Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, Vandana Mohit says all current Senior Citizens’ Pension recipients within the programme’s existing income bands, including those in the highest bracket of $4,500 to $5,500, will receive the additional $250 increase from January 1st, 2027.
This as she rejected Opposition claims that the existing income cap would prevent eligible recipients from benefiting from the planned increase.
“They raised the cap in the budget statement, but they never effected it. So the bracket remained at $5,500. And you are there in the public domain speaking about the cap, and if you don’t raise the cap, you’re fooling the people? Mr. Speaker, that is hypocrisy at its highest level.”
The Minister also sought to reassure pensioners that Government’s planned $250 increase will apply across all income bands under the Senior Citizens’ Pension programme from January 1st, 2027.
“Income band of $0 to 2500, the current SCP cash transfer value is $3,500. As of January 1st, 2027, it will be $3,750. The income band, $2,500 to $3500. The current SCB cash transfer value is $2,500. Mr. Speaker, effective January 1st, they will go home with $2,750. Mr. Speaker, where the income band is $3,500 to $4500, the current SCP transfer value is $1,500, effective January 1st, 2027, they will go home with $1,750. The income ban $4,500 to $5,500, the current SCB cash transfer value, $500, the recipient will go home with $750.”
The increase will also be extended to recipients of the Public Assistance Grant, with monthly payments rising by $250 across all categories, including households with multiple dependents.
Minister Mohit assured that Government is committed to providing additional financial support to vulnerable citizens through the planned increases, effective January 1st, 2027.