Recognising the financial challenges that often beset members of the country’s elderly population, Minister of Labour and Social Security Karl Samuda says a social pension programme will be implemented this year to reduce income inequalities and promote a better quality of life for these individuals.

Samuda made the announcement while addressing the House of Representatives during his contribution to the 2021-2022 Sectoral Debate on Tuesday (April 27).

According to Samuda, “the first phase of the programme, which begins on July 15, targets seniors over 75 years who are not in receipt of a pension, disability benefit or other retirement benefit or income…(who) do not reside in a government-financed institution”.

The Social Pension Programme

The minister added that individuals who receive cash grants from PATH poor relief, prior to age 75, would be transitioned to the new programme once they turn 75.

The social pension programme is being funded by an $800-million budget which will see to a monthly payment of $3,400 for all beneficiaries of the programme.

To ensure that those most in need are able to benefit from the programme, Samuda said he would be utilising the assistance of 300 youngsters islandwide to aid the country’s social workers in identifying programme beneficiaries.