The Ministry of Human Services yesterday said that Old Age Pension Books for 2025 will be available from next month.
In a press release it said the regular early distribution had been delayed because of the “discovery of unauthorised/fake Old Age Pension books and the violation of the integrity of the pension delivery system”.
As a result of this discovery, the release said that the Minister of Human Services requested an immediate investigation by the Guyana Police Force into the issue. Because of this probe, it said that the regular early distribution of Old Age Pension books has been delayed.
The Ministry assured pensioners that the 2025 books are currently being printed with new security features to prevent tampering and falsification. It said that the books will be available for distribution from December 2024.
The Ministry said it is working assiduously to tie in the distribution of these books with the encashment of the vouchers in many areas. A detailed distribution schedule of the dates and times for distribution will be posted in all media.
Further, 3000 more 2024 Old Age Pension books, with new security features have also been printed to cater for pensioners who have not yet received their books and these will be available from the 25th of November onwards.
“There has been an increase in the number of pensioners over the last three years to over 70,000. We also encourage persons to use the banking system, which does not require any books. Pension is deposited in the first five (5) days of every month into bank accounts”, the ministry advised.
The ministry regretted any inconvenience to pensioners but said it is critical to improve the integrity and accountability of the pension delivery system in the best interest of the pensioners.
The ministry said it is still awaiting the findings of the investigation launched by the Guyana Police Force into the fake pension books.
On September 17 this year, the ministry said it had discovered that unauthorized copies of old age pension and permanent disability books had been submitted for encashment at post offices and other payment venues.
It said then that all of the information and evidence in its possession had been handed over to the police.
“An investigation will be undertaken by them and anyone involved in this will face the full force of (the) law. Any person who presents these books will also be held accountable”, the ministry said.
