Senior Citizens’ Pension Subject to Eligibility Criteria, Ministry Clarifies

The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services (MPSDFS) has clarified that the Senior Citizens’ Pension is not granted solely on the basis of age, but is subject to specific qualifying requirements, including income eligibility.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said it was aware of public comments made on Facebook by an individual regarding the outcome of an application for the pension. While expressing empathy for the concerns raised, the ministry said it was important to clarify how decisions under the programme are made and to ensure the public is accurately informed.

“The Senior Citizens’ Pension is not a benefit granted solely on the basis of age,” the ministry stated. “Rather, it represents the State’s consideration, administered through the ministry, to provide financial assistance to senior citizens who meet specific qualifying criteria.”

According to the ministry, one of the key requirements of the programme is that applicants must meet income eligibility thresholds. This criterion, it said, is applied uniformly to ensure that limited public resources are directed to the most financially vulnerable citizens.

“As a result, the applicant did not meet the programme’s income eligibility requirements and was therefore not approved,” the ministry said. It also addressed claims circulating on social media, stating that the applicant was formally notified in writing of the decision, in keeping with standard practice. The ministry added that the applicant did not exercise the right to appeal the decision in accordance with the Senior Citizens’ Pension Act.

The ministry further emphasised that individuals who do not qualify for a specific programme are not automatically excluded from receiving other forms of State assistance. Where appropriate, applicants may be referred to alternative support mechanisms, including psychosocial services, referrals to relevant agencies or other social development programmes, depending on their circumstances.

Applicants were also advised that they may reapply if their circumstances change and that they retain the right to appeal decisions through the relevant local board, following established procedures.

“The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services reiterates that grant processing decisions are never arbitrary,” the statement said. “They are made through established protocols guided by policy and law, as well as verification and fairness.”

The ministry also noted that the process is bound by strict confidentiality requirements and, as such, personal details beyond what is necessary to correct the public record cannot be disclosed.

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