Telephone numbers: 592-2-56202; 68996
 
 

MISSION STATEMENT: TO PROVIDE PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL, FINANCIAL AND OTHER MATERIAL ASSISTANCE, AS WELL AS REGULATORY SERVICES AFFECTING SENIOR CITIZENS, THE INFIRM AND THE DESTITUTE; TO IMPROVE THEIR STATUS AND COMPLEMENT THEIR ABILITIES TO COPE WITH THE STRESS OF LIVING.

 

As a welfare agency, the main responsibility of this Department of the Ministry is to administer the disbursement of financial and other forms of assistance available to citizens aged 65 years and older, as well as to the indigent, the infirm, and to orphans below 16 years of age.  Other welfare provisions are extended to the visually, physically, and mentally challenged members of our society.
 

In accordance with the Administrative Regions into which Guyana is divided, field officers of this Department are strategically located in areas from where services are provided to the rural and hinterland communities. Additionally, site visits are paid by senior administrative officers to these locations at various intervals.
 

In serving the community this Department undertakes the following responsibilities:
 

	To enforce the provisions of the Poor Relief Act Chapter 36:02 and the provisions of the Old Age Pension's Act Chapter 36:03.
	To investigate, recommend and administer the grant of financial assistance to the deserving beneficiaries.
	To advise the Ministry on matters of policy relating to the elderly.
	To conduct a system of continuous review of all cases on public Assistance Roster to justify there continued eligibility.
	To investigate and recommend destitute persons for consideration for exemption from such obligations as the payment  of rates and taxes.
	To provide Old Age Pensioners with the facility of free travel concessions which enables them to utilize, free of cost,  the services of the Transport and Harbour's Department ferry services throughout the country
	To conduct investigations from time to time into the conditions and needs of the elderly people.
	To visit all institutional homes for the elderly at least once a quarter in order to observe the standard of care and to make recommendations for improvement as might be necessary.
	To investigate the circumstances and make recommendations with respect to persons applying for admission to the Palms and other homes for the indigent.
	To provide counselling and advisory services for Senior Citizens, the indigent and for those caring for the elderly in homes (residential and institutional).
	To establish and maintain links/relationships with golden age (Senior Citizens) clubs.
	To establish and maintain links with other national and international organisations working in the same field.

 
 

Enquiries may be made directly to this Department on matters such as:

	Social assistance
	Old age pension
	Matters relating to pension payments
	The issuing of pension books or cards
	Payments and the receipt of payments