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THE National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has increased monthly allowances for pensioners by 20 percent.
The development is expected to come as a relief to thousands of pensioners who have been complaining that they were getting meagre monthly payouts. Some are reportedly getting as little as $6 per month.
In a statement yesterday, NSSA said the increases were in terms of Statutory Instrument 61 of 2013 and were with effect from the beginning of this month.
“Notice is hereby given in terms of Statutory Instrument 61 of 2013, that minimum monthly pensions paid under the National Pension Scheme are increased with effect from 1 August 2013,” said NSSA.
Those who have been getting monthly retirement pensions of $40 would now get $60 per month.
Survivors’ pension, which is paid to surviving spouses or children of war veterans and invalidity pension have also been raised from $20 to $30 per month.
Children’s allowances have also been increased from $20 to $30 per month while the once off payment on the funeral grant would be $300 up from $200.
Also increased is the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fund, where work injury pension goes up from $30 to $45 per month.
The widow or widower pension of $20 per month would now be $30 while children’s allowances and dependants pension under the (WCIF) has been raised from $10 to $15 per month.
“In terms of Statutory Instrument 62 of 2013, all pensions in payment on 1 August 2013 will be increased by 20 percent across board and any pensions that are lower than the new monthly minimum stated after applying the 20 percent increase shall be increased to the new minimums stated,” read the statement.
Some pensioners especially in the clothing sector have been complaining that the monthly pensions they were getting were not sustainable.
“I am getting $6 per month and that is not enough to provide for my family. The full amount would be $14.43 per month and the bank deducts $8 leaving me with $6.
“I have been struggling to survive with my family because I have nothing else to do,” said Mr Ifort Sibanda, a former worker at Belmor Manufacturers in Belmont.
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derick.khumalo