THE Ministry of Social Welfare has clarified the new pension scheme announced in the 2013 National Budget address is only for people above the age of 70 years.
Ministry permanent secretary Govind Sami said people above 70 who do not have any source of income, are unemployed, do not receive any funds from the Fiji National Provident Fund or any other form of pension, are eligible to apply for the social pension.
Mr Sami said the program was designed for those people who have spent their lives in the rural areas as farmers, fishermen and village dwellers and have no cash income or formal employment.
“These recipients will now receive a monthly allowance from the government,” he said. He said those intending to apply for the assistance would be expected to follow the criteria in order to qualify for the program.
“The soial pension forms are currently available in all the district officers. These forms need to be certified by any community leader or by any civil servant. Applicants are also required to provide a certified birth certificate which will verify that correct payments are made to the recipients.”