KINGSTON, Jamaica — Government pensioners, including widows/widowers and dependants, will receive an increase in their pensions next month, according to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

OPM in a release yesterday said that Cabinet had given approval for the increase on March 2. 

The increase will come into effect retroactive to July 1, 2016. 

According to the OPM, the increase will apply to pensioners who: retired before January 1, 2014; were not less than 55-years-old as of June 30, 2016; retired on the ground of ill-health regardless of their age, or are in receipt of widows/widowers and dependants pensions which began before July 1, 2016.

The increase is also applicable to compassionate awards granted in respect of injury or service, and disability allowances and additional pensions whether statutory or otherwise.

OPM said individuals who are not eligible for the increase include: governors general, prime ministers, people previously covered by the United Kingdom/Jamaican Public Officers Agreement, awards granted by the Citizens Distinguished Service Grants Committee, awards granted by the Assistance Committee, and awards granted by the Government Pensioners Relief Fund Committee.