of 2018; L.N.195 of 2018; L.N. 94 of 2019; L.N. 251 of 2020; L.N. 331 of 2021; L.N. 232 of 2023; L.N. 257 of 2023; L.N. 10 of 2025. Amended by: IX.2025.32. 164 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY provisions of article 90A When the number of eligible members in the household exceeds t he number indicated in the above Table, th e respective weekly rate indic ated therein shall be increased by €8.15 per week in re spect of every other eligible member in that household: Provided that with effect from the 1 st January 2025, when the medical panel arrives to a decision in a ccordance with the provisions o f sub-article (4) of article 30, the respective weekly rate indicated therein shall be incre ased by €5.00 per week in respect of every other eligib le member in such household. PART II Highest Rate of Age Pension per week, inclus ive of any increases under the provisions of article 90A PART III Highest Rate of Increased Severe Disability Assistance, Severe Di sability Assistance, Disability Assistance and Assistance for the Visually Impaired per week, inclusive of any increase under the pr ovisions of article 90B PART IV Highest Rate of Carer’s Allowance and Increased Carer’s Allowance per week, A Household of ONE Eligible Member Only €133.89 Category of Pensioner H ighest Rate of Age Pension per week 1. A married couple where both spouses qualify for a pensi on under article 66. 2. A married couple where only one of the spouses qualifies for a pension under article 66. 3. Widowed persons, single persons or a married person whose spouse is in receipt of a State Financed Residential Service in accordance with article 93. €181.56 €135.18 €148.79 Increased Severe Disability Assistance €192.19 Severe Disability Assistance €124.66 Disability Assistance €99.13 Assistance for the Visually Impaired €124.66 SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 165 inclusive of any increase under the provisions of article 90B PART V House Rent The rates in Parts I, II, III a nd IV shall be increased by €1.1 6 per week if the household is paying rent for its normal place of habitation: Provided that when more than one household live within the same premises, the rent allowance shall be paid only once and shall be paid to the head of household responsible for the payment o f such rent to third parties. The ground rent payable by the household in respect of premises which are held in emphyteusis for a period not exceeding twenty-five (25) years s hall be deemed to be the house rent for the purposes of this item if such premises are u sed exclusively by the household and solely as a residence. Scale Rates of Means governing Sickness Assistance Highest Rate of Carer’s Allowance per week €120.68 Highest Rate of Increased Carer’s Allowance per week €173.78 SEVENTH SCHEDULE [ARTICLE 20] Amended by: XVI. 1989.29. Substituted by: VIII. 1992.43; XXI. 1996.61; XXII. 1997.9; L.N. 56 of 1999; L.N. 84 of 1999; L.N. 424 of 2007; L.N. 342 of 2012; L.N. 355 of 2013; L.N. 62 of 2014; L.N. 123 of 2015; L.N. 309 of 2016; L.N. 6 of 2018; L.N. 195 of 2018; L.N. 94 of 2019; VIII.2020.35; L.N. 251 of 2020; L.N. 331 of 2021; L.N. 232 of 2023; L.N. 257 of 2023; L.N. 10 of 2025. Number of persons in Household Scale Rate One person only €22.00 166 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY When the number of members in the household is more than one, t he weekly rate in the above Table shall be increas ed by €8.15 per week in respect of every other member in that household. PART I Scale Rate of Means governing Free Medi cal Aid when the head of household is in insurable employme nt or self-occupied Where the number of members in the household is more than one, the weekly rate in the above Table shall be increased by €8.15 per week in resp ect of every other member in that household. PART II Amended by: XVI. 1989.30; XVI. 1990.54. Substituted by: XIII. 1991.46; VIII. 1992.44. Amended by: XXIV . 1993.18; XXV . 1994.37; XXVII. 1995.16. Substituted by: XXI. 1996.62; XXII. 1997.10; L.N. 56 of 1999; L.N. 84 of 1999; L.N. 10 of 2000; L.N. 21 of 2001; L.N. 4 of 2002; L.N. 422 of 2002; L.N. 436 of 2003. L.N. 100 of 2006; L.N. 101 of 2006; L.N. 318 of 2007; L.N. 424 of 2007; L.N. 149 of 2008; L.N. 143 of 2009; L.N. 437 of 2010; L.N. 330 of 2011; L.N. 342 of 2012; L.N. 355 of 2013; L.N. 62 of 2014; L.N. 123 of 2015; L.N. 309 of 2016; L.N. 6 of 2018; L.N.195 of 2018; L.N. 94 of 2019; L.N. 251 of 2020; L.N. 331 of 2021; L.N. 232 of 2023; L.N. 257 of 2023; L.N. 10 of 2025. EIGHTH SCHEDULE [ARTICLE 23] Number of Persons in Household Scale Rate One person only €187.96 SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 167 Scale Rates of Means governing Free Medica l Aid when the head of household is neither in insurable empl oyment nor self-occupied Where the number of members in the household is more than one, the weekly rate indicated above shall be increased by €8.15 per week in respect of every other member in that household. Amounts of Sickness Assistance, Milk Gran t, Leprosy Assistance and Tuberculosis Assistance Number of Persons in Household Scale Rate One person only €27.37 NINTH SCHEDULE [Article 25] Amended by: XIV . 1988.19. Substituted by: XVI. 1990.55; XIII. 1991.47; VIII. 1992.45; XXVII. 1995.17. XXI. 1996.63. XXII. 1997.11; L.N. 56 of 1999; L.N. 84 of 1999; L.N. 10 of 2000; L.N. 21 of 2001; L.N. 4 of 2002; L.N. 422 of 2002; L.N. 436 of 2003; L.N. 100 of 2006; L.N. 101 of 2006; L.N. 318 of 2007; L.N. 424 of 2007; L.N. 149 of 2008; L.N. 143 of 2009; L.N. 437 of 2010; L.N. 330 of 2011; L.N. 342 of 2012; L.N. 62 of 2014; L.N. 123 of 2015; L.N. 309 of 2016; L.N. 6 of 2018; L.N.195 of 2018; L.N. 94 of 2019; L.N. 215 of 2020; L.N. 331 of 2021; L.N. 232 of 2023; L.N. 257 of 2023; L.N. 10 of 2025. Type of Assistance Weekly Rate 168 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY 1. Sickness Assistance: (i) in respect of the first member of the household; (ii) in respect of any other member of the same household. €32.39 €32.39 2. Milk Grant €28.20 3. Leprosy Assistance: (i) in respect of the head of household who is a leper; (ii) in respect of any other member of the household who is a leper and not gainfully occupied: (a) if under sixteen (16) years of age; (b) if sixteen (16) years of age or over; (iii) in respect of any other member of the household who is not gainfully occupied. €42.52 €28.20 €42.52 €28.20 4. Tuberculosis Assistance: (i) basic amount of tuberculosis assistance payable in respect of a household, one member of which is affected by tuberculosis; (ii) allowance payable in respect of each additional member of the household affected by, or particularly vulnerable to, tuberculosis. €35.18 €24.94 SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 169 RATES OF CONTRIBUTIONS PART I Class One Contributions (Employed Persons) TENTH SCHEDULE [ARTICLES 7,10,16,17,116] RATES OF CONTRIBUTIONS Part I Class One Contributions (Employed Persons ) Amended by: XX. 1987.16. Substituted by: XVI. 1989.31; XVI. 1990.56; XIII. 1991.48; VIII. 1992.46; XXIV . 1993.19; XXV . 1994.38; XXVII. 