THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s annual old age pension book distribution commenced yesterday at different locations across the country and the ministry reported that, based on the visits made and reports it received, the process was smooth.

This early provision of the books for over 42,000 pensioners is part of Government’s effort to advance the distribution system, and will ensure that beneficiaries receive their 2014 grants in a timely manner.
During an invited comment to the Government Information Agency (GINA), subject Minister Jennifer Webster said the process has been moving apace in all the regions. She disclosed that from all reports the pensioners turned out in their numbers to uplift their books and, thus far, there were no hiccups.
Minister Webster said social workers in the respective areas will be visiting those persons who are shut-ins to ensure that their books are delivered directly to them. This will be done after the regular distribution process.  This exercise will continue until December 13.
Over the years, Government has been steadily increasing the non-contributory old age pension paid as a supportive supplement to persons over the age of 65 years. In 2012, pensioners received an increase of 33.33 percent or $10,000 monthly prior to the $7,500 they were collecting in 2011.
This year’s budget allocation saw pensioners benefiting from a 25% increase in their pension raising it to $12,500. The annual impact of this increase has resulted in an additional $1.3 Billion of disposable income being placed in the hands of senior citizens.
Additionally, Government also introduced the new electricity assistance for pensioners, which is intended to support them in a manner similar to that of the water subsidy where pensioners will benefit from an annual sum of $20,000 based on approximately 25 Kw hours of electricity.
Pensioners also benefit from the distribution of free spectacles under Government’s eye care assistance programme.