Anguilla's Social Security Benefits Increased

(The Valley, Anguilla) - The Benefit Increases from Social Security that was announced by the Government of Anguilla in December last year is now a reality.

The Anguilla Social Security Board has confirmed that amendments were made to the Non-contributory Old Age Pension Regulations and the Benefits Regulations and these changes were signed by the Honorable Minister responsible for Social Security, Mr. Victor Banks on January 26, 2010. The new regulations are now called the Non-contributory Old Age Pension (Amendment) Regulations, 2010 and the Benefits (Amendment) Regulations, 2010.

In December the Executive Council had taken a decision to provide additional financial support for the less fortunate and older persons in Anguilla. The Honorable Chief Minister had reported that after seeing the 2008 Actuarial Report of Social Security the council had agreed to adjust allowances to various persons. He noted that it would alleviate quite a bit of stress on families and “will do something to help our people.”

The minimum age pension increased from $150 to $175 per week. Survivors and Disability (formally referred to as invalidity) benefits has also increased. Those that started in 2006 have been increased by 10%. Persons receiving pensions from 2007 will get an increase of 7% and those from 2008 will receive an increase of 5%.

Non-contributory Old Age Pensioners will now receive $105 per week, up from 92.50 per week. The Maternity grant of $600 has increased to $1,200. Executive council amended Funeral grants from the previous fixed figure of $3,000. Now if the person who dies is not more than two years old, the appropriate person is eligible to receive $1,000 towards burial. If the person is between two years and 15 years the amount is $3,000 and if the deceased is older than 15 years the amount is $5,000.

In his 2010 New Year’s Message, Director of Social Security Mr. Timothy Hodge reflected that, it was anticipated that 2009 would be a difficult year and the Social Security Board selected the theme “Being Proactive in Challenging Times” for that year. He pointed out that, in keeping with that theme, these benefit increases were designed to help cushion beneficiaries against rising costs. He had remarked that, “in these tough times, government and businesses have been constrained in their support of social and other programmes. We have therefore stepped up to the plate to fill the breach through our Development Fund and other sponsorships. Through these proactive efforts, Social Security continues to provide an invaluable social safety net both through its direct benefits and indirectly to the entire community.”

Acting Director of Social Security Mrs. Maglan Richardson was delighted that the increases were now available to come on stream in the near future. She said The Anguilla Social Security Board continues to express its concern for the elderly in Anguilla and these increases were in accordance with the Board's overall theme "Improving the Quality of Life for All".  She noted that, even though the increases took some time to come into effect, the Board was happy to announce that payments of the increases to its pensioners will be made shortly.

Social Security continues to be a committed leader in Anguilla’s social and economic development. We adhere to our core values of Accountability, Customer Focus, Teamwork, Integrity, Visionary Leadership and Excellence.