Dear Editor,
There is a situation with the SZV that needs to be addressed. So, on behalf of all pensioners, let me just voice my opinion about the delay of the pension payment for February. The month-end of January was almost like Christmas, when SZV gave us a little raise together with a back-pay. Wonderful – not the real thing, because the pension should have been raised much higher, but as they say, “better something than nothing”
The pension money from SZV is usually paid on time, on month-end, or I suppose when things are good with them, even before the end of the month. But, dear editor, the month-end of February has been a big disappointment. No money was sent to the banks or ATM machines for the pensioners. Furthermore, no reasonable explanation was even given to the pensioners that there would be delay in their pension payments for whatever reason in respect.
Dear editor, my grievance is that this is absolutely not the way pensioners should be treated. Dear editor, these are difficult times we are living in. Many pensioners are depending on this little money, especially on month-end, as their only source of income to sustain them, pay their bills and food necessities.
As pensioners, we have worked our time, and we have faithfully contributed, to the pension fund during all our years of labor. Now that we are “old and gray”, for some of us even enjoying the final stages of their lives, we should be treated with more dignity as citizens who have contributed, and done their part for the next generation to take over, and are now looking forward to our pension income to continue to meet our needs. Dear editor, it’s a shame!
Some time ago last year, if I can recall, there was an article in the newspaper stating that AZV had lent the government 100 million guilders. So, if SZV has money to spare, then what could be the reason why the February pension couldn’t be paid out at the end of February? That money that was loaned to the government is the people’s money, and they should not be playing “Father Christmas” by just giving it out to other parties. And if they can do that, then they should have enough money to meet every month-end payment on time.
So dear editor, what’s the delay? As I am writing this article today it’s already March 3. Many pensioners have to also pay their rent, because the landlords are knocking on their doors for their money. Yes, everybody want their money on time. I do hope management of SZV will take note of this article, understand the grievance of the pensioners, “pull up their socks”, and start doing things right.
Concerned pensioner
Name withheld at author's request.
