Government pensioners get an increase starting April 2017

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) says government pensioners and their dependents are to get an increase in their allocations, starting April 1.

The increase will be retroactive to July 1, 2016.

The OPM says the increase will be paid on gross receipts as at June 30, 2016, and is applicable to compassionate awards granted for life where the awards are in respect of service; and disability allowances and additional pensions, granted in respect of injury or service.

Pensioners in receipt of a pension from more than one source will have their increase apportioned on a pro-ratio basis.

In addition, for a widow or widower who is in receipt of a service related pension in their own right and who is also a widow or widower pensioner, the full increase will be given separately on each pension.

However, the following persons are not eligible for the increase: Governor Generals, Prime Ministers, persons previously covered by the United Kingdom/Jamaican Public Officers Agreement; Awards granted by the Citizens Distinguished Service Grants Committee; Awards granted by the Assistance Committee; and awards granted by the Government Pensioners Relief Fund Committee.