MONROVIA – In a move to strengthen support for Liberia’s retirees, the Director General of the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), Dewitt B. VonBallmoos, has announced a one-time 50 percent bonus for all pensioners and an increase in the minimum monthly pension benefit to $50.
The announcement came during the celebration of NASSCORP’s 50th anniversary, a milestone event that reflected on the institution’s legacy and its vision for the future of social protection in Liberia.
“Our pensioners are hardworking citizens who helped build this country. Ensuring their dignity and welfare is central to our mission,” VonBallmoos stated. He reassured the public that all monthly benefits had already been disbursed on time and encouraged beneficiaries to check their payment alerts.
The Director General also highlighted NASSCORP’s continued investment in modernization and service delivery. Among the achievements mentioned were the adoption of biometric systems, enhanced online access to services, and the expansion of regional operations to better serve pensioners nationwide.
“Today, as we mark 50 years of NASSCORP, we reflect on a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs in Liberia’s social insurance sector,” he remarked.
VonBallmoos expressed deep appreciation to President Joseph N. Boakai for his leadership and support and paid tribute to former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George M. Weah for their roles in advancing reforms during their administrations. He also acknowledged the contributions of international partners, particularly the United Nations and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in laying the foundation for Liberia’s social insurance framework.
Looking back, VonBallmoos recounted NASSCORP’s humble beginnings as a subsidy-dependent agency operating from rented buildings. Today, it boasts modern facilities, including its headquarters, the Jamali Diagnostic and Medical Center, and the Master House Complex.
Former Director General Francis M. Carbah, delivering the keynote address, emphasized the need for resilience and collective responsibility in nation-building. Drawing from his own leadership experience, Carbah urged Liberians to prioritize investment in people rather than policies alone.
“It’s not just about policy—it’s about people,” he declared, calling for greater public awareness of social security rights and responsibilities. His heartfelt message, promoting unity and social equity, earned a standing ovation from the audience.
Assistant Director General Winston Q. Jah also reflected on Liberia’s social welfare journey, tracing the evolution from traditional family-based safety nets to modern social protection mechanisms. He underscored how economic changes weakened extended family support systems, making institutions like NASSCORP essential.
Jah paid tribute to the visionaries who laid the groundwork for Liberia’s social security system, including Mr. Christian Maxwell, the Corporation’s first Director General, and the architects of the Employment Injury Scheme launched in 1980.
The golden jubilee celebration brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector, as well as past and present NASSCORP staff. The event marked not just a commemoration of the past, but a renewed commitment to the future.
“As we look ahead, NASSCORP will continue to be a symbol of stability, resilience, and national unity,” VonBallmoos affirmed. “This 50th anniversary is not just a celebration of our history, but a launchpad for stronger systems and deeper engagement with the Liberian people.”
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