Barbados National Insurance Scheme > Guide to Benefits:  

1. 65 years of age or in the case of a blind person or a deaf mute, the age of 18 years; and
2. 1. a citizen of Barbados; or
   2. a permanent resident of Barbados within the meaning of the Immigration Act, with residence in Barbados for a period of:
   1. in the case of a citizen of Barbados, 12 years since attaining the age of 40 years or an aggregate of 20 years since attaining the age of 18 years; or
   2. in the case of a permanent resident of Barbados, 15 years since attaining the age of 40 years or an aggregate of 20 years since attaining the age of 18 years.

1. receives a pension in respect of the public service of Barbados;
2. receives a pension in respect of public service in Barbados with another Government; or with an international organization of which the Government of Barbados is a member;
3. receives a pension under the National Insurance Scheme at a rate higher than the non-contributory old age pension;
4. receives a pension by virtue of a National Insurance and Social Security Scheme operated by another Government;
5. receives an income in excess of $30 per week and is blind or a deaf mute and under the age of 65 years;
6. is continuously absent from Barbados for any period in excess of six (6) months;
7. is a full time in-patient at a health service institution maintained by the Government such as a hospital or home;
8. is detained at any prison but there is an exception. For further information contact the National Insurance Office.

With effect from April 11, 1995, persons who are excluded from the receipt of a Non-Contributory pension because of (i), (ii) and (iv) above but whose pension is less than the Non-Contributory pension which is currently $86.00 per week (new minimum pension rate effective from October 2001) are entitled to weekly pension equal to the difference of the Non-Contributory pension and the pension already being received.

It is important to remember that you may receive an old age contributory grant or an injury or disablement benefit and still receive Non-Contributory Old Age Pension

The rate payable in respect of a Non-Contributory Old Age Pension is $86.00 per week and is common to all persons who qualify for this pension except as stated above.