Hard-up tenants facing “imminent” eviction can now tap into their pensions to pay off rent arrears after the Senate gave the green light to new legislation.The National Pension Scheme (Financial Hardship) Amendment Regulations 2011 allow people access to their private sector pension funds under conditions of extreme hardship.Prior to the new legislation, such conditions were limited to the threat of losing a home through mortgage arrears or education costs or medical expenses. Now, those renting homes who cannot afford the payments also qualify to dip into their funds if they are in “very significant rental arrears”.Government Senator David Burt said since the original hardship legislation was passed in August 2010, there have been 154 applications for help. As of June 30 2011, a total of 88 had been approved, 39 declined, 11 cancelled and 16 were pending.The amount withdrawn was $772,342. The Pension Commission gives approval for such withdrawals and pays the money directly to the third party and not the member. Sen Burt said there are checks and balances to ensure the provision is not abused.The maximum amount that can be withdrawn is 20 percent of the person’s pension fund account balance and only two withdrawals can be made in a lifetime.Government senators said the legislation shows Government is “caring” and wants to help people affected by the global financial crisis.Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley said while the Opposition supports the legislation as a necessary measure, “this is a blunt indication of how bad things are in Bermuda at the present time”.He said Government is responsible for the hardships many are facing and should stop blaming the global financial crisis. He also urged people to replenish their pensions by making voluntary contributions when conditions improve.Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes supported the legislation and cited concerns that it will be hard for Bermuda to get back on track unless new jobs are created.Opposition Senator Craig Cannonier commended Government for the legislation allowing people to gain access to their pension money. “It is their money, not the Government’s money,” he emphasised.Trade and Industry Minister Kim Wilson slammed the Opposition for seeking to blame Government rather than the global economic crisis.She said this was “misleading” and “reprehensible” and “boggles the mind”. She added: “To go out and deliberately with malice intention (sic) attempt to mislead the public is both irresponsible and disingenuous.”Opposition Senator Katherine Michelmore said no one was denying the global recession had impacted Bermuda. However, she said Bermuda could have prepared better for it. “I think that is a valid statement. I don’t think that is without integrity or honesty,” she said in response to Sen Wilson.Sen Burt said Budget statements dating back as far as 2008 show Government was planning for the global financial crisis. He told the Opposition they “cannot rewrite history” although they can say they would have taken a different approach.Sen Michelmore later wrote on the One Bermuda Alliance Facebook page that she felt things got a little “agitated” during the debate. She added: “I can agree to disagree on the Government’s handling of the public purse, but I will not accept comments that besmirch my integrity and honesty in stating my opinion.”