Last month Government unveiled new legislation intended to help the Island?s property rich but cash poor seniors.

The new legislation promised to open up financial assistance of up to $1,500 monthly to help with at home care costs for seniors in need ? even if they own a home.

Previously, only non-property owning seniors qualified for the financial aid.

But critics say the criteria which will be used to determine whether home-owning seniors can qualify for financial aid is so restrictive that most will still be left out in the cold.

Health Minister Patrice Minors tabled the amendments to the Financial Assistance Act 2001 in the House of Assembly on May 21.

Under the amendments, owners of properties with an annual rental value (ARV) not exceeding $9,900 are eligible for financial assistance.

But where does one find a property with such a low ARV in Bermuda? found that an average one-bedroom apartment in Warwick has an ARV of $10,500 while on an average two-bedroom Pembroke home, the ARV is set at $15,000.

Given the realities of the real estate market, Shadow Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Louise Jackson said the new amendments will help few of the Island?s seniors.

?The Government is all smoke and mirrors,? she said of the changes.

?It is not enough and it won?t help many seniors. It really doesn?t address their problems.?

Mrs. Jackson said Government continues to ignore the real situations of the Island?s poorer seniors.

?This Government is speaking to the top end of pensioners,? she said.

?They never give examples of the lower 50 percent and the cold reality is that over half of our senior population are poor or near poor.?

But Financial Assistance director Diane Taylor told approximately 3,400 households fall in the new ARV bracket for qualifying for aid.

In theory, seniors who own these properties could qualify for financial assistance which was not available to them before ? provided the total income of their households does not disqualify them.

?Awards are based on the household aggregate income rather than that of the individual,? Ms Taylor said.

?Financial Assistance will assist with adult day care for an individual up to $760 monthly.

?We can also assist with adult, in-home care up to $1,500 monthly.

?And the maximum allowable rate for an individual who is placed in a nursing home facility is $3,500.?

Aid awards are made for any expenses that are not covered by a qualifying household?s income, she added.

?These regulations are in place to help assist those in our community who have insufficient financial resources, and encourage personal and economic independence,? she said.