Self-employed persons in Barbados can now make their National Insurance contributions more conveniently through two additional payment platforms.
Minister of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, Colin Jordan, announced that contributions may now be made through Government’s online payment portal, EZPay+, as well as the widely used bill payment service, SurePay.
Speaking during today’s launch of the Self-Employed and Secure stakeholder registration outreach programme and media campaign, Mr. Jordan said the new payment options were introduced to make it easier for self-employed persons to build and protect their future.
“Effective today, self-employed people can make their national insurance contributions through two new payment platforms,” he stated.
The Minister explained that the additional payment channels would allow self-employed persons to make contributions without disrupting their work schedules or income-earning activities.
He noted that payments may now be made online through EZpay+, or through SurePay, which is available at several locations across Barbados and online.
“This means that 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever you are, you can make sure that you are covered, that you are protected by our social security system,” Mr. Jordan said.
The new payment options form part of the National Insurance and Social Security Service’s wider efforts to improve access and flexibility for self-employed contributors.
Under the revised arrangements, self-employed persons may make contributions at any time during the year, either in lump sums or instalments. The system has also been designed to better accommodate the seasonal and variable income patterns of self-employed workers.
Minister Jordan further encouraged self-employed persons who may have fallen behind in their contributions to take advantage of the opportunity to catch up, noting that provision has been made for contributions to be paid for 2024 and 2025.
He urged self-employed Barbadians to register, contribute and ensure they are protected under the national social security system. “Join up, sign up, participate, contribute, and our social security system will be there to make sure that you’re covered and protected,” he said.
