Dear Editor,
A month has passed since I last wrote concerning the non-payment of my NIS benefit (‘Can’t get money from NIS’ SN 31.12.09). So far, there has been no response from the PRO of the NIS or anyone else regarding this matter.
It must be noted that I received a letter from the NIS on January 2, 2009, two days after my letter appeared in this newspaper stating that I had been disqualified from sickness benefit for the period September 4-13, 2008. This letter was signed by someone on behalf of the General Manager of NIS. The Enmore Post Office stamp dated December 29, 2008 is affixed on the letter.
I think this is ‘utter rubbish,’ because my claim is for the month of October, 2008, but they have disqualified me for a period in September which is totally irrelevant. Even someone who dropped out on the first day of school would be able to tell that something is amiss.
I had submitted all my documents on November 4, 2008 at the Melanie NIS office.
How is it, that I was paid approximately 50% of my medical bills and at the same time disqualified from receiving my other benefit because of late submission?
If this happened because of ignorance or default, I think the person who caused so much inconvenience and embarrassment should be spoken to sternly. If, on the other hand, someone is deliberately trying to deny me my rightful benefit, I think this is tantamount to fraud, which is a criminal offence and whoever is responsible should face the consequences.
I am still waiting to receive my NIS benefit.
Yours faithfully,
Terrence Sukhram
We are sending a copy of this letter to Ms Diane Lewis-Baxter, the PRO of NIS for any comments she might wish to make.