1995.18; XXI. 1996.64; XXII. 1997.12; L.N. 56 of 1999; L.N. 84 of 1999; L.N. 10 of 2000; L.N. 21 of 2001; L.N. 4 of 2002; L.N. 422 of 2002; L.N. 436 of 2003; L.N. 100 of 2006; L.N. 101 of 2006; L.N. 318 of 2007; L.N. 424 of 2007; L.N. 149 of 2008; L.N. 143 of 2009; L.N. 437 of 2010; L.N. 330 of 2011; L.N. 117 of 2012; L.N. 342 of 2012; L.N. 355 of 2013; L.N. 62 of 2014; L.N. 123 of 2015; L.N. 258 of 2015; L.N. 309 of 2016; L.N. 337 of 2016: L.N. 6 of 2018; L.N.195 of 2018; L.N. 94 of 2019; L.N. 251 of 2020; L.N. 331 of 2021; L.N. 232 of 2023; L.N. 257 of 2023; L.N. 10 of 2025. Cate- gory Type of Employed Persons Weekly Rate of Contribution Payable by Employed Person Weekly Rate of Contribution Payable by the Employer A Persons under eighteen (18) years of age whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary does not exceed €213.54. €6.62 €6.62 170 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY B Persons over eighteen (18) years of age whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary does not exceed €213.54. €21.35, or if the insured person is employed on a part- time basis elects, 10% calculated to the nearest cent of such person’s basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of such person’s basic monthly salary (Vide Note 1 below). €21.35 C Persons born on 31 December 1961 or before whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary exceeds €213.55 but does not exceed €423.07. 10% calculated to the nearest cent of their basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary. 10% calculated to the nearest cent of their basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary. Persons born on 1 January 1962 or after whose basic w e e k l y w a g e o r t h e w e e k l y equivalent of their basic monthly salary exceeds €213.55 but does not exceed €523.28 (Vide Note 2 below). D Persons born on 1 January 1962 or after whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary exceeds €532.29 (Vide Note 2 below). €42.31 €42.31 Persons born on 1 January 1962 or after whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary exceeds €515.99 (Vide Note 2 below). €53.23 €53.23 SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 171 Note 1: If the insured person elects to pay a contribution of 1 0% of a basic wa ge or sal ary les s t h an t h e wee kly e qu ivale nt of t h e Nat ion al Minimum Wage, such contribution may, if the person qualifies for a contributo ry benefit or a contributory pension, result in the payment of a reduced contri butory benefit or contributory pension. Note 2: By virtue of the Social Security (Amendment) (No. 2) Ac t, 2006 and t h e N o t i c e o f c o m i n g i n t o f o r c e o f t h e S o c i a l S e c u r i t y ( A m e n d m ent) (No. 2) Act, 2006, through which the enacted pension reform entered into for ce, the pensionable income for persons born on or after 1st January 1962, with effe ct from January 2024 is guaranteed at the amount of €27,679.09. Therefore, this is reflected in an increase in the highest ra te of payable c ontribution. E Persons under eighteen (18) years of age who are following a full- time course of studies or instruction under the Student- Worker Scheme, or other similar schemes (including the Extended Skills Training Schemes, but excluding the Worker-Student Schemes) involving distinct work and study periods for which they are receiving remuneration. 10% calculated to the nearest cent of the basic weekly remuneration or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly remuneration up to a maximum rate of contribution of €4.38 10% calculated to the nearest cent of the basic weekly remuneration or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly remuneration up to a maximum rate of contribution of €4.38 F Persons over eighteen (18) years of age who are following a full- time course of studies or instruction under the Student- Worker Scheme, or other similar schemes (including the Extended Skills Training Schemes, but excluding the Worker-Student Schemes) involving distinct work and study periods for which they are receiving remuneration. 10% calculated to the nearest cent of the basic weekly remuneration or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly remuneration up to a maximum rate of contribution of €7.94. 10% calculated to the nearest cent of the basic weekly remuneration or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly remuneration up to a maximum rate of contribution of €7.94. 172 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY PART II Class Two Contributions (Self-Employed Persons) Note 1: By virtue of the Social Security (Amendment) (No. 2) Ac t, 2006 and the Notice of coming into force of the Social Security (Amendme nt) (No. 2) Act, 2006, through which the enacted p ension reform entered into for ce, the pensionable income for persons born on or after 1st January 1962, with effe ct from January 2024 is guaranteed at the amount of €27,679.09. Therefore, this is reflected in an increase in the highest ra te of payable contribution. Category Type of Self-Employed Persons Weekly Rate of Contributio ns payable by a self-employed person Persons whose annual net earnings (excluding Maternity Benefit, Children’s Allowance and any ex-gratia Benefit payable under article 88) during the calendar year immediately preceding the contribution year in which the contribution is being paid: SP Exceeds € 1,005 but does not exceed €10 ,567.92 (this category is applicable only to single persons who are not self- occupied). €30.48 SA Is less than €12,028.92. €34.70 SB Persons born on 31 December 1961 or before whose annual net income exceeds €12,028.92 but does not exceed €22,000.00. The weekly equivalent of 15% of their annual income calculated to the nearest cent.Persons born on 1 January 1962 or after whose annual net income exceeds €12,028.93 but does not exceed €27,679.08. SC Persons born on 31 December 1961 or before whose annual net income exceeds €22,000.01. €63.46 Persons born on 1 January 1962 or after whose annual net income exceeds €27,679.09 (Vide Note 1 below). €79.84 SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 173 PART III Class Two Contributions (Self-Occupied Persons) Category Type of Self-Occupi ed Persons Weekly Rate of Contributions payable by a self-occupied person Persons whose annual net earnings (excluding Maternity Benefit, Children’s Allowance and any ex-gratia Benefit payable under article 88) during the calendar year immediately preceding the contribution year in which the contribution is being paid: SA Is less than €12,028.92. €34.70 or 15% of the annual net earnings if the person is a part-time basis self-occupied woman, a full-time student who is a part-time basis self- occupied person, or a pensioner who is a part- time self-occupied person whose annual net earnings do not exceed €12,028.92 (Vide Note 1 below); or €23.13 if the person is a full-time farmer or breeder whose annual net earnings do not exceed €12,028.92 SB Persons born on 31 December 1961 or before whose annual net earnings exceeds €12,028.93 but does not exceed €22,000. The weekly equivalent of 15% of their annual net earnings calculated to the nearest cent; or the weekly equivalent of 10% of the annual net earning in the case of a full- time farmer or breeder Persons born on 1 January 1962 or after whose annual net earnings exceeds €12,028.93 but does not exceed €27,678.08. 