Social Security Benefits in Malta

Find out about benefit entitlements under Malta’s social welfare system...

The Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity is responsible for social security benefits in Malta.

A range of benefits are available to residents of Malta and their families, providing they have contributed to the social security fund by paying national insurance contributions. Employers and employees contribute 10 percent of gross salary to the social security system. Self-employed workers also make contributions.

Benefits available to residents of Malta include:

  • Sickness Benefit
  • Injury Benefit
  • Unemployment Benefit
  • Child Benefits

Information about the full range of benefits, grants and help available can be found on the Department of Social Security website.

In January 2011, EU regulations regarding eligibility for social security schemes were extended to include non-EU nationals.

In practice, this means that any foreign person living legally in Malta and who has made social security contributions either through employment or self-employment may be entitled to social security protection.

Obtaining a National Insurance Number

A national insurance number is necessary in Malta in order to receive social security benefits. To obtain a national insurance number, expatriates need an e-Residence ID Card, which is compulsory for both EU and non-EU nationals staying more than three months on the islands.

Once an e-Residence card has been obtained, it is possible to apply for the number by completing the application form (PDF).

Sickness Benefit

Anyone under retirement age who satisfies certain national insurance contribution conditions may be entitled to sickness benefit provided they submit a claim within 10 days from the first day they become unable to work.

In order for a claimant to receive sickness benefit, they must obtain a blue medical certificate from a doctor confirming their inability to work. A medical certificate is valid for six days. The claimant must obtain a new medical certificate every week until they are fit to resume work.

Sickness Benefit is paid to employees and the self-employed after three days of leave.

The claimant must present the original blue medical certificate at any of the Department of Social Security's offices in Malta and Gozo. Once approved, payments will usually be made directly into the claimant's bank account, but it is possible for it to be paid by cheque.

Injury Benefit

Anyone who suffers an injury at work or has developed a disease, may be entitled to Injury/Industrial Disease Benefit.

Claimants must fill in the necessary claim form and have it counter-signed by a doctor, and also by their employer (in the case of an employee) or the police (in the case of a self-employed person). Forms can be obtained from the Department of Social Security or from a local District Social Security Office. Once completed, the form must be returned to the same office.

The form can be sent by post to the following address:

  • Department of Social Security
    Short Term Benefits Section
    38, Ordnance Street
    Valletta VLT 2000

Maternity Leave Benefit

Employed women are entitled to 14 weeks’ paid maternity leave (paid by the employer) after giving birth. The mother may take an additional four weeks' maternity leave, which is unpaid. Both employed and self-employed women are entitled to Maternity Leave Benefit, paid for by the government, for a period of four weeks.

Child Allowance

Children's allowances and assistance are available for families with young children in Malta and are paid by the Department of Social Security.

Disabled Child Allowance

Parents of children with a physical or mental disability may be entitled to an additional allowance. A doctor must certify the child’s condition and the application form, signed by both parents, must be sent to the local Social Security office.

Alternatively it can be sent by post to the following address:

  • Department of Social Security
    Children's Allowance Section
    38, Ordnance Street
    Valletta VLT 2000

Unemployment Benefits

The conditions for receiving unemployment benefits depend on an individual's circumstances.