The Social Security Board announces increases in pension payments to all pensioners, effective 1^st January 2009. These increases have been approved by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis as a response to the effects of inflation on the existing Social Security pensions being received by persons across the Federation.

All minimum payments have been significantly upgraded by a 33% increase. Additionally, all persons already receiving payments which are more than the minimum will experience increases in varying amounts ranging from 3% to 15%. Assistance Pension is also being increased by 19%.

The details are as follows:

1.   Minimum contributory Age and Invalidity pensions are being increased by 33%: from $300.00 to $400.00 per month. Minimum widow/er survivor pension is being increased from $150.00 to $200.00 per month while the minimum pension for children and parents is being increased from $72.00 to $96.00 per month. 

2.   Assistance Pension is being increased from $210.00 to $250.00 per month (that is $125.00 per half month). This represents a 19% increase.

3.   In the case of other age, invalidity and survivors pensions above the minimum, increases will be allocated as follows:

                              i.            Persons awarded in 2005 and before will be granted a 15% increase

                           ii.            Persons awarded in 2006 will be granted a 10% increase

                        iii.            Persons awarded in 2007 will be granted a 5% increase

                         iv.            Persons awarded in 2008 will be granted a 3% increase

The Board takes the opportunity to express its best wishes to all pensioners.