174 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY Note 1 : If the insured person elects to pay a contribution that is less t h a n €34.70 per week, such contributio n may, if the person qualifies for a contributory benefit or a contributory pension, result in the payment of a reduced contributory benefit or contributory pension. Note 2: By virtue of the Social Security (Amendment) (No. 2) Ac t, 2006 and the Notice of coming into force of the Social Security (Amendme nt) (No. 2) Act, 2006, through which the enacted pension reform entered into for ce, the pensionable income for persons born on or after 1st January 1962, with effe ct from January 2024 is guaranteed at the amount of €27,679.09. Therefore, this i s r e f l e c t e d i n a n increase in the highest ra te of payable contribution. PART IV Maternity Leave Fund Contribution (Employers) SC Persons born on 31 December 1961 or before whose annual net earnings exceeds €22,000.01. €63.46; or €42.31 in the case of a full- time farmer or breeder. Persons born on 1 January 1962 or after whose annual net earnings exceeds €27,679.09 (Vide Note 2 below). €79.84; or €53.23 in the case of a full- time farmer or breeder. Category Type of Employed Persons Weekly Rate of Contribution Payable by the Employer A Persons under eighteen (18) years of age whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary does not exceed €213.54. €0.20 B Persons over eighteen (18) years of age whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary does not exceed €213.54. €0.64 C Persons born on 3 1 December 1961 or before whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary exceeds €213.55 but does not exceed €423.07. 0.3% calculated to the nearest cent of their basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary Persons born on 1 January 1962 or after whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary exceeds €213.55 but does not exceed €532.28. SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 175 CREDITED CONTRIBUTIONS PART V Study period *According to the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications Act (Cha pter 451 of the D Persons born on 31 December 1961 or before whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary exceeds €423.08. €1.27 Persons born on 1 January 1962 or after whose basic weekly wage or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly salary exceeds €532.29. €1.60 E Persons under eighteen (18) years of age who are following a full-time course of studies or instruction under the Student-Worker Scheme, or other similar schemes (including the Extended Skills Training Schemes, but excluding the Worker-Student Schemes) involving distinct work and study periods for which they are receiving remuneration. 0.3% calculated to the nearest cent of the basic weekly remuneration or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly remuneration up to a maximum rate of contribution of €0.13 F Persons over eighteen (18) years of age who are following a full-time course of studies or instruction under the Student-Worker Scheme, or other similar schemes (including the Extended Skills Training Schemes, but excluding the Worker-Student Schemes) involving distinct work and study periods for which they are receiving remuneration 0.3% calculated to the nearest cent of the basic weekly remuneration or the weekly equivalent of their basic monthly remuneration up to a maximum rate of contribution of €0.24 Level of studies * Persons born between 1/ 1/1952 and 31/12/ 1961 Persons born on or after 1/ 1/1962 Life-long learning One month for every year of study One month for every year of study Level 5 Two months for every year of study Three months for every year of study Level 6 Three months for every year of study Six months for every year of study Level 7 Three months for every year of study Six months for every year of study Level 8 Six months for every year of study One year for every year of study 176 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY Laws of Malta). Contribution Conditions 1. The contribution conditions for Sickness Benefit or Unemploymen t Benefit or Special Unemploym ent Benefit are - (a) that the person concerned has pa id not less than 50 contributi ons; and (b) that he has paid or had credited to him not less than 20 contr ibutions for his last two consecutive complete contribution years before the beginning of his benefit year which includes the date on which the conditions are required to be satisfied. 2. The contribution conditions for a Widow’s Pension, a Retirement Pension, an Increased Retirement Pension, a National Minimum Pension, or an Increased National Minimum Pension are - (a) that the person has paid not less than 156 contributions; and (b) that the yearly average of contributions paid by or credited t o him for the period - (i)( a) beginning on the first day of his contribution year in which t he 7th May, 1956, falls, or on the f irst day of his contribution y ear in which he reaches the age of ninet een, whichever is the later; o r (b) in respect of any person born on or after the 4th day of April , 1958, beginning on the first day of his contribution year in wh ich the 3rd day of April, 1977, falls, or on the first day of his contribution year in which he reaches the age of eighteen, whichever is the later; and (ii) ending on the last day of his last complete contribution ye ar before the beginning of his benefit year which includes the day on which the conditions are required to be satisfied, is not less than 50: Provided that - (a) a widow whose husband dies on or after the 22nd day of January , 1968, shall be entitled to elect that, in determining whether her hus band satisfied the relevant contribution conditions at the date of h is death, the date 1st February, 1965, shall be substituted for the date 7th May, 1956; and, if she so elects, no account shall be taken of any contrib utions paid by her husband before the 1st day of February, 1965; (b) a person who claims a Retirement Pension on or after the l8th day of October 1971, or an Increased Retirement Pension or a National Amended by: XVI. 1990.57; VIII. 1992.47; XXI. 1996.65; VII.2018.45; XVIII.2021.25; VII.2022.42; III.2026.30. ELEVENTH SCHEDULE [ARTICLE 17] SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 177 Minimum Pension or an Increased National Minimum Pension on or after the 1st April, 1978 shall be entitled to elect that, in d etermining whether he satisfies the relevan t contribution conditions, the date 1st February, 1965 shall be substituted for the date 7th May, 1956; and if he so elects, no account shall be taken of any contribution paid b y him or, if the claimant is a widow, paid by her husband before the 1st day of February, 1965; (c) where a person is in receipt of a