THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM among those who have noted with appreciation recent efforts to improve the lot of NIS pensioners and other beneficiaries. There is, however, one long-standing issue that does not appear to have been addressed and that is the difference in the age at which NIS pensions may be accessed by male and female pensioners.
In earlier years, I believe that the retirement age for men in Government-linked services was five years later than for women. If that were still the case, it might be reasonable for women to receive NIS payments upon retirement at age 60, and men upon their retirement at age 65.
The fact is, however, that while both men and women are sent on retirement at age 60, only women may access the NIS pension at that age, since men must wait a further five years to apply for it.
The injustice of the matter is further emphasised when demographic reports show women continuing to outlive men by at least three years in Jamaica.
I would be grateful if the Minister Horace Dalley would turn his attention to this matter.
I am, etc.,
P.L. MAXWELL
PO Box 237
Kingston 7
