-citing greater convenience, accessibility
Pensioners and members of the public have welcomed the introduction of new payment options for beneficiaries of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
They said the initiative will make it easier and more convenient for persons to access their pensions.
The new measures, announced by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh on Wednesday, allow pensioners to receive their pension payments through platforms including Bill Express, MoneyGram and MMG.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with several pensioners who shared their views on the new initiative. P
Pensioner Natalia Gonsalves noted that the move will bring relief to many elderly persons who previously had to spend long periods waiting in lines to collect their payments.
“A system like that is much better because people don’t have to stand up at the long line at the post office waiting, sometimes in the sun and all of that,” Gonsalves said.
Although she currently receives her pension through the bank, Gonsalves noted that she supports the additional options being made available and encouraged other pensioners to utilise this service.
“Why not? Of course. I am good with through the bank, but I would encourage persons, yes, because that’s an easier way,” she added.
Another Pensioner, June Peters, said that she feels great because the initiative will benefit all seniors regardless of their circumstances.
“…Because I was at the post office and I saw many people in discomfort…I am very grateful that we have MMG and Bill Express. So, I thank the government,” Peters emphasised.
Clement Archer, another retiree, said he is glad that the wait time to access the pensions has been reduced.
“I think it is very good. You won’t have to waste that time any longer,” he said while standing outside of Citizens Bank in Georgetown.
Cybile Cort, another Pensioner, who drives a taxi for a living, said the move by the government and NIS is good and a step in the right direction.
“It is much easier…I want to encourage people to use the services,” the pensioner.
Meanwhile, Karen Barry, who has a family member receiving NIS pension, shared that the new payment methods will make the process more accessible for pensioners.
“I definitely would encourage people to use that system. It should be much easier on a pensioner,” Barry remarked.
She also noted that services such as MMG can help reduce the need for elderly persons to leave their homes and wait in long lines.
“It takes away from leaving the home and going and lining up and all of that, because they can have MMG in their phone and have the money come straight to them,” she said.
Latoya Pereira, whose mother-in-law is also a pensioner, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step towards improving accessibility and financial inclusion for pension beneficiaries.
“The National Insurance Scheme’s new payment methods initiative is a significant step toward greater financial inclusion, giving pensioners more convenient, accessible and dignified ways to receive their benefits,” Pereira said.
She added that the availability of more options will particularly benefit persons with accessibility challenges.
“I am particularly encouraged to see options that improve accessibility for visually impaired persons, providing greater independence and choice in accessing their funds,” Pereira said.
The new payment options form part of efforts to modernise the delivery of NIS pension services and provide pensioners with more convenient ways to receive their benefits.
I kept the angle centred on public reaction and the impact on pensioners, rather than repeating the announcement itself, which fits the DPI style better for a citizen-focused bulletin.