Senior Citizens To Benefit from EC$6.7M Utility Subsidy
November 29, 2007
St. John's, Antigua
FAQ for Government's Senior Citizens Utility Subsidy Programme
Who is eligible to participate in the programme?
All persons who currently receive Age Pension, Invalidity Benefit or Old Age Assistance from the Antigua & Barbuda Social Security Scheme
How do I sign up for the programme?
Take your social security card, valid government-issued photo ID and copies of the bill(s) for accounts you would like to register. There are designated registration days in St. John's and at other locations across Antigua & Barbuda.
What if the utility bills are not in my name?
The subsidy can be applied to any designated residential account, regardless of the name. However, the account number must be designated by the participant at registration
How soon do I get the certificate?
Certificates take between 4 to 8 weeks to be processed and distributed. The certificates are valid for the specified period and must be used by the expiration date.
What if I'm over 60 and I do not receive social security benefits?
Unfortunately at this time the benefits are limited to specific Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Scheme categories (receive Age Pension, Invalidity Benefit or Old Age Assistance).
What if my booklet is lost or stolen?
Booklets cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Participants in the programme are therefore asked to make sure that they keep their certificates in a safe place.
What if I am unable to pay my bills in person?
Any person can pay on the designated account number.
Can my certificate be applied to Internet or long distance bills?
No. They can ONLY be applied to designated APUA electricity, water and landline telephone accounts.
What if my utilities are less than $100?
In that instance the designated account will receive a credit for the difference.
What if I receive more than one benefit from social security?
Regardless of how many benefits a person may receive, he/she is only eligible for one $100 certificate each month.
What if I live overseas but collect social security benefits from Antigua?
The subsidy is ONLY for designated utility accounts in Antigua & Barbuda.
What happens if I move?
Once booklets are printed, they cannot be applied to another account. Changes to designated account information will only be allowed up to once per year at PDV Caribe's discretion and may take up to six months to take effect.
Can the certificate be used after I die?
Certificates are for the benefit of living participants and are not valid after the participant dies.
Can I use all my certificates at once?
Only one certificate per month can be tendered.
What if someone fraudulently uses my certificate on their account?
Anyone who steals or is caught tendering a certificate through fraudulent means is subject to prosecution.
Can the credit be applied to more than one account?
Yes. Each certificate contains a list of up to 3 designated accounts. Participants should indicate to the APUA cashier the amount they would like to apply to any of those accounts.
What happens when I run out of certificates?
Renewal batches are only issued every six months based on the updated list from the Antigua & Barbuda Social Security Scheme. It is therefore important to ensure that life certificates are promptly returned to the social security scheme to avoid your name being omitted from the list.
Is there a registration fee for signing up?
No. There is no charge for signing up for this programme.
What if I miss the initial deadline for registration?
Once the initial registration period is over, eligible persons would have to wait until the next registration period.
Can I apply my certificate to my business account?
No. The subsidy can only be applied to designated residential accounts.
What if there is more than one eligible person in the household?
Once they meet they criteria, they can all participate.
These questions are for informational purposes only. Individuals would be bound by final contract.
