🎄 Christmas bonus and pension increase approved for Cayman Islands residents
Financial aid recipients and former public sector workers to receive additional support during the holiday season
The Cabinet of the Cayman Islands has approved a $250 Christmas bonus for individuals receiving long-term financial aid through the Needs Assessment Unit (NAU) and beneficiaries of the Seafarers and Veterans Ex-Gratia Benefit. In addition, former public sector employees receiving the ex gratia pension will see an increase from $950 to $1,250, starting this month. This pension increase aligns with those given to other groups such as veterans and those on permanent financial assistance. 🎁
The additional Christmas payment aims to provide support to vulnerable groups during the holiday season, including those with permanent disabilities, veterans, seafarers, and the elderly. Deputy Premier André Ebanks emphasized that these increases reflect the government's commitment to enhancing the well-being of Caymanians and fostering a more inclusive and supportive society. The holiday payment and the stipend increase in August are seen as tangible expressions of this commitment. Eligible recipients of the holiday season payment will receive it this week. 🎅
Eligible Caymanians who retired before June 2018 without an official pension but had worked in public service for at least ten years will receive the increase. Those who believe they are eligible for the uplift and have not yet received it can contact the Public Service Pension Board to confirm their eligibility. However, individuals who received a contracted officer’s supplement or similar compensation during any period specified are not eligible for the ex gratia uplift. 📞
