The Legislation governing the Voluntary Contributory Coverage was enacted in 1997. However, this applied only to local nationals. In 2001 coverage was extended to Vincentians living abroad. This is to afford Vincentians residing abroad the opportunity to continue paying their NIS contributions or to become members of the NIS, particularly the undocumented Vincentians who cannot access social security in the country where they reside. Also, this is to provide Vincentian nationals in the Diaspora the opportunity to contribute to national development.

There are two requirements for being an overseas voluntary contributor:

1. The person must be between ages 16 and Pensionable Age.
2. The person must be a citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and reside in another country.

Persons are required to complete an application form to be accompanied by copies of their passport or birth certificate, and marriage certificate where applicable. The application form can be obtained at Consulate offices abroad, or at the NIS Office. Persons can also download the form from our website here.

• The current contribution rate is 8.84%
• Payments must be remitted on a quarterly or monthly basis.
• The procedure for remittance of contributions is the one best suited to the contributor.

1. Electronic transfers to the NIS bank account.
2. Establishing a bank account in St. Vincent making standing order provisions for payments to the NIS
3. Direct payments using postal orders, wire transfers or bank drafts (personal cheques are not accepted).

• Persons between the age of 50 and 55 years, who are contributing for the first time, should select a quarterly income category of EC$1728 (category D) or below and should make retroactive payments.
• Contributors should not miss a payment for more than 2 consecutive quarters. In extenuating circumstances, an extension may be granted but a request should be sent in writing to the director; all oustanding payments must be made in order to requalify. Failure to make the required payments will result in automatic disqualification. NB: voluntary contributors who failed to make the requisite contributions will not be allowed to make payments just to receive an age pension.

The categories of income are listed below:

If persons choose a particular category can they change or do they remain in this category indefinitely?

Yes, persons can make the appropriate change as their income level changes, but this can only be done after a 6 month period and the category must be immediately above or below.

The following benefits are available to overseas voluntary contributors:

• Age Benefit
• Funeral Grant
• Survivors’ Benefit

• Is sixteen years or over and under the Pensionable Age.
• Ceases compulsory insurable employment in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Is a citizen of St.Vincent and the Grenadines and resides in the State

Persons are required to complete an application form to be accompanied by copies of the birth certificate or passport and marriage certificate in case of married women

The Payment of NIS Contributions

•  The current contribution rate is 8.84%
•  Persons are required to pay contributions on their last updated monthly salary.
•  Payments should be paid to the NIS office on a monthly or quarterly basis and must be fully paid before reaching Pensionable Age.
•  Persons must have at least the requisite contributions by Pensionable Age.