With reference to Mario Dingli’s letter A Gift For The Elderly (April 9), it should be pointed out that all elderly who are over 80 and who live in their own home or with their families are indeed entitled to the €300 allowance.

This means that a man and his wife, who are both over 80, should each have received a cheque for €300. Even individuals who are not entitled to any benefits or assistances and who do not receive a retirement pension, because they never paid any national insurance contributions, are eligible to receive this allowance.

Those individuals who have not received the €300 allowance because they are not known by the Department for Social Security should immediately register for this allowance by calling at the district office to fill an application with the necessary details.

Further information may be obtained by calling Social Policy Information Centre 159.