PENSIONERS who are unable to leave their homes will now have their pensions delivered to them, while the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) will also be partnering with Money Gram and Western Union, for those businesses to be an alternative for pension payments.
During a virtual press conference last Monday, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, said that of the 59, 406 persons currently receiving government provided pensions, some 3400 are homebound, and so the Ministry has put this new system in place to assist them.
Of the remaining 56,000 who still come out to uplift their pensions, the minister said several initiatives are being explored to widen the range of available alternatives for them to access their monies, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Customarily pensioners cash their monthly pension vouchers at the varying post offices across the country.
However, due to the volume of persons, the situation usually creates long lines and waiting times at the varying post offices. The need for alternatives for the senior citizens, was brought into focus earlier this year when, despite the need for social distancing, many pensioners turned up, as per normal, at their post offices to cash their vouchers.

“There are plans to have a phased approach to alternative venues that would include places like Money Gram, and Western Union, so that the post offices are not the only venue that persons can go to. We are looking at the alternatives for long term accessibility,” Minister Persaud explained.

Pensioners will also be encouraged to sign up for a direct bank payment system, whereby their pensions will be paid directly into their bank accounts, while the MHSSS will be looking to collaborate more closely with the Ministry of Local Government to ensure pensioners in the regions receive their pension in a timely manner, and that the Ministry plays a more active role in facilitating the distribution of pensions in remote areas.

To alleviate the long lines at the post offices, earlier this year there was the implementation of the option for pensioners to receive their pensions through their bank accounts, while an alphabetical system, using the surnames/last names, during the first five days of the month was also introduced.