Unemployment Benefits

What are unemployment benefits?

Unemployment benefits form part of social security in Zimbabwe and are processed under the Public Assistance Programme.  They are intended to protect people against vulnerability induced by poverty.

Who is eligible?

Public assistance is available to unemployed citizens. The assistance is non-contributory and is funded by the taxpayer. It is means-tested in the sense that only those persons who are proven to be unable to get assistance from their families will be assisted.

Where do you apply?

An individual can apply for assistance at their nearest District Social Welfare Office.

What criteria is used to screen an applicant?

The granting of assistance is usually dependent upon a home visit which will enable the investigating officers an opportunity to assess the degree of desperation. The findings of the investigating team will form the basis of the decision whether assistance should be granted. For example, if an applicant gives unemployment as the reason for destitution, they are asked to produce evidence that they are actively looking for employment. This is done to discourage dependency.

What law is applicable?

There is no legislation governing the operation of public assistance in Zimbabwe although plans are underway to enact such legislation.

Who runs the programme?

The Department of Social Welfare runs a public assistance programme which provides financial assistance to destitute members of society.

Who are the beneficiaries?

Under the fund the beneficiaries include people living with disabilities, the elderly and orphans who are required to register with the District Social Welfare services.

What are the current rates?

Each recipient receives a monthly payment of US$20.00. The register of beneficiaries is updated continually to ensure that there are no ghost beneficiaries and also to remove the deceased.  The vetting process also assists the Department of Social Welfare in terms of the number of people per district and how much is actually supposed to be posted to each district. 

Where is the money paid?

Beneficiaries of the scheme are advised to access the Fund through the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) or through the ministry district offices.

What are the shortcomings of the system?

Not all unemployed persons can get assistance from the fund as government tightens eligibility conditions in order to limit the number of claimants.

Many very poor people live in the rural areas, yet these people have no access to the fund.

Applicants are at the mercy of the administering officials who have to exercise their discretion, albeit arbitrarily.

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