FAQs - Salary Relief Grant

 

What is the Salary Relief Grant?

The Salary Relief Grant is a measure implemented and funded by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to provide additional relief, valued at up to $1500.00 per month for a three month period in the first instance, to citizens whose employment is terminated or suspended without pay as a result of the impact of COVID-19 in specified sectors.  This is not an NIBTT benefit, but the organisation will assist in administration.

Who can apply?

Persons, between the ages of 18-65 years, who are registered with the National Insurance Board (NIB), are citizens or permanent residents, whose last employer is registered with the NIB, and whose employment has been directly impacted by the Public Health Ordinance and who have been terminated after March 19, 2020.

Who is eligible to receive the SRG?

Two groups of persons will be eligible for phase one of the Salary Relief Grant roll-out, those who were terminated involuntarily and those who have had their income suspended without pay. Applicants must have no other source of income.

What documentation will be required to access the Salary Relief Grant?
  1. A completed application form
  2. Copy of national identification card/driver's permit/passport
  3. Proof of citizenship (National ID card) or permanent residence in Trinidad and Tobago
  4. Last payslip issued in the month preceding or the month of termination or suspension
  5. A recent bank or credit union statement
How much is the Salary Relief Grant and how long will it be paid?
The Salary Relief Grant is $1500 per month and will be paid for up to three months - April, May and June, in the first instance.
How can persons submit the Application?
Persons can print, scan and email the completed application form with supporting documentation to srg@gov.tt or deposit in drop-boxes at designated TTPOST locations.
How will payments be made?
Payments will be made to the financial institution specified on completed application forms or cheques will be issued to eligible applicants (where applicable).
When will the payment be made?
Payments will begin once eligibility is determined in the month of April 2020.
Will you still qualify for the Salary Relief Grant if you do not have a NI number?
Phase two of the Salary Relief Grant roll-out, will look at persons outside the National Insurance system, including the self-employed and persons who may have issues with their National Insurance records.
If I was not dismissed and my employer has asked me to access my vacation, can I access the Salary Relief Grant?
Only persons who have been terminated or their employment suspended without pay after 19th March 2020 will be considered for this grant.
The employer section of the form speaks to termination and suspension of employment but no section for loss of earnings, how shall my employer indicate loss of earnings as I was not suspended or terminated?
The Salary Relief Grant is for persons who have been terminated or their employment suspended without pay. Persons with partial loss of earnings do not qualify.
Where or how can I get help with completing or filling in the form? (employer and employee)
The application form requests standard information including specifics about the applicant’s identity, employment history and financial account details. If necessary, assistance from immediate family and friends should be all that is required in completing the form. In the case of the employer, only basic information about the company and the employee are required.
Would there be any consequences to terminated or suspended employees for accessing the Salary Relief Grant?
Accessing the Salary Relief Grant does not impact access to any NIBTT benefit.
While receiving rental assistance, can one receive the Salary Relief Grant as well?
Yes, rental assistance is available from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services.
What amount of contributions should someone have to apply for the Salary Relief Grant?
The number of contributions paid into the NIS does not determine eligibility for this grant. The minimum criterion is that both the employee and the employer must be registered with the NIBTT.
Can one obtain Sickness Benefit and Salary Relief Grant?
The Salary Relief Grant is for persons who have been terminated or their employment suspended without pay as a result of COVID-19 measures.
The sickness benefit is a separate benefit and payable under the National Insurance System.
Will the funding for the SRG compromise my NIS pension?
The funding for the Salary Relief Grant is fully covered by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The NIBTT administers the grant but does not approve nor fund the Salary Relief Grant.
Do I have to apply every month to get the $1,500 Salary Relief Grant?
Applicants will only need to fill out an application form once. There is no need to re-apply to have access to the grant for subsequent months. If the Salary Relief Grant is offered for an extended period (beyond the current stipulated three months), then some additional paperwork will be required for extended access to the grant.
What if I don't have a bank account? ?
Persons without bank or credit union accounts will select "NO" to the question: "Do you have an account?" and can leave the part of the form requesting financial information blank. Once eligible, these applicants will receive a cheque.
Is a bank or credit union statement absolutely necessary in submitting the Salary Relief Grant Application form?
A Bank or Credit Union statement/letter will help verify that the submitted financial information is correct and that it belongs to the applicant accessing the grant. If one is not provided, neither the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, nor the NIBTT, will be held liable for any payment issued to the wrong financial institution or account.

April 15, 2020