First law: 1916.

Current law: 2008 (Social Security Law No.105 of 27 December), implemented in 2009.

Type of program: Social insurance (cash benefits) and universal (general and specialist medical care) system.

All salaried workers and members of agricultural cooperatives.

Insured person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.

Self-employed person: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.

Employer: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.

Government: See source of funds under Old Age, Disability, and Survivors.

Work injury benefits: There is no minimum qualifying period but the insured must be employed when the disability begins.

Temporary disability benefit: 80% (70% if hospitalized) of the insured's average earnings in the year prior to the date of the accident or disease is paid from the first day of disability for up to six months or until assessed with a permanent disability; may be extended for an additional six months with a medical certificate. Medical certification is required every 30 days; review by a medical committee is required every 26 weeks.

The minimum benefit is 50% of the legal monthly minimum wage.

The legal monthly minimum wage varies according to sector. The average legal monthly minimum wage is 225 pesos (2009).

The maximum benefit is 90% of the insured's earnings.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to government decree, based on social and economic factors.

Permanent disability pension: 60% of the insured's average earnings in the best five of the last 15 years of employment plus 2% of earnings for each year of employment exceeding 30 years is paid.

Work injury or occupational disease supplement: 10% of the pension is paid.

Heroic act supplement: 20% of the pension is paid.

Constant-attendance allowance: 20% of the pension is paid if the insured requires the constant attendance of others to perform daily functions.

The minimum monthly pension is 200 pesos (2008).

The maximum pension is 90% of the insured's average earnings.

Partial disability: 80% of the insured's income in the year prior to the date of disability is paid while the insured person is waiting to modify his or her job, switch jobs, or reduce working hours to adapt to the disability, or until rehabilitated or assessed with a total disability. Thereafter, 60% of the difference between the insured's income before and after the date of disability is paid.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to government decree, based on social and economic factors.

Medical benefits: Public medical centers provide free medical services. Benefits include medical, dental, and maternity care; hospitalization; food and medicine during hospitalization; and rehabilitation. Benefits are provided until recovery.

Survivor pension: 100% of earnings or the deceased's pension is paid for the first month; thereafter, 70%, 85%, or 100% of the old-age or disability pension the deceased received or was eligible to receive for one, two, or three or more dependent survivors, respectively. The pension is split equally among all eligible dependents.

Eligible survivors are a widow (or partner) who was married to or living with the deceased for at least one year, or who had children with the deceased, or without restriction if the death was due to an accident; a needy widower or partner aged 65 or older or disabled; an orphan younger than age 17 (no limit if disabled and economically dependent on the deceased or for a full orphan in higher education); and needy, dependent parents.

The minimum monthly pension is 200 pesos (2008).

The maximum pension for a working widow is 25% of the survivor pension.

A nonworking widow younger than age 40 who is able to work and has no dependents is eligible for up to two years of pension (or until she becomes employed). A working widow may receive the survivor pension in addition to her salary.

The government provides free burial services for all citizens and residents of Cuba.

Survivor social assistance (means-tested): May be paid periodically or as a lump sum to any survivor who is incapable of work.

Benefit adjustment: Benefits are adjusted according to government decree, based on social and economic factors.

Ministry of Labor and Social Security oversees and administers the program through the Directorate of Social Assistance and Social Services and the National Institute of Social Security.

Ministry of Labor and Social Security
Calle 23 el O y P Vedado,
CU-La Habana,
Cuba

Tel.: +(537) 8380008, 8380024
Fax: +(537) 8735816

National Institute of Social Security
Calle 23 el O y P Vedado,
CU-La Habana,
Cuba

Tel.: +(537) 8380054
Fax: +(537) 8380044

Ministry of Public Health oversees and administers the provision of medical benefits through public medical centers.

Ministry of Public Health
Calle 23 No. 201, Vedado,
CU-La Habana,
Cuba

Tel.: +(537) 8383351,8383915
Fax: +(537) 8333236