Latest news with #socialSecurity
National Post
a day ago
- Business
- National Post
Canada Employee Benefits Report 2025: Supplementary Pension, Healthcare Benefits, Unemployment Benefits, Disability Benefits, and Death Benefits
Article content Article content The report provides in-depth industry analysis, information, and insights of the employee benefits in Canada, including an overview of the state and compulsory benefits in Canada, detailed information about the private benefits in Canada, insights on various central institutions responsible for the administration of the different branches of social security and the regulatory framework of the employee benefits in Canada. Article content The Canadian social security system covers various programs, many of which are run by the country's provinces and territories. In general, benefits are similar across all provinces and territories; however, Quebec implements its pension plan. The government provides financial support to provincial and territorial governments through four main transfer programs – the Canada Health Transfer (CHT), the Canada Social Transfer (CST), and Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing (TFF)-to help them provide social programs and services to citizens. Private employee benefits are gaining popularity, and many companies offer private benefit plans for employees to supplement the government-sponsored hospital and medical plans. Article content Key Highlights Article content The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is responsible for the functioning of the overall social security system in Canada. A person's national insurance contribution is determined based on their income. An insured person who is unemployed or unable to work and whose benefits have been exhausted is entitled to a credited contribution. In Canada, Pillar III consists of voluntary employment pension plans and individual retirement savings. The employment pension plans are provided as both DB and DC schemes in the country. Article content Scope Article content It offers a detailed analysis of the key government-sponsored employee benefits, along with private benefits It covers an exhaustive list of employee benefits, including retirement benefits, Short-Term Sickness Benefits, medical benefits, workmen's compensation insurance, maternity and paternity benefits, leaves and holidays and private benefits It highlights the economic and regulatory situations relating to employee benefits in Canada Article content Reasons to Buy Article content Make strategic decisions using in-depth information related to employee benefits in the country Assess employee benefits of the market, including state and compulsory benefits and private benefits Gain insights into the key employee benefit schemes offered by private employers in the country Gain insights into key organizations governing employee benefits market, and their impact on companies Article content Key Topics Covered: Article content 1. Executive Summary Article content 2. Introduction Article content 2.1 What is this Report about? Article content 2.2 Definitions Article content 3. Country Statistics Article content 4. Overview of Employee Benefits in Canada Article content 5. Regulations Article content 6. State and Compulsory Benefits Article content 6.1 Retirement Benefits Article content Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution Article content 6.2 Death in Service Article content Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution Article content 6.3 Long-Term Disability Benefits Article content Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution Article content 6.4 Short-Term Disability Benefits Article content Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution Article content 6.5 Medical Benefits Article content Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution Article content 6.6 Workers' Compensation insurance Article content Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution Article content 6.7 Maternity and Paternity Benefits Article content Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution Article content 6.8 Other Benefits Article content Family Benefit Unemployment Benefit Leaves and Holidays Article content 7. Private Benefits Article content 7.1 Retirement Benefits Article content 7.2 Death Benefits Article content 7.3 Disability Benefits Article content 7.4 Medical Benefits Article content 7.5 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits Article content 7.6 Other Benefits Article content For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Employee Benefits in Ireland 2025: Comprehensive Study Highlights Key State and Private Benefits for Irish Workers
Discover comprehensive insights into Ireland's employee benefits landscape, including state, compulsory, and private benefits. Analyze the intricate social security framework, key regulatory acts, and the role of central institutions. Enhance strategic decisions with detailed regional benefits and market insights. Dublin, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Employee Benefits in Ireland 2025" report has been added to report provides in-depth industry analysis, information, and insights of the employee benefits in Ireland, including an overview of the state and compulsory benefits in Ireland, detailed information about the private benefits in Ireland, insights on various central institutions responsible for the administration of the different branches of social security and the regulatory framework of the employee benefits in Irish social security system covers company employees, self-employed individuals, the unemployed, people with less than minimum resources, and dependent family members of deceased employees. The Irish social welfare system is divided into social insurance payments, means-tested payments, and universal payments. The payment of social insurance is mandatory; both employers and employees must contribute Pay-Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions to the Social Insurance Fund. Self-employed persons pay Class S social insurance contributions directly to the Revenue Commissioners, although these are not required to be paid after the age of 66. A range of state benefits is available for Irish residents, which are subject to several conditions