Senior Citizens Pension needs to strengthen service delivery

A parliamentary committee has recommended the Samoa Senior Citizens Benefit Fund (S.S.C.B.F.) look at ways to strengthen their service delivery.

In its report on S.S.C.B.F.’s Report of Operations and Statement of Accounts of the Samoa Senior Citizens Benefit Fund 2012-2013, the Health and Social Services, Internal Affairs, Community and Social Development (H.S.S.I.A.C.S.D.) Committee says the Office is duty bound to assist all pensioners with their grievances and difficulties.

Gatoloaifaana Amataga Gidlow ser ves as the Committee’s Chairman.

“These problems include disputes with pension account trustees, difficulties with their agents, family everyday living obligations, community, village and religious commitments, health related aid assistance, travel requirements and other issues of personal nature,” the report reads.

“These problems are dealt with accordingly.

“In keeping with its ongoing responsibility of improving its service, an Amendment of the Act was made and became effective in January 1 2000 which accepted Permanent Residents of Samoa in to the Fund in addition to the previous requirement of Citizens only.

“Flexibility was also introduced in the same Amendment regarding overseas absence of pensioners on medical treatment which can be considered for full payment upon return on production of the relevant medical confirmation from the overseas host medical institution center.

“This was made in line with the essence of the Fund as fair and reasonable to all aged people of Samoa.”

The Committee reports that to keep pensioners money secured Cabinet approved the Board and Managements recommendation for a new payout system for further improvement of our services to the Senior Citizens of the country.

“The pensions are now being paid through the Commercial Banks and Western Union,” the Committee Reports.

“The existing SCGF staff has been maintained to monitor the existence and movement of pensioners. “They have to personally visit the Senior Citizens in villages and their homes to validate their presence in Samoa.

“Furthermore, the H.S.S.I.A.C.S.D. Committee found the S.S.C.B.F. paid out 8565 beneficiaries at the end of June 2013 a total of $14,880,942 for monthly pensions.

“The payments are made before the 28th of every month,” it reports.

“A total of $1,215,074 for medical and travel expenses was paid out, all of which was fully funded by the Government.

“The Budget appropriated for this Financial Year 2012-2013 was $16, 911,1381 and after the pension, medical and travel expenses were paid out a total of $594,162 remained.

“A total of $39,130 was not withdrawn by some beneficiaries for this Financial Year.”

In addition to Gatoloaifaana, the board compised of Aeau Peniamina Leavaiseeta as Deputy Chairman, Motuopuaa Aisoli Vaai, Ifopo Matia Filisi, Aveau Nikotemo Palamo, Tofa Sooalo Mene and Alo Fulifuli Taveuveu.

The report is republished in full below:

1. RECOMMENDATION:- The Health and Social Services, Internal Affairs, Community and Social Development Committee recommends that the Assembly takes note of its Report.

2. PREAMBLE:- The Health and Social Services, Internal Affairs, Community and Social Development Committee is constituted pursuant to the provisions of Standing Orders 171.

3. STANDING ORDERS 171:- Pursuant to Standing Orders 171, it shall be the duty of the Health and Social Services, Internal Affairs, Community and Social Development Committee:

i. To consider any bill, petition or other matter referred by the Assembly or pursuant to these Standing Orders; and such Estimates or review of ministerial performance as maybe referred by the Finance & Expenditure Committee;

ii. To examine the policy, administration and expenditure of ministries and associated government organizations related to health, housing and social services, internal affairs, community and development.

4. PAPER CONSIDERED:- P.P 2013/2014 No. 73, Report of Operations and Statement of Accounts of the Samoa Senior Citizens Benefit Fund 2012 - 2013.

5. WITNESSES: During the course of its investigation, the Committee was able to hear oral evidence submitted by the following: National Provident Fund (NPF) Tafaoimalo Lesina Filipo - Deputy Chief Executive Officer Treasury and Services Tuiloma L. Faitasi Gaee - Manager SCBF Alice Niumata - Manger Finance

6. FINDINGS: The Samoa Senior Citizens Benefit Fund was established in late 1990 with the coming into force of the National Provident Fund Amendment Act 1990 and the National Provident (Senior Citizens Benefit) Regulations 1990. This report outlines the operations and financial statement of the Fund.