Retirement Pension, an Incre ased Retirement Pension or a National Minimum Pension or an Increase d National Minimum Pension in accordance with the provisions of t his Act, no account shall be taken on any subsequent claim of any contribution which is paid in respect of any contribution week after the date on which he start ed receiving the Retir ement Pension, an I ncreased Retirement Pension or a National Minimum Pension or an Increase d National Minimum Pension; (d) with effect from the 1st January 2021, a person born before t he 31st December 1961, and is not eligible to the National Minimum Pens ion due to the average of contributions p aid after attaining the age of nineteen (19), there shall be added the contributions paid prior to the attain ment of age nineteen (19), and if and when the minimum contribution require ments are precisely reached, a reduced pay ment of the National Minimum Pe nsion, resulting from such minimum, is granted in accordance with the provisions of this Act; (e) with effect from 1st January 20 22, in the case of a person no t satisfying the conditions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of article 52, and provide d that, that person in his life-time paid five hundred and twenty (520) soci al security contributions or more, a payment equivalent to the resulting ra te of the National Minimum Pension as per provisions of paragraph (d) is to be awarded; (ea) with effect from the 1st January 2026, the provisions of paragraphs (d) and (e) shall also apply to a pers on born on or after 1st January 1 962; (f) in the case of a person who does not reach the required minim um of social security contributions required to satisfy the conditions as la id down in paragraphs (d) or (e), due to lack of complete records of such payment of social security contributions, notwithstanding that according t o official Jobsplus records show that the person was in insurable employme nt during such periods but not after 31st December 1990, the person shall be granted the option to ask to pay for those periods up to five (5) years of arrears of social security contributions at the value of the SA rate payab le by a self- occupied person as per Part III of the Tenth Schedule during th e year when the claim is made. 3. The contribution conditions for an Invalidity Pension or an Inc reased Invalidity Pension or a National Minimum Pension prior to reach ing pension age are - (a) that the person has paid not less than two hundred and fifty contributions, notwithstanding the provisions of this schedule provided that w ith effect from 1st January 2018, the minimum number of contributions requ ired for a person who is medically certified as terminally-ill shall be fifty contributions only; and (b) that the yearly average of contributions paid by or credited t o him for 178 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY the period - (i)( a) beginning on the first day of his contribution year in which t he 1st day of February, 1965, falls, o r on the first day of his contri bution year in which he reaches the age of nineteen, whichever is the later; or (b) i n r e s p e c t o f a n y p e r s o n b o r n o n o r a f t e r t h e 4 t h d a y o f A p r i l , 1958, beginning on the first day of his contribution year in wh ich the 3rd day of April, 1977, falls, or on the first day of his contribution year in which he reaches the age of eighteen, whichever is the later; and (ii) ending on the last day of his last complete contribution ye ar before the beginning of his benefit year which includes the day on which the conditions are required to be satisfied, is not less than 50. A. Full Rates of Retirement Pensi on per week, inclusive of any i ncreases under the provisions of article 90A, when the yearly average of contributions paid or Amended by: XX. 1987. 17; XVI. 1989. 32. Substituted by: XVI. 1990. 58; XIII. 1991.49; VIII. 1992.48; XXIV . 1993.20; XXV . 1994.39; XXVII. 1995.19; XXI. 1996.66. XXII. 1997.13; L.N. 56 of 1999; L.N. 84 of 1999; L.N. 10 of 2000; L.N. 21 of 2001; L.N. 4 of 2002; L.N. 422 of 2002; L.N. 436 of 2003; L.N. 100 of 2006; L.N. 101 of 2006; L.N. 318 of 2007; L.N. 424 of 2007; L.N. 149 of 2008; L.N. 143 of 2009; L.N. 437 of 2010; L.N. 330 of 2011; L.N. 342 of 2012; L.N. 355 of 2013; L.N. 62 of 2014; L.N. 123 of 2015; XXXIX. 2015.13; L.N. 309 of 2016; L.N. 6 of 2018; L.N. 195 of 2018; L.N. 94 of 2019; VIII.2020.36; L.N. 251 of 2020; L.N. 331 of 2021; L.N. 232 of 2023; L.N. 257 of 2023; L.N. 10 of 2025. Amended by: IX.2025.33. TWELFTH SCHEDULE [ARTICLES 17, 26, 29, 31, 33, 40 , 44, 50, 54, 63 , 64, 67, 85, 90A] Rates of several kinds of pension SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 179 credited is 50 or more: B. Full Rates of Increased Retir ement Pension, Invalidity Pensio n, Increased Invalidity Pension, National Mini mum Pension and Increased Nati onal Minimum Pension per week, inclusive of a ny increases under the provisio ns of article 90A, when the yearly average of contributi ons paid or cred ited is 50 or m ore: *The full rates of the National Minimum Pension are calculated a t four-fifths (to the nearest whole cent) of the National Minimum Wage in the cas e of a married person who is maintaining a spouse and at two-thirds (to the nearest w hole cent of the National Minimum Wage) in the case of any other person, as provided for in article 50. C. Guaranteed Minimum Level per week when the yearly average of paid or credited contributions is not less than 50: *The amounts include the weekly pension rate and the cost of li ving bonus. Persons who are also in receipt of a Service Pension that is payable by or on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom Persons who are also in receipt of a Service Pension that is not payable by or on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom Married person who is maintaining a spouse Any other person Married person who is maintaining a spouse Any other person €155.96 €135.71 €150.23 €133.11 Type of Pension Married person who is maintaining a spouse Any other person Increased Retirement Pension €190.50 €166.07 Invalidity Pension €137.99 €124.84 Increased Invalidity Pension €172.26 €148.97 National Minimum Pension* €182.04 €147.61 Increased National Minimum Pension €190.50 €166.07 Married person Single person €198.50* €194.50* 180 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY D. Reduced Rates of Retirement Pension, Increased Retirement Pension, Invalidity Pension, Increased Invalidity Pension, National Mini mum Pension and Increased National Minimum Pensi on per week, inclusive of any i ncreases under the provisions of article 90A, when the yearly average of contribut ions paid or credited is between 20 and 49: For the purposes of the above Table, "FAP" means the full rate of the applicable weekly rate of pension in accorda nce with Tables A or B, as the case may be, and "INC" means all increases granted in a ccordance with article 90A with effect from 1st January, 1994 and subsequent years. E. Increased National Minimum Invalidity Pension rates under art icle 26 due where the highest