Dear Editor,
Some measure of confusion exists at the Anna Regina Office of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in Region No.2 in assessing the eligibility for old age pension with the age eligibility being 65.
I have a sister, who was born on the 23rd of September, 1942 and shortly after reaching 65 years in 2007 I enquired from the office after producing her ID card and Birth Certificate when she would be entitled to benefit from old age pension.
The explanation given to me was that she would have to wait for another year and after completing 66 years on the 23rd September 2008, three days later being a Friday, I accompanied her to the office where no employee was available.
As usual, any Friday is like holiday with pay in the t
own for a lot of employees there.
Several other persons were also there with some of them saying that their visit had been arranged for that day.
When contact was made again at the office on Wednesday (2008-10-01), it was revealed that my sister should have been in receipt of old age pension since last year. The relevant document was signed by her then to become a recipient.
My sister has been domiciled here throughout her lifetime, and through no fault of her own, consideration should be given by the Ministry for her to get the one year pension money as she is entitled to it.
Yours faithfully,
Baliram Persaud
