Introduction of maternity benefits

In 1987, a new social security scheme came into force in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Under the scheme, maternity benefits are payable to women who have paid at least 30 weeks' contributions into the scheme, at least 20 of them during the 30 weeks immediately preceding the claim. Benefits are payable for up to 13 weeks, six of them before the anticipated date of birth. The benefit is equal to 60% of the average insured income during the 30 weeks immediately preceding the claim. In addition, a lump sum payment of EC $50 is payable to the insured woman for each birth.