By Belize Live News Staff: The Social Security Board (SSB) has released an official statement detailing the proceedings surrounding the benefit claims of Police Officer Santiago Ciau, who passed away earlier this year. The SSB outlined the timeline of events regarding his claims for Sickness and Invalidity Benefits and addressed the legal decisions that were made as a result of those claims.
Santiago Ciau joined the Belize Police Force in 2006 and, from March 2008 to February 2021, he was a recipient of Sickness Benefits from the SSB due to various health issues. In his latest round of claims, Ciau received Sickness Benefits from April 30, 2021, until December 19, 2021, reaching the maximum 234 days permitted by law.
However, from February 1, 2022, Ciau’s claim for additional Sickness Benefits was denied because he had exhausted the maximum allowable days. In March 2023, a Government of Belize Medical Board reviewed his health status, concluding that he was unfit for continued service. Ciau was retired from the public service on March 22, 2023.
On April 24, 2023, Mr. Ciau submitted an Invalidity Benefit claim, asserting that his incapacitation was not the result of a work-related incident. However, a Medical Board, consisting of two specialists, reviewed the medical evidence and on May 8, 2023, determined that Ciau did not qualify as invalid. The specialists indicated that while Ciau required total hip replacement surgery, he would be able to return to gainful employment following the procedure.
Ciau, through his legal counsel, appealed this decision on May 26, 2023. The Appeals Tribunal reviewed the case on August 16, 2023, and upheld the Medical Board’s findings, reaffirming that Ciau was not invalid. On December 4, 2023, Ciau and his attorney were notified that he had 21 days to appeal the decision, but Ciau ultimately chose not to pursue the matter further.
Santiago Ciau passed away in 2024. His family applied for and received a Funeral Grant on October 15, 2024, from the SSB. His beneficiaries are also entitled to claim Survivor Benefits under the SSB scheme.
The SSB emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating all claims to ensure benefits are paid only when legal criteria are met. The board noted that Mr. Ciau was never denied an opportunity to appeal to the High Court regarding his invalidity claim. Additionally, the SSB reiterated that Ciau had not applied for Employment Injury Benefits during his period of illness, and there was no record of any workplace accident.
In its press release, the SSB highlighted its responsibility to carefully scrutinize claims, ensuring that no fraudulent payments are made and that all benefits align with the law. It urged employees to stay informed about the status of their claims and emphasized the duty of employers to make contributions on behalf of their employees.
The SSB concluded its statement by reinforcing its commitment to serving insured persons with fairness and transparency. It also reminded the public that individuals who claim incapacity must undergo an independent medical review to determine their eligibility for Invalidity Benefits.
