Examinations Department
Call for Enlistment of Soldiers in the Armed Forces of Malta (Regular Force) - 2015
Part I: Physical Efficiency Test
The Director of Examinations notifies that the notice of the above mentioned examinations has been sent to the candidates concerned.
Those applicants who have not received the notice of the examination are advised to contact immediately the Department of Examinations, Floriana on telephone number 25982968.
Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity
The Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity is hereby extending the scheme introduced with effect from 1 January 2014, which aim is to introduce persons who have been registering for more than two years under Part One of the Register maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Employment and Training Services Act and/or who are in receipt of Social Assistance as per Article 30 of the Social Security Act(Cap. 318) to partake in insurable employment.
With effect from 1st January, 2015, this scheme is also reaching the head of household, being a single parent and taking care of children under the age of 23 and being in receipt of Social Assistance as per Article 30 of the Social Security Act (Cap 318).
Definitions
In this scheme, unless the context requires otherwise:
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for Social Policy;
“Director” means the Director General responsible for the Department of Social Security;
“Head of Household” shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318);
“Household” shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318);
“Insurable Employment” shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318)
Who is eligible for this Scheme
The head of household who has been in receipt of any one of the following non-contributory social benefits for a minimum period of two years in the three years preceeding the claim; and the head of household being a single parent and taking care of children under the age of 23 and in receipt one of the following non-contributory benefits.
Social Assistance; or
Unemployment Assistance.
Employers who decide to employ persons who are in receipt of one of the social benefits mentioned above.
How to acquire the right for this scheme
A beneficiary who is registering under Part One of the Register maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Employment and Training Services Act, and has been in receipt of the Unemployment Assistance for a minimum period of two years in the three years preceeding the claim.
A beneficiary in receipt of Social Assistance for a minimum period of two years in the three years preceeding the claim and who decides to partake in insurable employment.
A beneficiary, being the head of household who is a single parent and taking care of children under the age of 23.
A beneficiary in receipt of Social Assistance for a minimum period of two years in the three years preceeding the claim and who enters into a marriage or civil union with a person participating in a gainful occupation.
The Director may, from time to time, request any other document that may be required so that the claim may be processed, revised or renewed.
What does this scheme consist of
This scheme consists of the following:
A beneficiary of Social Assistance, or the spouse of such beneficiary, according to the provisions of Article 30 of the Social Security Act (Cap. 318) and who has been in receipt of this benefit for a minimum period of two years in the three years preceeding the claim, shall not forfeit the entitlement for Social Assistance and that the person shall still be entitled to 65% of the rate for the first year, to 45% of the rate for the second year and 25% of the rate for the third and last year. The eligibility depends on the person’s income being not less than the National Minimum Wage.
A beneficiary of Social Assistance, who is the head of household, being a single parent and taking care of children under the age of 23 and partakes insurable employment of not less than ten (10) hours per week at the hourly rate equivalent to the National Minimum Wage (€4.16), shall not forfeit the entitlement for Social Assistance, and that person shall still be entitled to 65% of the rate for the first year, to 45% of the rate for the second year and 25% of the rate for the third and last year.
A beneficiary of Social Assistance, who has been in receipt of this benefit for a minimum period of two years in the last three years preceeding the claim, and enters a marriage or civil union with an employed person whose income is equivalent to the weekly National Minimum Wage, shall not forfeit the entitlement for Social Assistance, and that person shall still be entitled to 65% of the rate for the first year, to 45% of the rate for the second year and 25% of the rate for the third and last year.
The employer shall be entitled to 25% of the rate due for every year for a maximum period of three years and in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section.
The employer shall be entitled to 12.5% of the rate due for every year for a maximum period of three years if the beneficiary is employed on a part-time basis and in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
The employer shall not be entitled to any payments in respect of provisions of paragraph (c).
How shall this Assistance be granted
The percentages of payment as explained in Section 4, are to be calculated only on the main benefit (Social Assistance and Unemployment Assistance). In the case of Children’s Allowance and Supplementary Allowance, employment income shall be calculated in terms of the provisions of Part VII and Part VIII of the Second Schedule of the Social Security Act (Cap. 318) respectively.
This scheme is applicable to both full-time and part-time employments. However the income shall not be less than the National Minimum wage which amounts to €166.26 per week for 2015. This amount varies annually depending on the cost of living adjustment as awarded by the Government.
This scheme is applicable also to the head of household, being a single parent taking care of children under the age of 23 and the income exceeds the amount of €41.60 per week.
Persons are eligible for this scheme on a one time basis up to a maximum of three years. Nevertheless, if a person does not continue to benefit from this scheme for the full period of three years, the person shall still be eligible to benefit in future from this scheme for that remaining period.
Employers can benefit from this scheme in respect of every person employed by him or her and who is eligible in accordance with the conditions established in this government notice.
The percentages paid to persons who are self-occupied shall be identical to percentages paid to persons in insurable employment, as explained in Section 4 (a), (b) and (c).
Provision of false information and non-compliance with the provisions of the Social Security Act (Cap 318)
If a person:
Provides false information or fails to report to the Director any change in circumstances; or
Fails to comply with the provisions of the Social Security Act (Cap. 318)
with the aim of obtaining or continuing to obtain this assistance from the beneficiary and the employer, the provisions of Part X of the Social Security Act (Cap. 318) shall be applicable.
Duration of the Scheme
The scheme shall enter into force on the 1st January 2015 and shall remain in force until such date as the Minister may prescribe in the Government Gazette.
Amendments to the Scheme
The Minister may effect any necessary amendments to this scheme by publishing the said amendments in the Government Gazette.
Mur Lura
01/01/2015
MFSS scheme chart Gaz 1.9.pdf