Pensioners
Pensioners
NON-CONTRIBUTORY OLD-AGE CONTENT
Non-Contributory Old-Age Pension
To qualify for non-contributory old-age pension, one must be:
Sixty-seven (67) years of age or in the case of a blind person or a deaf mute, the age of 18 years; and
A) a citizen of Barbados; or
B) a permanent resident of Barbados within the meaning of the Immigration Act, with residence in Barbados for a period of:
- in the case of a citizen of Barbados, 12 years since attaining the age of 40 years or an aggregate of 20 years since attaining the age of 18 years; or
- in the case of a permanent resident or Barbados, 15 years since attaining the age of 40 years or an aggregate of 20 years since attaining the age of 18 years.
A person is NOT entitled to a Non-Contributory Old-Age Pension if that person:
- receives a pension in respect of the public service of Barbados;
- receives a pension in respect of public service with another Government; or with an international organization of which the Government of Barbados is a member;
- receives a pension under the National Insurance Scheme at a rate higher than the noncontributory old age pension;
- receives a pension by virtue of a National Insurance and Social Security Scheme operated by another Government;
- receives an income in excess of $30 per week and is blind or a deaf mute and under pensionable age;
- is continuously absent from Barbados for any period in excess of six months;
- is a full time in-patient at a health service institution maintained by the Government such as a hospital or a home
- is detained at any prison but there is an exception. For further information contact the National Insurance Office.
With effect from 11th April 1995, a person who is excluded from the receipt of a Non-Contributory Old Age Pension because of (1), (2) and (4) above but whose pension is less than the Non-Contributory Old Age Pension which is currently $230 per week is entitled to a weekly pension equal to the difference between the Non-Contributory Pension and the pension already being received.
If someone has received or is entitled to receive an old-age contributory grant or an injury or disablement benefit, that person may still have title to the Non-Contributory Old Age Pension.
The receipt of a Non-Contributory pension is not automatic. As from 1st January 1997, a person who had been gainfully occupied in employment and had failed or refused to be insured under the Act, that person shall be disqualified from receipt of a Non-Contributory Old Age Pension.
A person making an application for a Non-Contributory Old Age Pension is required to submit to the Director of National Insurance, an affidavit for the purpose of establishing entitlement to such pension. A copy of the affidavit can be obtained from the National Insurance Office and should accompany the application form.
Amount of Non-Contributory Old Age Pension
The rate payable in respect of a non-contributory old age pension is currently $230.00 per week, and is the same amount for all persons who qualify for this type of pension.
Important Note: A pensioner must inform the National Insurance Office if overseas travel is being undertaken.