AMMAN -- As nearly 81 per cent of pensioners receive less than JD400 a month, the Social Security Corporation (SSC) is studying their demands for pension increases, SSC Director General Maen Nsour said on Monday.
At a press conference yesterday, he noted that the SSC Law includes the provision to tie retirees' pensions to the inflation rate or the average annual growth of salaries in order to enable pensioners to cope with rising living costs.
Nsour indicated that the corporation has been coordinating with a society that represents retirees in relation to amendments to the SSC Law, which is currently being discussed by the Lower House finance and labour committees.
"We will continue to work with all stakeholders to reach a formula that serves the interests of beneficiaries and protects the financial stability of the corporation," he said.
Nsour indicated that the SSC board of directors will convene next week to look into various issues, among which will be the retirees' request for higher pensions.
According to the SSC director general, the number of retirees reached around 135,000 by the end of last year.
He pointed out that the main aim of the amendments to the law is to enhance the social safety net and to preserve the financial soundness of the corporation by addressing flaws in the insurance system.
Among these flaws, which Nsour said used to bleed the finances of the corporation, are early retirement and the phenomenon of "exaggerated pensions".
He noted that the proposed amendments will address such issues according to fair criteria.
© Jordan Times 2012
