Jersey Aims to Expand Pension Plus Healthcare Scheme to 1,000 More Pensioners
round 1,000 more pensioners in Jersey are set to gain access to vital healthcare and financial support. The Social Security Minister, Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, has lodged proposals to significantly widen the eligibility for the Pension Plus Scheme.
The current scheme is restricted to pensioners who pay no income tax and have savings under £64,000 (excluding their home). Under the proposed changes, eligibility would extend to pensioners who paid up to £1,000 in income tax in the previous year. This change aims to support those with a small additional income.
Access to Dental, Optical, and Chiropody Support
The expansion means newly eligible pensioners would gain access to financial help for essential health check-ups and treatments. The Pension Plus Scheme provides support for dental, optical, and chiropody services.
Additionally, qualifying individuals would automatically become eligible for the Health Access Scheme, which offers discounted GP visits. This is a key part of the government’s stated commitment to strengthening community support for older residents.
Funding and Implementation Timeline
The proposed changes are part of the broader ‘Supporting Islanders and Strengthening Communities’ project. Funding for the Pension Plus Scheme expansion is estimated at £625,000 per year.
If the States Assembly approves the proposition, the government aims to launch the updated rules by the end of March 2026. This timeline allows for necessary system updates and clear communication to all affected pensioners.