The year’s operations have been executed within the guidelines of the governing legislations. The service offered was to ensure that all benefits allowed for Senior Citizens are processed without undue delay. The benefit includes a monthly pension of $130, free treatment and medication at Government Hospitals and free travel on Government inter-island sea ferries.

This benefit is a show of appreciation to the Senior Citizens for their service and contribution to the country. The Office is duty bound to assist all pensioners with their grievances and difficulties.

These problems include disputes with pension account trustees, difficulties with their agents, family everyday living obligations, community, village and religious commitments, health related aid assistance, travel requirements and other issues of personal nature. These problems are dealt with accordingly. In keeping with its ongoing responsibility of improving its service, an Amendment of the Act was made and became effective in 1st January 2000 which accepted Permanent Residents of Samoa in to the Fund in addition to the previous requirement of Citizens only.

Flexibility was also introduced in the same Amendment regarding overseas absence of pensioners on medical treatment which can be considered for full payment upon return on production of the relevant medical confirmation from the overseas host medical institution center. This was made in line with the essence of the Fund as fair and reasonable to all aged people of Samoa.

To keep pensioners money secured Cabinet approved the Board and Managements recommendation for a new payout system for further improvement of our services to the Senior Citizens of the country. The pensions are now being paid through the Commercial Banks and Western Union. The existing SCGF staff has been maintained to monitor the existence and movement of pensioners. They have to personally visit the Senior Citizens in villages and their homes to validate their presence in Samoa.

6.1 MEDICAL CARE:- Free medical care, treatment and medication is one benefit available to the Senior Citizens at the Motootua Hospital and rural areas. The intention is to extend the life expectancy of our Senior Citizens. This is an assistance offered by the Fund in the efforts of the Ministry of Health to secure a healthy Samoa. The Senior Citizens Health Board includes a member of the SCBF and they are tasked with considering senior citizens health matters within families, villages and the country. This initiative began in the year 1997.

6.2 FARES ON VESSELS:- Senior Citizens are also eligible to free fares on vessels operated by Government traveling between Upolu and Savaii. This is provided for in the governing legislations and the purpose is to ensure the close relationship between the senior citizens and their families especially during traditional commitments and business development.

6.3 SUMMARY:- The Senior Citizens Benefit Fund paid out 8565 beneficiaries at the end of June 2013 a total of $14,880,942 for monthly pensions. The payments are made before the 28th of every month. A total of $1,215,074 for medical and travel expenses was paid out, all of which was fully funded by the Government. The Budget appropriated for this Financial Year 2012/2013 was $16, 911,1381 and after the pension, medical and travel expenses were paid out a total of $594,162 remained. A total of $39,130 was not withdrawn by some beneficiaries for this Financial Year.

7. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:- The Committee expresses its gratitude to the Chief Executive Officer, Management and staff especially the Manager and staff of the Samoa Senior Citizens Benefit Fund. The efficiency of the service delivery was noted in regards to pay outs and complaints and grievances within families, religions, villages and the country.

As was stated in the Findings, this benefit is a show of appreciation to the Senior Citizens for their unfailing and continuous support and contribution to the economic development of Samoa in any aspect of society.

8. RECOMMENDATIONS:- Based on its Findings the Committee recommends that the Government: 1) Review other strategies in strengthening the progress of the service delivered to the Senior Citizens of Samoa. 2) Monitor and ensure that all eligible Senior Citizens are beneficiaries of this Fund. 9. RESOLUTION:- At the conclusion of its consideration, the Committee resolved to recommend the Assembly: Approve P.P 2013/2014 No.73, Report of Operations and Statement of Accounts of the Samoa Senior Citizens Benefit Fund 2012 - 2013. Hon. GATOLOAIFAANA Amataga A. Gidlow CHAIRPERSON