Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter

Paulette Simpson (left), JNBS chief representative officer in the UK, records important information to assist a pensioner attending the JN Pension Expediter Service meeting in May Pen, Clarendon, in 2007. Pension increases will be paid as of November. - File

Government has announced an increase in pension benefits. Finance Minister Audley Shaw said in the House of Representatives on Tuesday that $450 million has been provided for the increase, which would help to "minimise the effects of increase in the cost of living".

Some 24,290 pensioners are to benefit from the increase, which will be rolled out in November.

However, with year-to-date inflation running at 26.4 per cent, some of the more vulnerable pensioners will barely feel the impact of the increase.

Pensioners who are now receiving under $20,000 per month will get an increase of a further $2,080 per month.

Central Kingston Member of Parliament Ronald Thwaites sought confirmation from Shaw on whether 5,500 of the persons now receiving pension were getting less than the minimum wage of $3,700 per 40-hour workweek.

Shaw said that he was unable to say so. Nor did he reveal whether the increase would move pension payments to at least $3,700 weekly.

Other Increases

Pensioners who now receive more than $20,000 per month, but less than $30,000, will receive an increase of $1,900 per month.

Pensioners who now receive more than $30,000 per month, but less than $40,000, will receive an increase of $1,700 per month.

Pensioners who now receive more than $40,000 per month, but less than $50,000, will receive an increase of $1,250 per month.

Pensioners who now receive more than $50,000 per month, but less than $75,000, will receive an increase of $750 per month.

Pensioners who now receive more than $75,000 per month will receive an increase of $600 per month.

Widows and widowers will receive an increase of $1,200 monthly.

Dependants of pensioners will get $9,000 per year or $750 per month.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com