rate of impairment according to the Impai rment Tables Regulations is awarded by the Director following consultation o n the medical aspect of the claim in accordance with the provisions of article 106 and with annual average of paid or credited contributions: F. Guaranteed Minimum Pension Level per week including cost of l iving bonuses and any other increase in accordance with article 90A, w h e n t h e y e a r l y average of paid or credited contributions is between 20 and 49: Yearly average of contributions paid or credited Rate of pension payable per week (calculated to the nearest whole cent) 40 - <50 [{FAP - I NC} x 0.89] + INC 30 - <40 [{FAP - INC} x 0.69] + INC 20 - <30 [{FAP - INC} x 0.49] + INC Annual averge paid or credited contributions Increased National Minimum Invalidity Pension weekly rates > 50 €198.90 40 - 49 €189.22 30 - 39 €174.69 20 – 29 €160.16 Yearly average of contributions paid or credited Guaranteed Minimim Level per week (calculated to the nearest cent) 40 - <50 LMG x 0.94 SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 181 For the purposes of the table above, "LMG" means the full rate of the Guaranteed Minimum Level including the weekly cost of living bo nus in accordance with Table C. G . Rates of National Minimum Pens ion Additional Allowance per we ek: H . ( i ) R e d u c e d R a t e s o f W i d o w s ’ P e n s i o n p e r w e e k , i n c l u s i v e o f a ny increases under the provisions of article 90A, when the yearly average of contributions paid or credited is between 20 and 49: For the purposes of the above Table "FWP" means the full rate o f Widow’s Pension in accordance with Table C and "INC" means all increase s granted in terms of article 90A with effect from 1st January 1994 and subsequent ye ars; whilst the amount of €17.77 represents the weekly rate of Widow’s Supplementary P ension which up to the year 1990 was payable to widows who were in receipt of a Widow’ s Pension irrespective of the yearly average of contributions paid or credited, which weekly amount was, with effect from the year 1991, incorporated with the rates payable b y w a y o f a W i d o w ’ s Pension. 30 - <40 LMG x 0.85 20 - <30 LMG x 0.76 Yearly average of contributions paid or credited Married person who is maintaining a spouse Any other person 50 (full rate) €4.78 €7.43 40 - <50 €4.26 €8.57 30 - <40 €3.31 €10.72 20 - <30 €5.64 €12.81 Yearly average of contributions paid or credited Rate of pension payable per week (calculated to the nearest whole cent) 40 - <50 [{FWP - (INC + € 17.77)} x 0.89] + INC + €17.77 30 - <40 [{FWP - (INC + € 17.77)} x 0.69] + INC + €17.77 20 - <30 [{FWP - (INC + €17.77)} x 0.49] + INC +€17.77 182 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY (ii) With effect from year 2022, reduced rates of Widows’ Pensio n are to increase with the ra tios from 5/6th to 6/6th as indicated: I. Rate of Parent’s Pension per we ek, inclusive of any increase under the provisions of article 90A: J. Rate of Widows’ and Survivors’ Pensions Additional Allowance per week: K. Highest Rate per week of a Two-Thirds Pension: L. The Cost of Living Bonus Year Ratio 2022 0.57406 2023 0.59257 2024 0.61111 Married person who is maintaining a spouse Any other person €182.04 €147.61 When a widow or widower is entitled to an allowance under article 31(a) Where widow or widower is entitled to an allowance under article 31(b) €10.00 €10.00 Person who qualified for the highest rate of Two-Thirds Pension prior to 2006 Any other person €282.05 €281.64 Pensioner category In t he case of a married person maintaining a spouse and who was in receipt of a National Minimum Pension on or before 31 December 2017 Any other person For pensioners whose pension initial award date is prior to 3rd January 2009 €17.43 per week €21.53 per week SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 183 For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 3rd January 2009 and 31st December 2009 €17.08 per week €20.71 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 2nd January 2010 and 31st December 2010 €16.60 per week €19.69 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2011 €15.91 per week €18.22 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2012 €15.81 per week €17.96 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2013 €15.27 per week €16.80 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2014 €14.79 per week €15.78 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2015 €14.39 per week €14.92 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2016 €14.35 per week €14.81 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2017 €14.08 per week €14.41 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2018 €14.05 per week €14.05 per week 184 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY Calculation of the Pensionable Income (1) In the case of a person - (a) born on or before the 31st Decem ber 1951 who is to be treated as an employed person, the yearly average of the basic wage or salary during the best three consecu tive calendar years wi thin the last ten c onsecutive calendar years immediately preced ing his retirement or invalidi ty in terms of this Act, as the case may be; or (b) born during the calendar years 1952 to 1955 who is to be treat ed as an employed person, the yearly average of the basic wage or salary during the best three consecutive calenda r years within the last eleve n consecutive calendar years immed iately preceding his retirement o r invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be; or (c) born during the calendar years 1956 to 1958 who is to be treat ed as an employed person, the yearly average of the basic wage or salary during the best three consecutive calenda r years within the last twelv e consecutive calendar years immed iately preceding his retirement o r invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be; or (d) born during the calendar years 1959 to 1961 who is to be treat ed as an employed person, the yearly average of the basic wage or salary during For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2019 €13.68 per week €13.68 per week For pensioners whose pension initial award date falls between 1st January 2020 and 31st December 2024 €13.17 per week €13.17 per week M. Grant to Persons who do not qua lify for a Contributory Pensio n Number of Social Security Contributions Paid 50 - 99 100 - 149 150 - 199 200 - 249 250 - 299 300 349 350 - 399 400 - 449 450 - 519 Payment €550 €600 €650 €700 €800 €850 €900 €950 €1000 Amended by: XX. 1987.18; XXVII. 