New Social Security Law Allows Liberian Govt To Begin Disbursement Of Over US$1.2 Million To Retired Civil Servants

The Government of Liberia (GoL) has begun disbursement of over US$1.2 million to over 2,000 retired employees of 14 state-run entities.

The fund which is branded as handshake package is consistent with the New Social Security Law of 2017 as well as section 60 and 2(d) of the Civil Service Human Resource Policy Manual.

Mama J. Kamara 67, one of the beneficiaries was ecstatic that her 27 years of service to country as a Midwife is being appreciated by the Government of the Republic of Liberia.

“I am happy that I worked all these years with passion and professionalism without ethical breach recorded in my file - and today I am being rewarded for dedicated service. This is evident of good governance exhibited by the George Weah led Government", Mama Kamara asserted.

As a Midwife, Mrs. Kamara was employed by the Ministry of Health and subsequently upsurged to the position of County Health Supervisor of Margibi -where she provided antenatal care, family planning counselling & services, and performed normal deliveries of pregnant women. Midwife Kamara is a seasoned sexual reproductive health practitioner.

Mama Kamara expressed that though she appreciates the US$420.00 as handshake package for her outstanding service but what thrilled her most is the recognition on the part of the Liberian Government to look back and say thank you to more than 2,000 of her colleagues that honorably retired.

In a conveyed message, the Liberian Leader His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah extended thanks and appreciation to the retired employees for the many years of dedicated service to the Government and people of Liberia. “We are grateful for your indelible contributions to country and wish you all the best in your restful retirement. For those of you that will go on to serve your country in new roles, we also wish you a rewarding experience” the President averred.

The payment which varies based on years of service kicked off April 29, 2020 and expected to climax May 2020. Already Margibi and Montserrado counties are nearing completion.

The Civil Service Agency (CSA) noted that the Handshake Payment Team will endeavor to reach all retirees in person as the payments will be accompanied by the signing of their C1 Forms for pension processing with the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP). Therefore, all beneficiaries are advised to make themselves available to receive their payments. NASSCORP is currently processing all C1 Forms received and would like to speed up the completion of the enrollment of this batch of retirees as quickly as possible.

"We count on the cooperation of all involved, particularly Human Resource Directors of the entities from which the retirees are drawn, to ensure that the handshake payment to all the retirees are completed by the middle of May 2020. This is particularly important for the retirees, given the havoc coronavirus pandemic has ensnared", the Civil Service Agency cautioned.