Financial assistance data reveals tough times for seniors
A charity that advocates for older people called for collective action to make sure that “no senior is left behind” after figures showed a slight increase in the number of pensioners on financial assistance.
Age Concern Bermuda highlighted that planning and regular monitoring were more important than ever as the island’s population continued to age.
The Department of Financial Assistance Annual Report 2023-24, which was tabled in the House of Assembly last week, showed that the average monthly number of pensioners in receipt of financial assistance was 1,031 last fiscal year.
In 2022-23, the corresponding figure was 1,024.
Mercedes Pringle-DeSilva, the executive director of Age Concern Bermuda, said: “While the overall number of individuals receiving financial assistance has declined, these figures underscore the persistent and growing financial challenges faced by Bermuda’s older adults.”
She added that key issues included the challenge of being on fixed incomes in the face of rising costs.
Ms Pringle-DeSilva said: “Seniors are increasingly struggling to balance their limited pensions against rising expenses for healthcare, housing and daily essentials.”
The charity also noted barriers to access for support.
“Many older adults remain unaware of their eligibility for financial assistance or encounter challenges navigating the application process,” Ms Pringle-DeSilva said.
“Age Concern Bermuda remains committed to supporting seniors who may otherwise fall through the cracks.
“We encourage older adults and their families experiencing financial hardship to contact us.
“Our team provides direct assistance, referrals to long-term financial aid programmes, and personalised guidance to help them access available resources.”
She added: “With Bermuda’s ageing population, proactive planning and regular monitoring are more important than ever.
“While the recent data reflects only a slight increase in seniors requiring financial assistance, demographic trends suggest a growing need for senior-specific support in the future.
“We urge the Government and community stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure no senior is left behind.”
When other categories were included, the financial assistance department’s annual report showed a decrease of 5 per cent in the average number of people who received its support compared with the previous year.
Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, told MPs last Friday: “Actual programme expenditure for grants directly to support FA recipients totalled $49.26 million.
“The highest expenditures are rent, nursing homes, food and health insurance — HIP and FutureCare.
“Spending remained consistent with the prior fiscal year, while the numbers of persons on assistance decreased.”
In 2023-24, the average number of people on financial assistance was 1,991 per month, down from 2,095 in 2022-23.
Decreases were recorded in the three categories of people who are disabled, have low earnings and those who are able-bodied but unemployed.
Ms Pringle-DeSilva said: “Whether the decline in overall financial assistance claims indicates improved economic conditions or other factors, this is a critical moment to reassess and prioritise the needs of our ageing population.
“Investments in programmes such as healthcare subsidies, affordable housing and pension reforms are vital to safeguarding the dignity and independence of our elders.
“Age Concern Bermuda stands ready to collaborate with policymakers and organisations to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to address the evolving needs of Bermuda’s senior population.”
The Department of Financial Assistance Annual Report 2023-24 said that at the end of 2023-24, there were 39 active client cases under investigation, compared with 41 cases the previous year.
It explained: “The reason client cases are investigated is mainly due to non-disclosure or misrepresentation of facts, or wilful abuse of the financial assistance programme and the child daycare allowance programme.”
The report said that when fiscal year 2023-24 came to a close, the total amount of money owed to the department because of investigations was $366,407, which reflected a 12 per cent increase when compared with the $328,000 owed at the end of 2022-23.
It added: “Of the 39 active cases under investigation, 31 cases with a value of $337,160 were referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for legal restitution, while eight cases with a total value of $29,247 remained under the remit of financial assistance investigative officers to investigate for repayment.
“One case was referred to Bermuda’s law enforcement authority for suspicion of micro-structuring [money laundering].”
The report said that the department’s investigative officers received an average of seven tips per month in 2023-24.
It added: “Suspicious activities are brought to the department’s attention via certain channels, such as field investigations, officers’ observations and internal findings, together with tips from the public.
“Primary and secondary data research is conducted within a compliance framework, to assist with evidence gathering.
“The compliance framework is guided by legislation, policies and procedures, and the Criminal Code.
“The department has commenced documentation of ‘department-specific fraud typologies’, which will enable officers to have a point of reference in identifying patterns, trends and red flags of fraud and abuse of the system.
“This is expected to reduce the number of overpayments and promote a culture of compliance.”
• To review the annual report, see Related Media
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