1995.20; XXI. 1996.67; XIX. 2006.16; L.N. 424 of 2007; VII. 2018.46; VIII.2020.37; XIII.2024.27; IX.2025.34; III.2026.31. THIRTEENTH SCHEDULE [ARTICLE 2] SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 185 the best three consecutive calenda r years within the last thirt een consecutive calendar years imme diately preceding his retirement o r invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be, on which the required contribution had been paid or deemed to h ave been paid in terms of this Act or, if he has been in employment for less tha n three consecutive calendar years within the said last ten, eleven, twelve or thir teen calendar years, as applicable in terms of this paragraph, during any such number o f consecutive calendar months as may be the best in his case within the said period, as may be increased by the applicable wage increases required by law to b e awarded generally in respect of each subsequent year of each of the said last ten , eleven, twelve or thirteen years, a s applicable. (2) In the case of a person - (a) born on or before the 31st December 1951 who is to be treated as a self- employed person, the yearly average of his net income on which the required contribution has been paid during the last ten calenda r years, or part thereof if he has not been in self-employment for the whol e said ten year period, immediately precedin g his retirement or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be; or (b) born during the calendar years 1952 to 1955 who is to be treat ed as a self-employed person, the yearly average of his net income on w hich the required contribution has been paid during the best ten consecu tive calendar years of the l ast eleven calendar years, or part there of if he has not been in self-employment for th e whole said eleven year peri od, immediately preceding his retireme nt or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be; or (c) born during the calendar years 1956 to 1958 who is to be treat ed as a self-employed person, the yearly average of his net income on w hich the required contribution has been paid during the best ten consecu tive calendar years of the last twelve calendar years, or part there of if he has not been in self-employment for th e whole said twelve year peri od, immediately preceding his retireme nt or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be; or (d) born during the calendar years 1959 to 1961 who is to be treat ed as a self-employed person, the yearly average of his net income on w hich the required contribution has been paid during the best ten consecu tive calendar years of the last thirt een calendar years, or part the reof if he has not been in self-employment for the whole said thirteen yea r period, immediately preceding his retireme nt or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be, as may be increased by the appli cable wage increases required b y law to be awarded generally, as long as each such increase is less than the net i ncrease obtaining from year to year between one net income and another in respect of e ach subsequent year of each of the said last ten, eleven, twelve or thirteen calend ar years, as applicable in terms of this paragraph, or part thereof during which he was in self-employment; sohowever that, where during the said last ten, eleven, twelve or thirteen calendar years he had paid a contribution on a net income that was highe r than that actually received, the net income taken for the purposes of this calcula tion in respect of any such particular calendar year shall be the higher of such net i ncome. (3) In the case of a person - (a) born on or before the 31st December 1951 who is to be treated as a self- 186 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY occupied person, the yearly average of his net earnings on whic h the required contribution has been p aid during the last ten calenda r years, or part thereof if he has not been in self-occupation for the whol e said ten year period, immediately precedin g his retiremen t or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be; or (b) born during the calendar years 1952 to 1955 who is to be treat ed as a self-occupied person, the yearly average of his net earnings on which the required contribution has been paid during the best ten con secutive calendar years of the last eleven calendar years, or part there of if he has not been in self-occupation for the whole said eleven year peri od, immediately preceding his retirement or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be; or (c) born during the calendar years 1956 to 1958 who is to be treat ed as a self-occupied person, the yearly average of his net earnings on which the required contribution has been paid during the best ten con secutive calendar years of the l ast twelve calendar years, or part there of if he has not been in self-occupation for the whole said twelve year peri od, immediately preceding his retirement or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be; or (d) born during the calendar years 1959 to 1961 who is to be treat ed as a self-occupied person, the yearly average of his net earnings on which the required contribution has been paid during the best ten con secutive calendar years of the last thirt een calendar years, or part the reof if he has not been in self-occupation for the whole said thirteen yea r period, immediately preceding his retirement or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be, as may be increased by the appli cable wage increases required b y law to be awarded generally, as long as each such i ncrease is less than the net i ncrease obtaining from year to year between one net ear ning and another in respect of each subsequent year of each of the said ten, eleven, twelve or thirteen calendar ye ars, as applicable in terms of this paragraph, or part thereof during which he was in self-occupation. Sohowever that for the purposes of this paragraph, in the case of a person who prior to the 1st January 1996, was a gai nfully occupied self-employed person, his annual net income for each calendar year prior to the aforementioned d ate shall be deemed to be as if it were his net earnings. (4) In the case of a person born during the calendar years 1962 to 1968 the yearly average of the basic wage or sal ary, or the net income or the n et earnings, as the case may be, during the best ten cale ndar years within the last fort y calendar years immediately preceding his retireme nt or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be, on which the required contribution has been paid or dee med to have been paid in terms of this Act or if he has been in employment or se lf-employment or has been self-occupied for less than ten calendar years within the last forty calendar years, during any such number of calendar months as may be the best in his case within the said last forty calen dar years, as may be increased by the applicable wage increases required by law to be awarded generally in respect of each subsequent year of each of the said las t forty calendar years: Provided that for the purposes of this paragraph, in the case o f a self- occupied person who prior to the 1st January 1996, was a gainfu lly occupied self- employed person, his annual net in come for each calendar year p rior to the aforementioned date shall be deem ed to be as if it were his net earnings. (5) In the case of a person born o n o r a f t e r t h e 1 s t J a n u a r y 1 9 69 the yearly SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 187 average of the basic wage or salary, or the net income or the n et earnings, as the case may be, during the best