Parliament has passed amendments to the Pensions Act to extend bridge pension support to eligible non-established public officers and protect qualifying retirees from a reduction in pension income when they reach age 65.
The amendments address two gaps in retirement benefits and apply to qualifying public officers who retired on or after July 1, 2025. They follow the collective bargaining agreement reached between Government and the unions for the 2024–2027 triennium.
Under the new provisions, eligible non-established workers will receive a Government-funded bridge pension until age 65, when they qualify for a full pension from Dominica Social Security.
Previously, non-established workers were required to retire at age 60 but were not entitled to a bridge pension. This left them facing a gap in retirement income or having to apply for an early Social Security pension at a reduced rate.
The bridge pension was previously available to qualifying officers who had served on the permanent establishment for more than ten consecutive years.
The amendments also provide additional protection for eligible retirees who served on the permanent establishment and whose Social Security pension at age 65 is lower than the bridge pension previously paid by Government.
In these cases, Government will pay the difference, ensuring that qualifying retirees maintain at least the same level of pension income they received under the Government’s bridge pension arrangement.
Presenting the legislation, Government said the measures would strengthen financial safeguards for public officers who have contributed to the country’s development.
