Bureaucracy Leaves 85-Yr-Old Blind Woman Without Carer Payments For 4 Long Months

An 85-year-old woman from Henrietta has been left in a state of “uncertainty” after her vital Carer’s Allowance was suspended without official explanation, her family has claimed.

Sarojini, who is blind and requires constant support, has now been waiting four months for clarity since her family first raised the alarm on the Explik Ou Ka radio programme.

Despite a formal appeal lodged in October 2025, the Ministry of Social Security has yet to provide a written decision or any official correspondence regarding the cessation of the benefit.

A Cycle of Bureaucracy

The pensioner’s grandson, Rajeev, expressed his frustration over a system that requires the family to re-apply for the allowance every two years—a process involving fresh medical certificates and appearances before a medical board.

“I do not understand why we must constantly prove the same thing,” Rajeev told reporters. “She is 85 and she cannot see. Her condition is not going to improve.”

The family noted that while initial applications are frequently rejected by the medical committee, they have historically been approved upon appeal.

However, following the most recent rejection and subsequent appeal in October, the family says they have received no notification of progress.

Official Response

Swaraj Sahadew, the Social Security Commissioner, confirmed that the medical committee’s initial assessments for the current claim were “not favourable.”

He acknowledged that in previous instances, the independent appeal tribunal had recommended the allowance be reinstated.

Addressing the current four-month delay, Mr Sahadew clarified:

“The appeal tribunal is an independent body. The delay does not depend directly on Social Security.”

The Commissioner has promised to investigate the status of the file and contact the family once further information is available.

The Human Cost

For Sarojini’s relatives, the primary grievance is the lack of communication from authorities.

Rajeev highlighted that the administrative silence is particularly difficult for a family caring for an elderly, dependent relative.

“We are asked to wait, without further explanation,” he said. “It is difficult for an elderly person and for the family who looks after her.”

As the matter remains unresolved, the family continues to wait for the financial support intended to assist with Sarojini’s care, which remains suspended in the interim.

Source: Defi Media