Egypt's social security system is in the midst of deep reforms. Legislation passed in 2010 is set to be implemented in 2012. Implementing the reforms presents definite challenges and the process is sure to be complicated. Egypt's social security system covers around 25 million members and is administered by the National Organization for Social Insurance (NOSI).

Sickness Insurance

Who is Eligible?

There are sick benefits for the insured. They must have paid contributions for the last 3 months.

Employed persons aged 18 or older (aged 16 or older if a government employee) are eligible for benefits. Coverage is slowly being extended gradually to students.

Exclusions include:
• Temporary and casual agricultural workers
• Domestic servants
• Small-scale artisans
• Self-employed persons

Benefits

The benefit is equal to 75 percent of the last covered daily wage before the incapacity began. It is paid for the first 90 days, then 85 percent after that time period. The benefit is paid for a maximum of 180 days in a calendar year. There is no limit for certain chronic diseases and no time limit.

Contributions

Employers and employees must pay social insurance contributions to the Ministry of Social Insurance and Social Affairs. The rate paid is based on the employee's monthly salary and is contributed to at a rate of 26 percent by the employer and 14 percent by the employee. Old-age pensioners contribute 1 percent of their pension. Survivors voluntarily contribute 2 percent of the survivor pension. In general, the social insurance laws do not apply to expatriates.

Disability Pension

Who is Eligible?

The insured must be assessed as totally or partially disabled and permanently incapable of any gainful employment. The disability must begin while in insured employment or within a year after employment ceased. They also must be:

• Younger than age 60
• Have at least 3 consecutive months (or a total of 6 months) of contributions

Benefits

The benefit is equal to 80 percent of average monthly base earnings. It is paid from the day after the disability began until full recovery or certification of permanent disability.

Contributions

Employers and employees must pay social insurance contributions to the Ministry of Social Insurance and Social Affairs. The rate paid is based on the employee's monthly salary and is contributed to at a rate of 26 percent by the employer and 14 percent by the employee. Old-age pensioners contribute 1 percent of their pension. Survivors voluntarily contribute 2 percent of the survivor pension. In general, the social insurance laws do not apply to expatriates.

Maternity Benefits

Who is Eligible?

The insured must have paid contributions for the last 10 months.

Benefits

Cash maternity benefits are available at 100 percent for 90 days.

Contributions

Employers and employees must pay social insurance contributions to the Ministry of Social Insurance and Social Affairs. The rate paid is based on the employee's monthly salary and is contributed to at a rate of 26 percent by the employer and 14 percent by the employee. Old-age pensioners contribute 1 percent of their pension. Survivors voluntarily contribute 2 percent of the survivor pension. In general, the social insurance laws do not apply to expatriates.