66 years of Social Security in Malta
This year, the Social Security Department commemorates the 66th year since the promulgation of two laws: the National Assistance Act and the National Insurance Act. Through these laws through which all those persons needing assistance were reached: both those who contributed to national insurance and those who did not. 1956 was an important year in the Maltese calendar where social protection is concerned. This does not mean that prior to this there was no legislation to protect those who suffered most, however through these laws more citizens had coverage. In fact, 1948 saw the introduction of the Old Age Pensions Act. This legislation provided for the payment of pensions to elderly persons who had never been in employment, but whose applicants were required to pass a means test. The National Insurance Scheme was financed through the obligatory payment of contributions by employees, employers and the State. This scheme covered various benefits, pensions and allowances, sickness, occupational injuries and diseases, unemployment benefit, widow’s and orphans’ pension. The National Insurance Act was amended in 1965 to offer social protection to self-employed persons. That year also...