SUMMARY NOTE:

• Application Procedure
• Attachments
• Categories of Payment of Unemployment Benefit
• Conditions of Payments
• Means of Payment

OVERVIEW

Under the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), Unemployment Benefits are provided to eligible individuals who have lost their employment. These benefits are designed to offer financial support to workers who become unemployed, helping them manage basic living expenses while they seek new employment.

It is a short-term benefit paid in accordance with the conditions described under the Zanzibar Social Security Fund Act, No.2 of 2005 following the introduction of such benefit through the Written Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Act, No.5 of 2022 and the procedures described in the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (Unemployment Benefit Regulations, 2022).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The member shall apply for an unemployment benefit by filling an application form No. SSF 14 as described in the Schedule of ZSSF Unemployment Benefit Regulations, 2022.

• The applicant shall fill the application form an unemployment benefit, filled out in full, accompanied by:
• A personal letter of application for an unemployment benefit.
• A letter of termination of employment, dismissal or expiration of the contract of employment from the last employer of the relevant member

Confirmation that the member is not in any other employment from the Labor Commission or Public Service Office Zanzibar and an Oath from any Court in Zanzibar.

ATTACHMENTS

• The copy of employment contract that ended in which the applicant was employed through that Contract.
• Bank Statement.
• Any other document required by the Fund.

CATEGORIES OF PAYMENT OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT

• An Unemployment Benefit is paid in one of the following ways:-
•  Refunds of all contributions to a member who has contributed to the Fund for a period of eighteen months and not exceeding thirty-six months.
• Refunds of all contributions plus an interest of one percent of the total contributions of the member for a period starting from thirty-six months and not exceeding sixty-five years.
• Payment of twenty percent of the total salary of the best six (6) months to a member who has contributed to the Fund for a period of more than sixty-five months.

CONDITIONS OF PAYMENTS

• A member will be paid unemployment benefit in only one of the three ways as stated above based on the number of months of contribution and no member will be paid unemployment benefit in more than one way at the same time.

MEANS OF PAYMENT

• Unemployment benefit payments will be paid directly into the member’s bank account. The Fund will pay unemployment benefit after the member completes the application procedures in one lump sum.

Disclaimer: This article is authored by Faridi Bakari Chambali, from Rive & Co, a new and innovating law firm as a result of the partnership between ABC Attorneys, Stallion Attorneys and Sepia Attorneys, built on the foundation of trust, credibility, and novelty, offering expert legal solutions. This Article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is recommended to consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.