Social benefits
Family Benefits in Mali
Family benefits are forms of assistance designed to support workers and their families during marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.
They are administered by the National Institute of Social Security (INPS). Eligibility depends on the worker’s circumstances, the benefit requested, and the supporting documentation provided.
1. Who funds family benefits?
The program is funded by a contribution of 8% of wages subject to social security contributions, which is paid entirely by the employer.
This contribution must therefore not be deducted from the worker’s salary.
2. What are the general eligibility requirements?
Registration with the INPS alone is not sufficient to qualify for all benefits.
For an initial application, the INPS requires, in particular:
- employment for nine consecutive months with one or more employers;
- at least 18 days or 120 hours of work per month, with certain periods of absence considered equivalent to work;
- pay at least equal to the minimum wage (SMIG), except for apprentices.
Conditions regarding residency and children also apply. In principle, the worker and the children must reside in Mali, subject to the exceptions provided for.
3. The First-Time Home Establishment Bonus
Also known as the first-marriage allowance, this benefit helps with household furnishings.
It applies to the worker’s first marriage, solemnized before a civil registrar, subject to eligibility requirements.
The allowance is paid only once. The application must be filed with the INPS within three months of the marriage, along with the marriage certificate and the required civil status documents.
INPS, First-Time Home Establishment Bonus.
4. Benefits Related to Pregnancy and Maternity
There are three types of assistance to distinguish.
Prenatal allowances support prenatal care. They may be available to a female employee or the legally married spouse of a salaried worker, subject to certain conditions. A declaration of pregnancy and the prescribed medical examinations are required. INPS, prenatal allowances.
Maternity benefits support the birth and medical care of the infant. They are distinct from the income paid during maternity leave. INPS, maternity benefits.
Daily maternity benefits compensate for the interruption of the employee’s work during her leave. To qualify, she must provide proof of her employment, the actual cessation of work, and the salary received prior to that cessation. INPS, daily benefits.
Maternity leave normally lasts 14 weeks, distributed as follows:
- 6 weeks before the expected date of delivery;
- 8 weeks after childbirth.
During this leave, the employment contract is suspended. A three-week extension is provided for in the event of a medically certified illness resulting from pregnancy or childbirth.
Labor Code, Articles L.179 through L.182.
5. Child Support Benefits for Dependent Children
These benefits contribute to the support, health, and education of children for whom the worker bears actual and ongoing responsibility.
The amount published by the INPS is 3,500 FCFA per child per month, paid quarterly.
Example: for three children eligible for the benefits, this amounts to 10,500 FCFA per month, or 31,500 FCFA for a full quarter.
The age limits specified by the INPS are as follows:
| Child’s Status | Expected age |
|---|---|
| General case | Ages 1 to 14 |
| Child in an apprenticeship | Up to 18 years old |
| Child continuing their education | Up to age 21 |
| Child with a disability or incurable illness that prevents them from working | Up to age 21 |
Payment is subject to submission of the required supporting documents.
6. What documents should you prepare?
The required documents depend on the benefit being requested. For the initial application, the standard documents listed by INPS include:
- the application for family benefits;
- the applicant’s birth certificate;
- proof of employment;
- the attendance record covering nine months.
For children, the following documents are required depending on their situation: birth certificates, proof of dependency, life certificates, medical certificates, school attendance certificates, or apprenticeship contracts. INPS, supporting documents regarding children.
The marriage certificate and the spouse’s birth certificate are specifically required for the first-time housing allowance. INPS, first-time housing allowance application.
Before submitting your application, verify that the last names, first names, and dates of birth match on all documents. Keep a copy of the application and proof of submission to facilitate tracking your request.