News

Pension Scheme increases

June 30, 2014 7:47 pm

Government has approved an increase in monthly social pension for senior citizens who are 70 years and over and who do not have any form of income or pension.

This after cabinet approved the increase in Social Pension Scheme for our senior citizens from $30 to $50 a month

Minister for Women and Social Welfare Dr Jiko Luveni says, the increases will come into effect from January next year

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“There has been an increase in request for this increase by pensioners themselves stating that the cost of the items from the shop when they reach maritime islands and rural areas increases so that $30 is not enough so they would be more comfortable with $50.”

Meanwhile, Neil Maharaj of the Fiji Council of Social Services is supporting government for its decision and believes senior citizens should be receiving pension at the age of 60 and not 70 .

“We feel that the social pension age should be brought down if possible which the government can look into for next year’s budget”

The Social Pension Scheme has a budgetary allocation of $3.2 million dollars and more than 9000 senior citizens will benefit from initiative.