A bill creating a Medical Licensing Board licensing non-Palauan doctors to practice in Palau was signed into law yesterday as RPPL 10-44 but with a rider that is watched by many retirees in Palau, the $50 additional increase to Social Security benefits that was tagged on to the bill.
The bill rider appropriated $2.1 million to maintain payment of the $50 Social Security benefit that given to SS beneficiaries in March of 2018 under RPPL 10-21. This rider adds another $50 benefit to old age insurance and disability beneficiaries who are citizens of the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia or the United States of America.
The additional benefit is said to be issued to direct SS beneficiaries and does not apply to those receiving SS benefits of spouses or parents that have passed away.
The additional $50 Social Security benefit will take effect in April of 2020. (L.N. Reklai)