NGOs applaud increase in social pension

Two Non-Government Organisation’s, the Fiji Council of Social Services and Chanel Home of Compassion have both applauded the move to recognize the needs of senior citizens.

This is after the Ministry for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation confirmed that cabinet has approved a $20 increase requested by senior citizens.

Chanel Home of Compassion Sister Emi Frances said government’s recent assistance has helped the organization to expand its services to their disadvantaged senior citizens.

The Minister for Social Welfare, Dr. Jiko Luveni said the increase of Social Pension Scheme from $30 to $50 will begin from next year.

Ministry of Social Welfare is currently assisting 9,675 senior citizens who are 70 years and who do not have any form of income or pension, or have never been part of a superannuation scheme