The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services (MPSDFS), led by the Honourable Vandana Mohit, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, held a courtesy meeting with representatives of the National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago (NIBTT) to discuss its continued role as a key stakeholder in the delivery of the Ministry’s Social Welfare Programme.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss ongoing cheque production services and arrangements to ensure the continued and timely delivery of social assistance payments to beneficiaries.
During the meeting, the Ministry confirmed that payments totaling Two Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and One Dollars and Eighteen Cents ($2,553,601.18) were made to NIBTT. This sum relates to the production of cheques for beneficiaries of the Senior Citizens’ Pension (SCP), Disability Assistance Grant (DAG) for adults and minors, and Public Assistance Grant (PAG).
Minister Mohit noted that while the Ministry continues to expand the use of electronic payments, a significant number of beneficiaries still depend on the cheque-based system. “At this juncture we are ensuring that all new applicants benefits are paid via Direct Deposit, it must be noted that there are close to forty thousand persons currently on our cheque-based system who will
continue to receive their support via this cheque-based method.” the Minister said.
The Ministry is therefore managing the process carefully to ensure that beneficiaries who are not yet able to access electronic payment channels continue to receive their monthly assistance without interruption.
The MPSDFS remains committed to strengthening the efficiency, security and accountability of social assistance payments, while ensuring that vulnerable beneficiaries continue to receive the financial support on which they depend.