Ministry aims to fix overlapping allowances problem facing senior citizens
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is considering solutions to the problem of some senior citizens facing a demand from the ministry to refund the old-age allowance they had received due to overlapping of benefits provided under different schemes.
The issue came to public attention last month when elders in many provinces began complaining that they did not have enough money to pay back the ministry and were facing lawsuits. Some were reportedly asked to return up to Bt77,000 in allowances plus interest.
Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, who chaired the National Committee for the Elderly, said on Friday that the meeting between the committee and the ministry had agreed on three approaches to resolve the issue.
“First, the committee would propose to Prime Minister General Prayut Cha-o-cha to suspend refund of the allowance until further notice,” said Jurin.
“Secondly, the committee would seek Cabinet assistance for those who have been receiving their allowances with honest intention.
“Lastly, there will be a separate committee responsible for revising regulations and conditions related to elderly allowances. This committee will be chaired by Wichai Chokewiwat, president of the Senior Citizens Council of Thailand,” added Jurin.