Pensioners laud Govt’s $25,000 one-off cash grant initiative

…as Region 4 benefits from roll out exercise

“I feel blessed. Thank God for the President. I’m thankful for this opportunity,” 67-year-old Llewellyn Gardner remarked after being one of the first pensioners to uplift his book and voucher at the Campbellville Secondary School on Monday last.
The Human Services and Social Security Ministry rolled out the massive distribution exercise of the one-off $25,000 cash grant along with the 2022 pension book delivery in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) on Monday, and found that pensioners were extremely happy to receive such.
Being able to uplift both the grant and book in just one trip, pensioners lauded the Ministry for this “forward-thinking approach.”

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, interacting with pensioners during the distribution exercise in Region Four this week. On occasion, she personally helped with the work

To this end, they thanked the Government and the Human Services and Social Security Ministry for making the assistance possible, noting that the extra money would help them with their bills, groceries, and other necessary expenses.
It was noted by the Ministry that persons who cannot walk have also been showing up at distribution sites with their relatives. These individuals were reminded that they can apply for ‘shut-in’ assistance, so that their vouchers and books can be delivered to them.
The Ministry also noted that as the week progressed, the process had become more orderly and simpler, and persons now seem to be more willing to follow protocols and the procedures in place.
However, due to the massive turn out during the first two days, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud advised pensioners to utilise the multiple days put in place for catchment areas for the roll-out process.
To this end, the Ministry reminded the public that it is necessary for persons to show up in the area that is assigned to serve them.
“We are very happy with the turnout we are seeing. This is the first time we are distributing the books of the coming year this early, and we’re happy that so many are coming out to uplift,” Deputy Director of Social Services, Hamwanttie Bisesar, has said.
She pointed out that the Ministry is doing its best to fast track the process, and called on pensioners to understand the reason they may have to wait for an extended period of time.
“The process takes a bit longer than usual because we have to go through one list for the pension book and one for the voucher, so we’re asking everyone to bear with us, because we have to go through two lists to get them their items,” she explained.
The Ministry reminded that the vouchers are valid until November 30, and can be cashed at any post office, Money Gram or Sure Pay location, or at all of the alternate venues.
The $25,000 cash grant and electricity subsidy specifically target vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those who rely on public assistance. It was announced recently by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.
Persons eligible for the grant are urged to check the newspapers and the Facebook Page of the Human Services Ministry for regular updates and schedules.
Pic saved as HSS Cash grant