other than social insurance contribution requirements. Companies across the country also provide customized private benefits to their employees as a supplement to state Highlights The Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973, the Organization of Working Time Act 1997, the Payment of Wages Act 1991, and the Maternity Protection Act 1994 are responsible for the functioning of the overall social security system. A person's national insurance contribution is determined based on their income. An insured person who is unemployed or unable to work and whose benefits have been exhausted is entitled to a credited contribution. Employers offer voluntary retirement benefits via voluntary occupational DC pension plans, which are prevalent in the country, such as Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs), Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs), Approved Retirement Funds (ARFs), and Personal Retirement Bonds (PRBs). This report provides a detailed analysis of employee benefits in Ireland: It offers a detailed analysis of the key government-sponsored employee benefits, along with private benefits It covers an exhaustive list of employee benefits, including retirement benefits, death in service, long-term disability benefits, medical benefits, workmen's compensation insurance, maternity and paternity benefits, family benefits, unemployment benefits, long-term care benefits, minimum resource benefits, leaves and holidays, and private benefits It highlights the economic and regulatory situations relating to employee benefits in Ireland Reasons to Buy Make strategic decisions using in-depth information related to employee benefits in the country Assess employee benefits of the market, including state and compulsory benefits and private benefits Gain insights into the key employee benefit schemes offered by private employers in the country Gain insights into key organizations governing employee benefits market, and their impact on companies Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary2. Introduction3. Country Statistics4. Overview of Employee Benefits in Ireland5. Regulations6. State and Compulsory Benefits6.1 Retirement Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.2 Death in Service Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.3 Long-Term Disability Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.4 Short-Term Sickness Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.5 Medical Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.6 Workers' Compensation insurance Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.7 Maternity and Paternity Benefits Introduction Eligibility Benefits Payment options Contribution 6.8 Other Benefits Family Benefits Unemployment benefits Long-Term Care Benefits Minimum Resources Benefits Leaves and Holidays 7. Private Benefits7.1 Retirement Benefits7.2 Death Benefits7.3 Disability Benefits7.4 Medical Benefits7.5 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits7.6 Other Benefits For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
News24
3 days ago
- Politics
- News24
Fake Sassa grants ‘news' is exploding online. Here's how to spot the lies
YouTube channels and fake news websites are pumping out dozens of false stories about Sassa grants and jobs every month. These hoaxes prey on vulnerable recipients, spreading confusion, false hope or panic. Many are clearly fake, Andrew Thompson writes, but they have still managed to infiltrate public discourse and be widely shared. South Africa's social grant system is under digital siege. A flood of fake news targeting the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has spread across Facebook, YouTube and a network of low-quality, foreign-run websites. These stories are designed to mislead, confuse or panic grant recipients, often with the aim of generating clicks and ad revenue by preying on vulnerable beneficiaries. YouTube channels with tens of thousands of subscribers and some videos with hundreds of thousands of views have together uploaded hundreds of fake videos this year alone. They claim imminent changes to payouts, onerous new rules, or exciting bonuses. Dozens of websites posing as job boards or news sites have also published false notices about new jobs, grant amounts, pension cuts, and backlogged payments. Screengrab None of these channels have any connection to South African state institutions, yet they continue to reach large audiences and prompt real-world concern, forcing Sassa to issue repeated denials. In May, Sassa issued a media statement highlighting the extent of the problem and warning that it is 'concerned about the mushrooming and the rapid spread of fake news and disinformation targeting the Agency and its services almost daily'. It stressed that it has made no announcements about 'double grants', changes to pension rules, or automatic top-ups, which are among the most popular fake news stories that tend to gain traction. 'Furthermore, reports have been spreading like wildfire that Sassa has announced 'New Rules Could Affect Your Pension' from 10 June. The report has even gone further and announced various dates for different provinces. This is not an official announcement from Sassa,' the cautionary statement reads. How fake Sassa grant news spreads: volume, panic, and false hope The wave of Sassa disinformation in 2025 has followed two broad patterns, regardless of the medium or the outlet disseminating it, and the content is broadly split into two themes: fake job adverts and fake grant updates. The job advertisements regularly go viral. They claim that well-paid government positions requiring no experience are available and often direct users to deceptive forms or clickbait sites that mine data. These regularly appear as images on fake government letterheads that circulate widely on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and X. SASSA The fake grant updates employ a more familiar disinformation approach with a different motive. These mostly AI-generated false news articles report on increased or double payments, pension rule changes, or Sassa 'deadlines' that risk non-payment of grants. All are presented without basis, and often spill over from clearly fake websites into public discourse. Fake news websites and YouTube accounts repeatedly publish