Social Security
Pension Rights
Botswana provides a government-funded universal pension at a flat rate from age 65, with periodic adjustments for the cost of living.
Both men and women are entitled to a pension from age 65 onward. To claim pension, the person in question must have a valid national identity card. For old-age benefits, the monthly old-age benefit amount is 630 Pula. That being said, the benefits are to be adjusted periodically due to changes in the cost of living. The entire source of funds is from the Government. The old age pension system is universal and is not linked to employment and/or contributions by workers.
Source: ISSA Country Profile
Dependents' / Survivors' Benefit
Botswana provides government-funded survivor benefits for WWII widows and orphans, including allowances, food vouchers, and education support. Widows' allowances are split if there are multiple beneficiaries and end upon remarriage.
For Universal pension, the source of which is the government, there are survivor benefits for War Veteran’s allowance (WW II) and Orphan Care benefit for widow or orphan of a World War I and II deceased veteran. . Under War Veteran’s allowance, the monthly survivor’s amount, has been increased from 450 Pula to 700 Pula per month. If there is more than one widow, the pension is split equally. The widow’s allowance will cease upon her remarriage.
There is also an orphan care benefit where the orphan's guardian pays an electronic food voucher of 650 pula. In addition, the cost of school uniforms, subsidies for transportation, clothing and rent, support for special dispensation for tertiary education and support for additional education needs is also paid.
Source: §14 of the Workers Compensation Act, 1973; ISSA Country Profile
Invalidity Benefit
For Disability Allowance under Universal Pension, the entire source of funds is the government. It is paid to individuals who have severe disabilities. For Disability Allowance, the revised amount is 550 pula per month. Additionally, a monthly electronic food voucher worth 600 to 1200 Pula is also paid depending upon the local authority.
Source: ISSA Country Profile
Regulations on Social Security
- Workers Compensation Act, 1973
