The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) provides comprehensive coverage for social risks such as disability, which can result from illness or accidents at any point in life. Claudia Sentes, head of the Department of Disability, Old Age and Survivorship (IVS), stated: "What distinguishes IGSS from other insurance is that there is no final amount to be granted and contributors are protected by contributing only 1.83% of their salary."
Those who receive a disability pension also have access to comprehensive care. One of the benefits provided by IGSS is the disability pension, intended for those affected by accidents or illness.
According to data from the Department of Legal Medicine and Disability Evaluation within the Sub-Management of Monetary Benefits, there were ten main diagnoses that led to disability under the IVS program in 2024.
To request a disability pension from IGSS, affiliates must meet certain conditions:
For illness-related disability, the affiliate must have made 36 contributions to the IVS Program within six years prior to the first day of disability.
For accident-related cases, the affiliate must have current employment status at the time of risk and three months of contributions within six months before the date of risk.
The Department of Legal Medicine and Disability Evaluation determines both existence and degree of disability using updated technical criteria.
Applicants need to provide several documents including an employment history form (IVS-102), a sworn declaration (IVS-108) for beneficiaries, valid identification documents for themselves and adult beneficiaries, birth certificates for children or parents declared as dependents, and all relevant identification documents must be current. For both illness and accident cases leading to disability claims, applicants must undergo evaluation by the department mentioned above.
Claudia Sentes explained: "Disability can occur due to an accident or as a consequence of some disease; therefore being protected by IGSS means having benefits such as monthly pension payments and specialized medical services."
Additional information about requirements or procedures can be found on the official website https://www.igssgt.org/, through institutional contact centers at PBX 1522, or at IGSS’s Central Offices Affiliate Service Center (CATAFI) as well as local delegations.
Affiliates residing in Guatemala Department may call PBX 2412-1255 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm to schedule an appointment with CATAFI agents who will assist with setting up a date for processing their application. Those living outside this area should visit their nearest delegation during business hours Monday through Friday.
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