Cabinet Responds to Pensioners’ Complaints Over Delays and Benefits
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has acknowledged a letter from the Antigua and Barbuda Pensioners Association outlining several complaints about the management of pension benefits, including delayed payments, poor customer service, and the withdrawal of early pension options.
According to Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, Cabinet members reviewed the correspondence during their weekly meeting and directed the Social Security Board to address the concerns “as a matter of urgency.”
Merchant said the Cabinet is aware of the challenges faced by pensioners and has instructed the Board to take corrective measures to ensure that payments are made on time and that service standards are improved.
“The Cabinet has taken note of the issues raised by the Antigua and Barbuda Pensioners Association and has asked the Social Security Board to review and respond promptly,” Merchant explained, adding that officials are expected to provide an update on progress in the coming weeks.
The letter from the Pensioners Association reportedly expressed frustration over prolonged delays in benefit processing, limited communication with beneficiaries, and the recent suspension of early pension payments, which some retirees had relied on for financial stability.
The Cabinet’s directive comes amid increasing public attention to the efficiency and financial management of the Social Security Scheme, a critical safety net for thousands of citizens.
Officials say the government remains committed to safeguarding the sustainability of the fund while ensuring that pensioners receive their entitlements with dignity and reliability.
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Why is this an issue because social security doesn’t have the best interest of senior citizens in mind. If you are retired involuntary they give you a decreased pension after you have contributed for more than 30 years this is totally unfair and inhumane.
It is not Social security alone what happened to the backpay for pensioners since last year for persons who were working in 2018/19 no word on that from the government
Yes that is so t r ue,. For about 8 months now we were told that the Treasury will process some back pay that pensioners were due and they would call. We are still waiting on that call. It’s hard that after working forty plus years we cannot be paid in a timely manner to allow us to enjoy the fruits of our labour. Such a pity. Mr Prime while money is in the Treasury to pay for vehicles none is there to allow us to eat better.
Dem nah kay! Period!