Dear Editor,
My father, a contractor has been self employed for 33 years. He was involved in an accident at work, whereby he lost his right thumb and has been unable to use his right hand to work. He is an NIS contributor (NIS # B6241228) and has been contributing to the scheme for many years and has benefited before.
During the accident, he was hospitalized at a private institution for two days. After release, we visited the NIS Brickdam office and spoke to a representative there to get information on how my father can receive benefits and reimbursements for his medical expenses. We were told that an officer would need to visit our home to conduct a thorough investigation, to confirm that the accident was not intentional. We waited and are still waiting 2 years later.
We filled out forms, submitted them and went through the royal run-around. My father is 52 years of age and cannot work because of his injury. We have been told by some persons that he cannot benefit from NIS because he is self employed. If this statement is correct, allow me to question, why is NIS accepting contributions from self employed persons?
Being a contractor is the only trade my father has learnt since h was a teenager, and after spending so much time and money on NIS, it’s unfair to him. I personally know what a person goes through at NIS; these people literally confuse the hell out of you.
Can someone please explain to me, why my father is been put through this hell hole? Isn’t NIS there to offer help? Aren’t we the ones paying them a salary? Can Ms Seepaul answer my question? Ms Seepaul acknowledged the receipt of the first mail that was sent and that was it.
My father is suffering as he cannot care and support his family as a father and sole bread-winner.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Ms Diane Baxter-Lewis, the PRO of NIS for any comment she might wish to make.
