Greater access to NHT benefits

THE NIGEL Clarke-chaired commission that was established in October 2016 to carry out a strategic review of the National Housing Trust (NHT ) has made a key recommendation that could create an avenue for more low-income earners to make contributions to the Trust and obtain benefits.

In its report, which was tabled in Parliament last week, the commission suggested that the NHT Act be amended to allow for flexible contribution payment arrangements for domestic workers, overseas and domestic farm workers, labourers, gardeners and contract workers.

The commission also wants the law governing the Trust to be amended to bring greater equity in the treatment of contract workers with respect to NHT contributions.

With the low incidence of impact among household services, contract workers and similar categories of workers, the commission recommends that the NHT reduce the time needed to access benefits, with the introduction of a Home Bond-type certification system.

This approach would allow both employees and their employers to purchase bonds annually on behalf of persons in the designated working groups instead of monthly contributions, which would simplify compliance.

The commission argues that this would also enhance access by domestic workers, labourers, seasonal workers, and gardeners to NHT housing benefits.

In its report, the commission points out that the household services working group encounters challenges as members of this group attempt to enrol as NHT contributors and then remain compliant. “Challenges arise as they seek to gain a full appreciation of the enrolment process and the documentation needed, as well as a full understanding of the time frame after which benefits become accessible,” the commission states.

‘Challenges arise as they seek to gain a full appreciation of the enrolment process and the documentation needed, as well as a full understanding of the time frame after which benefits become accessible’.