ten calendar years within the last fort y one calendar years immediately preceding his retire ment or invalidity in terms of this Act, as the case may be, on which the required c ontribution has been paid or dee med to have been paid in terms of this Act or if he has been in employment or se lf-employment or has been self-occupied for less than ten calendar years within the last forty one calendar years, during any such number of calendar months as may be the best in his case within the said last forty one c alendar years, as may be increa sed by the applicable wage increases required by law to be awarded generally in respe ct of each subsequent year of each of the sa id last forty-one calendar yea rs: Provided that for the purposes of this paragraph, in the case o f a self-occupied person who prior to the 1st January 1996, was a gainfully occup ied self-employed person, his annual net income for each calendar year prior to t he aforementioned date shall be deemed to be as if it were his net earnings. (6) Provided that, with effect from the 1 st January 2020, the pensionable income of an ex member of the Malta Police Force, the Armed Forces of Mal ta, the Civil Protection Department of Malta or of the Corradino Correctional Facility, born before the 1 st January 1962, who retires or has re tired from the service with a full Government pension as his main pension, on completion of at least twenty-five (25) years of service prior to reaching pension age and who is accordingly granted a service p ension, and who later becomes entitled to a pension in respect of retirement or inval idity in accordance with this Act, shall be that specified in this Thirteenth Schedule, or the pensionable income which would have otherwise resulted in accordance with the prov isions of this Act, if that person's last day of employment, after that person would h ave accepted the arrangement to retire from servi ce, had been the date of retire ment from the service or the date of invalidity, whichever pensionabl e income is the hig her. (7) (a) For the purposes of this Act, in the case of a person bo rn on or before the 31st December 1961 whose retirement occurs on or after the 1st January 2007, the basic wage or salary or the net income or the net earnings as t he case may be, and the resultant pensionable income or any amount substituted therefor under the provisions of this Act shall not exceed €16,207.78 increased by such sum that the Government may award as a cost of living increase, in the rate of the National Minimum Wage as is payable to persons of eighteen years of age or over under the provisions of the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, here inafter in this paragraph referred to as the "co st of living increase" as from the effective date of such increase: Provided that in the case of a person born on or before the 31s t December 1951, the resultant pensionable income including any such cost of living increase shall not exceed the sum of €17,470.30: Provided further that in the case of a person born during calen dar years 1952 to 1961, the resultant pensionable income including any su ch cost of living increase shall not exceed the sum of €20,964.36: Provided that, notwithstanding the provisions of this sub-item, with effect from the 1 st of January 2024, in the case of a person born on or before the 3 1st o f December 1961, the pensionable income shall increase gradually to reach the pensionable income of a person born on or after the 1 st of January 1962. The resultant calculated pensionable income for the year 2024 shall not excee d the sum of €22,000: Provided that, notwithstanding the provisions of this item, wit h effect 188 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY from 1st of January 2025, in the case of a person born on or be fore 31st of December 1961, the maximum pensionable income shall increase gradually t o reach the maximum pensionable income of a person born on or after 1st of January 1962. The resultant calculated maximum pensionable income for the year 2025 shall n ot exceed the sum of €23,500: Provided further that notwithstanding the provisions of this it em, in the case of a person born on, or befo re 31st of December 1961, on t he basis of the fact that the maximum pensionable income of such a person shall increase gradually to reach the maximum pensionable income of a person born on, or after 1st of January 1962, with effect from 1st of January 2026 the pensionable income of a per son born on, or before the 31st of December 1961 shall not exceed the sum of €25,500. (b) For the purposes of this Act, in the case of a person born on or after the 1st January 1962 whose retirement occurs on or after the 1st January 2007, the basic wage or salary or the net income or the net earnings as t he case may be, and the resultant pensionable income or any amount substituted therefor under the provisions of this Act shall not exceed: (i) €16,207.78 increased by such sum that the Government awards as a cost of living increase, in respect of the years 2007 to 2010 as fro m the effective dates of such increases; (ii) the sum referred to in paragraph (i) increased as on the 1 st January of each year, between 2011 and 2013 by one third of the difference between the sum referred to in paragraph (i) and €20,964.36; (iii) with effect from the 1st January 2014, €20,964.36 increas ed annually by such sum as corresponds to seventy percent of the percentage increas e in the national average wage for the previous calendar year as publish ed by the National Statistics Office established by virtue of article 9 o f the Malta Statistics Authority Act, plus thirty percent of the inflation rate as published by the said National Statistics Office for the previous calendar year. SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 189 PART I Rate per week of Allowance paid to re sidents of a therapeutic community in accordance with article 30(9) Part II (Repealed by Act II.2004.34) PART III Lump sum paid by way of Marriage Grant in accordance with article 70 PART IV Rate per week of Maternity Benefit paid in accordance with article 72(1) FOURTEENTH SCHEDULE (Articles 30, 70, 72, 7 3, 76, 76A, 77, 80, 84) Rates of several kinds of Allowances, Maternity Benefit and Marriage Grant Added by: XXI. 1996.68. Substituted by: XXII. 1997.14; L.N. 56 of 1999; L.N. 84 of 1999; L.N. 10 of 2000; L.N. 21 of 2001; L.N. 4 of 2002; II. 2002.78; L.N. 422 of 2002; L.N. 436 of 2003. Amended by: II. 2004.34. Substituted by: L.N. 100 of 2006; L.N. 101 of 2006; L.N. 318 of 2007; L.N. 424 of 2007; L.N. 149 of 2008; L.N. 143 of 2009; L.N. 437 of 2010; L.N. 330 of 2011; L.N. 342 of 2012; L.N. 355 of 2013; L.N. 62 of 2014; L.N. 123 of 2015; L.N. 309 of 2016; L.N. 6 of 2018; L.N.195 of 2018; L.N.94 of 2019; L.N.251 of 2020; XXIX.2019.71; L.N. 331 of 2021; L.N. 232 of 2023; L.N. 257 of 2023; XIII.2024.28; L.N. 10 of 2025. €40.00 €322.58 For self-occupied women For other women 190 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY Rate per week of Maternity Leave Benefit paid in accordance with article 72(4) PART V