NISSS expands EZPay+, SurePay access for self-employed

A major barrier to social security coverage for the self-employed has been removed, with the government introducing round-the-clock digital payment options aimed at boosting National Insurance participation and safeguarding the fund’s future, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector Colin Jordan has announced.

Declaring a new era of financial protection for the independent workforce, Jordan revealed that with immediate effect, National Insurance contributions can now be made via two payment platforms: the government’s own EZPay+ and the commercial bill-paying service, SurePay.

Speaking at the launch of the “Self-Employed and Secure” community engagement in Speightstown, St Peter, Jordan framed the move as a critical step in fixing a long-standing gap in the island’s social safety net. By integrating with these 24-hour payment platforms, the government is removing the physical and logistical barriers that often prevent entrepreneurs from securing their future, he said.

The labour minister emphasised that for the self-employed – from taxi drivers and fisherfolk to artisans and creatives – the ability to pay “anytime, anywhere” is a matter of practical necessity rather than just convenience.

He said: “This means 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever you are, you can make sure that you are covered and protected by our Social Security system.”

He noted that the traditional 9-to-5 office model never suited the variable nature of independent work.

“No more disrupting your schedule or your earning of money. You can now, in the middle of the night, sit on your bed or at your dining room table and make your payments. We are making sure that every working Barbadian, regardless of how or where they work, has access to the protection they deserve.”

The push for increased registration follows a sobering 17th Actuarial Review, which predicted the National Insurance Fund could run dry by 2034 if the contributor base did not expand. Jordan highlighted that when he took office, only 12 per cent of the self-employed were contributing—a statistic he refused to ignore.

“As a government, we decided we would not do the politically expedient thing and kick the can down the road. Once we recognised we had a challenge, we did what former Prime Minister Owen Arthur would say: you face it and you fix it. We are addressing the sustainability of the fund because our self-employed are too valuable to be left to ad hoc relief.”

In a major announcement for those who may have fallen behind on their payments, the minister said the new digital platforms are not limited to current-year payments.

“Contributions can be made not just for 2026, but we have made provision that contributions for prior years, 2024 and 2025, can also be made. This allows self-employed people to do something to catch up if they are a little behind. Every year counts, and this facility allows you to add those missing weeks to your foundation.”

Jordan praised the “courage and creativity” of those who choose self-employment, acknowledging that they “bet on themselves” every day. But he cautioned that hard work alone is not a retirement plan.

“Ad hoc emergency relief is not a social security system. We saw the consequences of that gap during COVID-19 and Hurricane Beryl. The National Insurance Scheme exists precisely so no self-employed person has to face a crisis without a firm foundation. I encourage all of you: do not wait until something happens. Join up, sign up, and participate.” 

(RR)