Opposition Spokesperson on Social Transformation and Social Protection Dr Angela Brown Burke, is urging the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) to provide pensioners with clear information and a definite timeline for the payment of National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensions that were due on September 15.

The call follows concerns raised by pensioners who expected to receive their scheduled payments yesterday but were unable to access the funds. While the Ministry has acknowledged the delay and issued a statement explaining the circumstances, Dr Brown Burke said affected pensioners still need clarity on when they can expect their payments.

“For many of our senior citizens, this pension is not extra money. It is what they depend on to buy food, purchase medication and meet their everyday expenses. When that payment is delayed, the impact is immediate,” Dr Brown Burke said.

Dr Brown Burke stressed that while technical or administrative challenges can occur, pensioners should not be left uncertain about when they will receive funds on which they depend. “An explanation of the delay is important, but pensioners also need to know when they will be paid. If there is a problem, tell them what is happening and give them a clear timeline. They should not have to spend their days checking their accounts or making calls trying to find out when their money will arrive,” she said.

Dr Brown Burke is therefore urging the Ministry to expedite the resolution of the matter and provide affected pensioners with a clear update on when the outstanding payments will be credited. “Those who have spent their working lives contributing to this country deserve to be treated with dignity and consideration. At a time when many pensioners are already managing tight household budgets, the least they deserve is clear communication and a swift resolution,” she concluded.