I refer to the letter entitled Who Will Get €300 Bonus by Frank Farrugia (March 5).

The €300 grant announced by the government in the last Budget, applying to people aged 80 or above and who live independently in their homes or with family members, has not yet been paid. The preparations for the payment of this benefit are being finalised by the Department of Social Security and this grant will be paid later this month.

In order to clarify further on a question raised by Mr Farrugia, this grant will be paid to all elderly persons in this age group who live independently in their homes or with family members irrespective of whether they are in receipt of social security benefits from Malta.

What pensioners have received in their January payments, apart from their usual pension dues, is not the above-mentioned grant but the cost-of-living bonus. This is due to the fact that pensioners are entitled to the full cost-of-living increase but not all of it is paid directly in their pension. In fact, pensioners receive two thirds of the cost-of-living increase awarded by the government in their four-weekly pension entitlement. The other one third is paid as a one-time bonus payment at the beginning of the year.

For further information about the cost-of-living bonus and how this is calculated and paid one can access the following link: https://secure2.gov.mt/socialpolicy/SocProt/social_benefits/ben_rates/clbo_explain.aspx.

Alternatively, one can call SPIC on 159 or the Department of Social Security on 2590 3000 for further information.