The Namibian Social Security Commission has implemented the National Employment and Salary Protection Scheme for Covid-19 (SSC Stimulus Package) on 27 April 2020.

This is an employment scheme designed to dissuade employers from retrenching employees in the short term and to support individuals who have suffered a loss of income as a result of Covid-19.

The scheme consist of 2 programs –

• The Employer Wage Subsidy Program, and
• The Affected Employees program

The Employer Wage Subsidy Program:

• Employers in selected hard industries under 3 sectors, namely tourism & hospitality, construction and aviation can qualify.
• The qualifying employer must be a SSC registered member in good standing.
• Qualifying employers should agree not to retrench staff for the 3 month period of April, May and June and should not be allowed to reduce staff salaries by more than 50%.
• Qualifying employers will receive a wage subsidy based on their total wage bill, driven by an SSC contribution waiver and a cash injection from the state. The program will compensate staff relative to the actual wage bill.
• Please note:

• Some employers in selected additional sectors, namely, manufacturing, transport, domestic and gardening workers, retailers (non-food), farming services and entertainment are also eligible for the contribution waiver and will be contacted directly by SSC to apply.
• Employers who are outside the selected sectors, but are affected by Covid-19 impacts and can provide proof in this regard can also apply for the contribution waiver, with applications to be considered on merit.

The Affected Employees Program:

• Low income earners and employees in vulnerable employment can apply for a grant designed to provide compensation for those who have lost income and who have been adversely impacted by Covid-19.
• Features include:
  • Applicants should have been registered with the SSC  as at 1 Feb 2020,
  • Applicants should be able to prove loss of income related to Covid-19,
  • Applicants should earn less than N$50 000 per annum,
  • The benefit will be limited to 50% of monthly salary subject to a minimum of N$1 000 per month for 3 months,
  • The benefit will be net of other benefits received form the sate (e.g. EIG).

The application process:

• The application process will commence on 5 May 2020 at 08H00.
• Applications must be submitted by employers. If for any reason employers cannot claim on behalf of their employees, such employees can submit an application at any SSC office countrywide with proof of loss of income.
• Employers will be able to apply for either the -
  • contribution waiver and/or
  • cash injection and/or
  • on behalf of their affected employees.
• Employers can download the application form from https://www.ssc.org.na/
• The form must be saved in xlsx format and renamed to the employer’s SSC number.
• The completed form and any other required documentation must be emailed to [email protected].
• The email subject line must be the employer’s SSC number.
• Forms not submitted in the correct format will be rejected.
• Payments from the Scheme will depend on the ability to provide required documentation on time.

For more information or any assistance, please visit the Social Security website.

The Sage Product Delivery teams are aware of the changes and is currently investigating the impact and necessary changes required to the payroll software. Further details will be communicated as soon as possible here on Sage City.