Some 12,000 Jamaicans 75 years and older are now benefitting from the Government’s Social Pension Programme.

Steps are also being taken to assist another 2,000 would-be beneficiaries to enroll under the programme according to the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Karl Samuda.

The programme was launched in July 2021 to assist elderly Jamaicans who had no pension support.

“We are aware that some eligible seniors have been experiencing difficulty registering on the programme, owing to the lack of documentation. Through a collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, the Ministry will be assisting 2,000 elderly persons to obtain their birth certificates,” Samuda shared last Wednesday as he made his contribution to the 2023/24 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

He made a personal appeal for those in need of assistance and not receiving a pension or an allowance from the Government to apply for assistance under the Social Pension Programme.

“The budgetary provision is in place. Don’t shy away from registering. Get in touch with your MLSS (Ministry of Labour and Social Security) parish office and we will provide the necessary support,” Samuda said.