The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services (MPSDFS) is aware of public statements made by an individual, via Facebook regarding the outcome of an application for the Senior Citizens’ Pension. While the Ministry empathises with the concerns expressed, it is important to clarify the basis upon which decisions 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. Rather, it represents the State’s consideration, administered through the Ministry, to provide financial assistance to senior citizens who meet specific qualifying criteria.
One of the key requirements of the programme is that applicants must meet the income eligibility criteria. This requirement is applied uniformly and is essential to ensuring that limited public resources are directed to the most financially vulnerable.
In this specific case, and following solid and reliable investigations, the Ministry established that the applicant is in receipt of an alternative monthly income. As a result, the applicant did not meet the programme’s income eligibility requirements and was therefore not approved. Contrary to reports circulating on social media, the applicant was formally notified in writing of the disallowance of their claim, in keeping with standard practice. The applicant did not exercise their right to appeal the Board’s decision in accordance with the Senior Citizens’ Pension Act.
The Ministry wishes to reassure the public that individuals who do not qualify for a particular programme are not automatically excluded from all forms of assistance. Where appropriate, applicants may be guided toward alternative support mechanisms, including psychosocial services, referrals to relevant agencies, or other social development programmes administered by the State, depending on their circumstances.
Applicants are also advised that should their circumstances change, they may reapply, and that they retain the right to appeal the decision through the relevant Local Board, in accordance with established procedures.
The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services reiterates that grant processing decisions are never arbitrary, but are made through established protocols guided by policy and law, as well as verification and fairness. The process is also bound by strict confidentiality obligations; therefore, personal details beyond what is necessary to correct the public record cannot be disclosed.
The Ministry remains committed to supporting senior citizens who qualify for assistance and to administering all programmes with compassion, integrity, and transparency. Members of the public are encouraged to seek information directly from official Ministry channels to ensure accuracy and clarity.