Barbados National Insurance Scheme > Guide to Benefits:  

An invalidity benefit may either be a grant or pension.

• Invalidity Grant

To qualify for an invalidity grant one must:

1. be under 65 years of age;
2. be permanently incapable of undertaking further employment because of a specific disease or bodily or mental disablement;
3. have at least 50 contributions paid or credited to one’s account.
How is an Invalidity Grant computed?

The amount of an invalidity grant is a lump sum equal to 6 weeks average insurable weekly earnings for each 50 contributions actually paid or credited to the insured person's account.

Average insurable weekly earnings for the purpose of an invalidity grant is the sum of the insurable earnings on which contributions were based, divided by the number of weeks of contributions.

• Invalidity Pension

To qualify for an invalidity pension one must:

1. be under 65 years of age;
2. be permanently incapable of undertaking further employment because of a specific disease or bodily or mental disablement;
3. have at least 150 contributions paid to one's account.
How is an Invalidity Pension computed?

The annual rate of pension is 40% of the average annual insurable earnings of the insured person, supplemented by 1% of the total insurable earnings on which contributions were based subsequent to the first 500 contributions paid or credited, but subject to a maximum of 60% of average annual insurable earnings, and a minimum pension of $105.00 per week.

Average annual insurable earnings for the purpose of an invalidity pension is the sum of the insurable earnings on which contributions were based during the best 3 contribution years of the insured person's contribution life, divided by 3.

Note:    Invalidity pension continues in payment so long as invalidity lasts. However, if invalidity continues when the insured person reaches 65 years, the invalidity pension is converted into an old age contributory pension of an equal amount. Additionally, if a person qualifies for an invalidity pension, an invalidity grant is not payable.