variations of similar videos and articles, many of which use text-to-speech tools and AI-generated thumbnails to appear convincing. The tone ranges from panic ('rules changing next week!') to false reassurance ('you can still claim your R7 000 today'). Most rely on sheer volume, hoping that one story or job advert will catch on and spread - as many already have. News24's Disinformation Desk has counted hundreds of fake news articles about Sassa currently online, and although many fade into obscurity, an increasing number are breaking through requiring official responses. Screengrab For now, the motive of these platforms appears to be financial gain. Most of the videos are hosted on monetised channels, and the websites link to Google Adwords accounts. If these get enough traction from panicked recipients, they will generate some revenue for the owners. Yet ironically, much of the vitality of this material reveals itself on platforms like WhatsApp without direct links to the source, which do not generate the website owners income but have the same impact on grant recipients. The majority of the Sassa disinformation that gains mainstream traction appears not to have an overt political motive or agenda, yet. Instead, it is riding on the wave of attention afforded by this vulnerable target market, many of whom are understandably deceived by the deluge. Rapid-fire Sassa debunks from the last few months alone News24's Disinformation Desk has identified hundreds of fake news stories and videos targeting Sassa recipients published in the last few months alone. Here are the most prominent examples, with their themes often emulated across other fake news sites: A viral post linking to a website called All Provinces Jobs claimed that 'South African government jobs 2025' were open for applications. The link leads to a fraudulent website not affiliated with any government department. Similar posts appeared on Facebook pages falsely advertising hiring opportunities through Sassa, often featuring job titles and closing dates to lend false credibility and create a sense of urgency. YouTube channels 'SASSA Benefits Updates' and 'Stimulus Sam' have released several dozen videos each about grant payments in South Africa, including that increased Sassa payments would be made in June 2025. The videos utilise text-to-speech narration featuring a vaguely South African accent and footage that is clearly created with generative AI. Both channels are entirely fake. A report hosted on the fake news website Debtcol Council claimed that 'new rules could affect your pension' from 10 June. Sassa has confirmed that this is also false. Another story on that website claimed application backlogs had been cleared, while yet another suggested a new top-up payment was in progress. All are fabricated. A website called Prabh Honda published a story about Sassa grant suspensions, which is entirely baseless and without truth. A piece on Rise Up WV, a website responsible for several prominent fake news items, stated that grant beneficiaries needed to reapply for doubled payments due to 'SASSA system updates'. There is no basis for this in any of Sassa's official communications. Why it matters - and how to protect yourself or family members Many of the intended recipients of these grants are older, economically vulnerable, and may not be experienced with digital literacy or fact-checking online. The combination of desperation and trust in anything that looks official makes this a fertile ground for exploitation via disinformation. These false reports don't just casually mislead - comments beneath even palpably false news items and videos indicate the confusion and desperation many experience about this topic. This fake news also distracts Sassa, which is already stretched in the payment grants, by forcing them to correct disinformation. To stay safe, advise family members of the following: Check only official Sassa channels: Information is reliably published on and Sassa's verified X and Facebook pages. Do not trust any information sent via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Sassa does not communicate important information via forwarded messages. Never enter personal information into a form on a website claiming to offer Sassa job opportunities. Ignore YouTube channels with videos claiming to be the Department of Social Development or Sassa. Sassa's official YouTube page is not used to share news about grants. When in doubt, don't share: spreading false information, even with good intentions, can cause unnecessary panic.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Panama's president appeals to a higher power as nearly 2 months of protests roil nation
PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panama's José Raúl Mulino appealed to a higher power on Friday, calling in an archbishop and a rabbi to deliver a message to striking banana workers after nearly two months of social protest that have roiled the country. Mulino has said he won't reverse controversial changes to Panama's social security system, courts have deemed the strike illegal and top banana Chiquita Brands fired nearly 5,000 striking workers last month in Panama's western Bocas del Toro province. But nothing has stopped the protests. So at his weekly news briefing Friday, Mulino said he had met with Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa and one of Panama's leading Jewish figures, Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik, to enlist them as intermediaries. He gave Ulloa a personal letter to bring to Francisco Smith, leader of the striking banana workers' union. In the letter, Mulino said, he committed to send proposed legislation to the Congress that would be favorable for the country's banana sector, above all its workers. But he conditioned the proposal on former workers lifting their protest. There was precedent for the maneuver. In 2022, Ulloa brokered a dialogue that eased protests over the high cost of fuel and food. In 2018, Ulloa mediated a dispute between parts of the government. Smith, secretary general of the Banana Industry Workers Union, had said earlier Friday before Mulino's announcement that he was open to dialogue. Union leaders planned to travel to the capital Monday to meet with the president of the National Assembly and present a list of