Some of Bermuda’s dwindling population of war veterans will see a change in their pensions, starting next month, as their cheques are applied to care expenses.

According to the Bermuda Legion, just over 200 veterans in the Island have been receiving a government pension.

The changes, agreed by the Department of Social Insurance in November, were made as a cost savings measure, The Royal Gazette understands.

A Government spokesman said: “The Bermuda War Pensions Commissioners are currently providing a rest home or nursing home allowance of up to $7,000 per month for veterans who served in the Second World War — although rest home or nursing homes may charge more than that allowance.

The Commissioners are also providing a pension of $800 per month to the war veteran.

“The Commissioners, proactively, were seeking to implement cost effective measures to reduce the war veteran’s budget in 2015/16, with the least amount of impact to the war veteran.

“Effective April 1, 2015, the $800 per month pension of the war veteran in a rest home/nursing home will be applied to the monthly allowance of up to $7,000.

“For example, the Commissioners will pay $6,200 to the rest home or nursing home and the $800 pension paid to the war veteran will also be paid to the home.

“The home will still receive up to $7,000; however, the monthly pension of $800 will no longer be directed to the war veteran.”

The move is expected to save the public purse about $250,000 in the fiscal year ahead.