Self-Employed Workers Urged to Update Social Security Earnings Following Minimum Wage Increase

The Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board is advising self-employed individuals to update their declared earnings following the recent increase in the national minimum wage.

In a media release issued Friday, the Board said the National Minimum Wage was raised to EC$11.50 per hour effective April 1, 2026, in accordance with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code (Minimum Basic Wage) Order 2026 No. 30.

Officials explained that the wage adjustment directly affects the social security obligations of self-employed persons, whose contributions are based on their declared earnings.

As a result, self-employed individuals currently declaring monthly earnings below EC$2,000 are being urged to update their records to remain compliant and to protect their future benefits.

The Social Security Board said accurate declarations are important because future benefits, including pensions and other payments, are calculated based on contributions made over time. Underreporting income, the release warned, could lead to significantly lower benefit payouts in the future.

The Board also stressed that compliance with the updated minimum wage requirements is a legal obligation for all registered self-employed persons and noted that declarations below the minimum wage threshold will not be accepted.

Self-employed workers seeking clarification on how the changes may affect their accounts are encouraged to contact the Self-Employed Unit at 268-736-3000 for further information.