DILI, 10 january 2024 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Council of Ministers, has approved a monthly subsidy of US$60 for senior citizens to live in dignity. The rise in the subsidy to US$60 is to ensure the basic needs of the elderly are met.
“The Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Vice Prime Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Céu Brites, for the first amendment to Decree-Law no. 53/2022, of July 20th, which approves the legal regime for disability and old age social pensions under the non-contributory social security system,” said in a statement.
This Decree-Law aims to revise the formula for calculating the monthly amount of pensions under the non-contributory social security system, given that although this value has been set by reference to the international poverty threshold, there is a need for greater adjustment to the national reality, especially for people of older ages – and, also for this reason, with greater difficulties in accessing other income and with greater health problems.
With this Decree-Law, this social benefit will also no longer be cumulative with income from work for everyone and not just for new pensioners as was previously defined, without prejudice to guaranteeing the acquired right to benefits already paid.
With this Decree-Law, the daily amount considered the minimum to live with dignity, estimated by the Government according to the poverty line and economic situation, will now be US$ 2, which results in a monthly amount of US$ 60. In addition, US$ 20 will be added for citizens between the ages of 70 and 79 and US$ 40 for citizens over the age of 80.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
