CABINET has approved increased payments to Government pensioners, including spouses and dependents of deceased officers.

Speaking at yesterday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, minister with responsibility for information, Daryl Vaz said beneficiaries who receive under $30,000 per month will get an increase of $2,444, while persons in the $30,000 to $49,999 category will see their benefits increase to $2,100 per month. Pensioners receiving $50,000 and over will get an increase of $1,500 monthly.

"It was further approved that widows/widowers will receive an increase of $2,000 per month, while dependents will receive an increase of $1,600 per month," Vaz told reporters.

He said that persons eligible for the increase are those who, as of July 1, 2010, are on pension for at least two-and-a-half years; 55 years or older; retired on the grounds of ill-health regardless of age; and widows/widowers and dependents whose pension started before July 1, 2010.

"This will allow 22,787 of the 26,192 pensioners paid by the Accountant General's Department to receive increases," Vaz said.