PHILIPSBURG:--- NV GEBE is dedicated to supporting the senior citizens of St. Maarten and ensuring they receive the benefits to which they are entitled under the NV GEBE Senior Citizen Relief Program. Unfortunately, there has been some misinformation regarding the application process. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the facts.
The Senior Relief Program has been renewed and officially announced through various channels, including the local newspaper, radio, and NV GEBE’s official Facebook page. The criteria and application details were published on January 19, 2025, and application forms became available for pickup starting January 20, 2025. The deadline for submissions was February 5, 2025.
For returning seniors who were enrolled in the previous year’s program, the renewal process was straightforward: they need only to present a recent NV GEBE bill and a valid ID to update their registration.
For new applicants, the following requirements were outlined, the senior:
• Must be 65 years or older
• Must provide a valid ID
• Must submit a recent NV GEBE bill in his or her name
• If applying as a spouse and the account is in a partner’s name, proof of marriage must be submitted
• All new individuals applying for Senior Relief in 2025 must fill out the complete application form and provide all the required documents.
Over the years, NV GEBE has received application forms for the Senior Citizen relief Program, with accounts in the names of their adult children, landlords or other family members which we had to deny. While we understand these living arrangements, the relief program is specifically designed to assist seniors who hold the account in their own name.
This policy guarantees that assistance is provided directly to eligible individuals and helps prevent any misuse of the program. It is important to emphasize that NV GEBE does not discriminate against senior citizens. However, to maintain transparency and fairness, only account holders are eligible to apply for the relief.
We encourage the public to reach out to our offices for any further clarification regarding the Senior Relief Program. NV GEBE values our senior community and remains dedicated to providing them with the necessary support.
