Reassessmentof Benefits for Seamen and Ex-Servicemen
Because of the local economicdownturn, which has been further affected by events in the US,the Cayman Islands Government is continuing to reassess the needsof persons who receive monthly financial benefits.
The majority of persons receiving permanent financial assistancefrom the Department of Social Services will be reassessed by itsstaff, according to the Ministry of Community Development, WomenAffairs, Youth and Sports, which administers the benefits on behalfof government. The department will initially focus on personswho receive permanent financial assistance in addition to seamen'sor ex-servicemen's benefits.
The ministry is also advising the public that it is reassessingthe granting of the seamen's ex-gratia and the ex-servicemen'sbenefits. Therefore, beginning this month, these benefits willbe granted solely upon an individual's financial need. The ministrywill begin reassessing persons' circumstances beginning with thosein these categories:
· seamen and ex-servicemen and/or their surviving spouseswho are living overseas;
· seamen and ex-servicemen and/or their surviving spouseswho are gainfully employed, or those who own a business; and
· seamen and ex-servicemen who are receiving a benefit,pension, gratuity or other form of subsidy or payment.
Monthly financial assistance is a form of public welfare basedon the needs of an individual who is determined to be indigentthrough an assessment. The person is assisted if they are foundto have no alternative means for example, financial supportfrom family members of meeting their basic daily needs.
Persons who are contacted for re-assessment are asked to fullyco-operate with this process so that those who are genuinely inneed may be assisted. Because of the economic situation, and toensure that public funds are properly allocated, those who donot co-operate will have their monthly assistance terminated untilthey complete the reassessment. The department and ministry willperiodically review recipients' cases to make sure the benefitsare administered appropriately, said the Minister, the Hon. EdnaMoyle.
She explained that unlike tax-based countries that pay benefitsto their veterans and seamen, the Cayman Islands does not requirea contribution or tax to defray the costs. "Currently, thesebenefits cost government $6 to $7 million per year," sheoutlined. "We also have to find financial assistance paymentsof $3.9 million per year."
Mrs. Moyle noted that government's reconsideration of financialbenefits is in keeping with the original intent to help thosewho really need the assistance. She added that although the reassessmentprocess commenced in June with an audit conducted by the AuditorGeneral, it addresses the current economic situation.
"Government must make every effort to be fiscally responsiblewith public funds," Mrs. Moyle said. "However, I amaware that some persons may depend heavily on these funds andgovernment will do its best to continue providing assistance forthem."