SSB Clarifies Denial of Invalidity Benefits for Deceased Officer Santiago Ciao Jr.

The Social Security Board (SSB) says that, contrary to news reports, former police officer Santiago Ciao Junior. who passed away earlier this week, did not qualify for invalidity benefits. SSB issued a statement today, following reports that Ciao’s claim was unduly rejected. In the statement, SSB explained that, to qualify for Invalidity Benefit, applicants must be under 60 years of age and certified by a medical board as being permanently unable to perform any type of work due to illness. The SSB’s Medical Board, which consists of two to three doctors, reviews each case independently, following established legal guidelines. While government medical reports are considered in the review process, they are not the sole deciding factor. The SSB said, quote, “In Mr. Ciau’s case, after a review of the relevant documents and medical reports, the SSB Medical Board determined that he did not meet the criteria for Invalidity Benefit. Following this decision, Mr. Ciao exercised his right to appeal and, on August 16, 2023, brought his case before the Social Security Appeals Tribunal,” end of quote. Today, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Luis Luke Martinez, says that Ciao’s case is one that needs to be followed up with.

Santiago Ciao Jr. died on October 8 at the age of 37 after a lengthy battle with a bone disease. He is being laid to rest tomorrow.