demands. He insisted, however, that changes be made to the social security reform. Smith, who has led the protest in western Bocas del Toro province, has said the social security reform passed in March threatens the special privileges laid out for banana workers in another law, covering things like subsidies and labor protections. The impact has been acute. Chiquita Brands said last month they had lost at least $75 million before announcing a temporary halt to their operations in Panama. Demonstrations have not been limited to the banana workers, to Bocas del Toro or even to the social security changes. At various times teachers, construction workers and students have protested as well. Authorities have said they'll withhold the pay of 15,000 treachers for their strike. On Thursday, border police clashed with protesters who had blocked a highway in eastern Darien province, leaving injured on both sides. In addition to the social security changes, demonstrators have protested a security agreement giving U.S. troops access to some Panamanian facilities and efforts to reopen a massive copper mine.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Ministers ‘considering' scrapping two-child benefit cap after Farage vows to axe it
The education secretary has given the strongest signal yet that the government will scrap the two-child benefit cap, saying that lifting it is 'certainly something we are considering'. It comes ahead of a major speech from Nigel Farage on Tuesday, where he will commit to scrapping the benefit cap and reinstating the winter fuel payment in full in an attempt to position his party as the true opposition to Labour. The Reform UK leader is also expected to accuse the government of lacking the will to bring net migration down to zero, and claim Sir Keir's deal with the EU 'betrays the very essence of Brexit'. But hitting back at Reform's plans, Bridget Phillipson dubbed the party 'just not serious', claiming Mr Farage would 'dismantle the NHS as we know it' and 'massively undermine our ability to deliver free breakfast clubs' by reinstating tax breaks for private schools. Asked whether she thinks the government should lift the two-child benefit cap, Ms Phillipson said: 'It's not off the table. It's certainly something that we're considering. We've always been clear that social security measures are an important part of what the child poverty task force is looking at.' She told Sky News that tackling child poverty is 'personal' to her, insisting it is the 'moral purpose' of this government. 'It's personal to me, because for part of my childhood, I experienced what too many children right now in our country are experiencing, and I know the damage it does', she said. 'I know the scar it has, not just for those individual children and families, but, actually, for all of us. 'We're all poorer as a country when we aren't able to benefit from the amazing talent of so many children and families. That's why we're serious about tackling child poverty.' Sir Keir Starmer is privately said to be in favour of doing away with the two-child benefit cap – a policy that restricts parents from claiming certain benefits for more than two of their children. Critics of the policy say removing it would be the most effective way of reducing child poverty amid warnings that as many as 100 children are pulled into poverty every day by the limit. However, it is thought the cap won't be lifted until the government publishes its child poverty strategy, which has now been delayed until the autumn. There is growing pressure on Labour to scrap it, as well as to water down its upcoming welfare cuts, as fresh polling showed that almost half of all red wall voters disapprove of the way the government has acted on benefits. A new poll conducted by Merlin Strategy across 42 red wall seats - those historically held by Labour - 48 per cent of people had a negative view of the government's handling of benefits policies, while just 25 per cent approved. Of those who said they voted Labour at the 2024 election, people were divided – with 38 per cent approving and 38 per cent disapproving. Meanwhile, within his own party, the prime minister is facing a rebellion from MPs over controversial welfare cuts, which will see personal independence payments (PIP) cut for 800,000 people with disabilities, and a growing unease over the direction of the party. Last week, in an attempt to win back disillusioned voters and appease his MPs, the prime minister announced plans to row back on last year's controversial decision to means test the winter fuel payment, telling the Commons he would look at increasing the thresholds at which people start to receive the benefit. Today's speech, framed as Mr Farage's 'pitch to working people' will see the Reform leader flanked by council leaders, mayors and Runcorn MP Sarah Pochin. A party source said Mr Farage will challenge Sir Keir 'to go to a working man's club in the north of England with him and see who connects better with working people'. But asked about his proposals, the education secretary hit back: "It's just not serious. They're just not serious people. It's not credible. 'This is a party, after all, that doesn't believe in the NHS, that would dismantle the NHS as we know it, that has consistently opposed the measures that Labour has brought in to back workers through the Employment Rights bill, making sure, for example, that more workers can have access to sick pay. 'Those are the kinds of decisions that are that reform are interested in making. 'The one policy that they have in education is to reintroduce tax breaks to private schools, which would massively undermine our ability to deliver free breakfast clubs - the kinds of measures that working families are benefiting from right now. 'That's Reform. That's who they are. They're not on the side of working people. They're not serious about how they deliver change. And every time they get the opportunity to back working people, for example, with better rights at work, they oppose it." Mr Farage has previously called for an end to the NHS being funded through taxes, but has been unable to say how it would be paid for instead. While he has insisted that he wants the health service to remain 'free at the point of delivery', he added that Reform is looking into 'how we get there'.