Supplementary Allowance Table A €213.54 €132.05 €213.54 STATUS Maximum annual reckonable income that can be taken for entitlement purposes. (So however any reckonable income below €8,360 shall be deemed to be equivalent to €8,360) Maximum allowance payable Maximum amount of annual allowance payable Married person who is maintaining a spouse and is not entitled to an allowance under article 76 or single parent who is not entitled to an allowance under article 76 €13,819 - €15,748 €418.60 Equivalent to 3% of the difference obtaining between €27,776 and actual reckonable income per year SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 191 No entitlement to an allowance under this Part is acquired when t h e a n n u a l reckonable income exceeds the maximum amounts indicated above, as the case may be. With effect from the year 2021, a married or a single person wh o has reached the age of sixty-five (65) and satisfies the parameters in Table A shall be eligible for the Married person who is maintaining a spouse and is not entitled to an allowance under article 76 or single parent who is not entitled to an allowance under article 76 €13,819 €1,099.28 Equivalent to 5.90% of the difference obtaining between €27,776 and actual reckonable income per year Single pensioner who receives a National Minimum Pension or equivalent rate € 11,651 €598.00 Equivalent to 4.28% of the difference obtaining between €23,116 and actual reckonable income per year Single person forming a household on his own €11,651 €598.00 Equivalent to 4.28% of the difference obtaining between €23,116actual reckonable income per year up to a maximum rate of €11.50 per week Single person not forming a household on his own with income from a gainful occupation not exceeding the National Minimum Wage €11,651 €126.36 192 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY additional payment of €150 yearly. PART VI Children's Allowance 1. An allowance payable to a household under Table A above shall , irrespective of the annual reckon able income of the household, in no case be less than the Fixed Children’s Allowa nce specified in Table B. 2. An allowance payable to a household under Table A above, whos e annual income from employment does not exceed the National Minimum Wag e, may in no case A. Where the maximum annual reckonable income for entitlement purposes is €27,006.12 or less. (So however that any annual reckonable income below €7,741.12 shall be considered to be equivalent to €7,741.12) Percentage rate payable by way of an allowance on difference obtaining between reckonable annual income and €27,006.12 Children in household under sixteen (16) years of age. 6.5% for each such child Over sixteen (16) years but under twenty- one (21) years and still undergoing full- time education or training in an educational institution recognised by the Government in terms of the Education Act (Cap. 607) and who are not receiving any form of remuneration or allowance or are registered as unemployed under Part I of the register and have never been gainfully occupied. 2% for each such child Over sixteen (16) years but under twenty- one (21) years and are registered as unemployed under Part I of the register kept in accordance with the provisions of the Employment and Training Services Act (Cap. 594) and who have never been gainfully occupied, and who are not in receipt of any benefit, pension or assistance payable under this Act. 2% for each such child SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 193 be less than the maximum rate in this Part. PART VII Rate per week per child of Disabled Child Allowance in accordance with article 77 PART VIII Rate per week per child of Care Allowa nce paid in accordance with article 76A An allowance payable under this Part shall continue to be payab le when the child is over sixteen (16) years but under twenty-one (21) years. B. Where the maximum annual reckon able income is more than € 27,006.12 Fixed Children’s Allowance Children in household under sixteen (16) years of age €8.66 per week for each such child C. Where students continue to at tend full-time post-secondary education Rate of benefit Children over the age of sixteen (16) but under the age of twenty-one (21) and still attending a full-time post-secondary course of study or teaching at an educational institution recognised by the Maltese Authority for Further and Higher Education. €500 per year for three (3) years of the study course they are attending (if they are in the first year) Children over the age of sixteen (16) but under the age of twenty-one (21) and still attending a full-time post-secondary course of study or teaching at an educational institution recognised by the Maltese Authority for Further and Higher Education. €500 per year for two (2) years of the study course they are attending (if they are in the second year) Children over the age of sixteen (16) but under the age of twenty-one (21) and still attending a full-time post-secondary course of study or teaching at an educational institution recognised by the Maltese Authority for Further and Higher Education. €500 for one (1) year of the course of study they are attending (if they are in the third year) €30.00 €110.00 194 CAP. 318.] SOCIAL SECURITY PART IX Mechanism establishing the Additional Benefit to counter the Cost of Living The rules which regulate this be nefit shall be the following: (1) the additional cost of living increase accumulated as from t he year 2023 onwards shall be calculated in accordance with the cost of expe nses of persons over the age of 65 years in accordance with the table in this Part; (2) the benefit shall be awarded t o families whose disposable eq uivalised income, in accordance with the num ber of members in the family, is below the national median as defined by Eu rostat and as established by th e National Statistics Office every year; (3) the highest disposable income considered for the purposes of this benefit shall not exceed €50,000; (4) the payment shall be dependant on the disposable equivalised income of the family when compared with the level of 60% of the national medi an equivalised income (the risk of poverty level) and the number of family mem bers; and (5) for the year 2024, the payment of the benefit for the full y e a r s h a l l b e between the minimum of €10 0 and maximum of €1,500. * The benefit is calculated on the accumulated difference up to the basis payment year. If the difference from one year to another is less, the amount accumulated is retained. Qualifying percentages for the payment of disability assistances Year Cost of Living Increase for Persons of 65 years or over € Cost of Living Increase COLA Mechanism € Difference* € 2023 10.48 9.90 0.58 2024 15.14 12.81 2.33 Added by: IX.2025.35. Substituted by: III.2026.32. FIFTEENTH SCHEDULE (article 27) Disability Benefit 30% to 44.99% Disability Assistance From 45% to 59.99% Severe Disability Assistance SOCIAL SECURITY [CAP. 318. 195 From 60% to 74.99% Increased Severe Disability Assistance Not less than 75% Assistance for the Visually Impaired Not less than 50%.