Bermuda has evolved into a society of haves and have-nots as a result of the astronomical cost of basic living expenses.

And more than 400 senior citizens need financial assistance to bridge the gap between their pensions and their daily living expenses, said Shirley Boston, a Manager at the Department of Financial Assistance.

Some have also been taken exploited by their own children ? who convince them to turn their homes over to them only to turf them out into the street.

Ms Boston told an audience at the Women's Resource Centre on Tuesday that Bermuda may enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, but ordinary people were struggling.

But she said pride often stopped people in financial difficulties from seeking help until they hit a crisis.

"We're a proud people and so it's hard for people to come through the door. I encourage people to come through the door sooner rather than later when they may have reached a crisis point," she said.

She said seniors were among the hardest hit by the cost of rent, groceries, and medication in addition to the stress of living alone. With rest homes costing close to $4,000 each month, Government pensions which start at $470 a month hardly makes a dent in the cost, she added.

"It's startling and numbing when you look at the average price of rent," said Ms. Boston. "Our friends come from the States and they go to the grocery store and see how we pay $5 for a bag of chips ? they just can't fathom it."

But she said the Department of Financial Assistance can help people to meet their financial responsibilities and to get back on their feet.

She said the Department will not help to pay off credit card bills, but can help to work out a budget that will get people in debt back on track.

The Department offers aid to people who are having trouble meeting basic expenses such as rent, food, utility bills, and medication.

"If you've reached a hard spot we can help you with your basic necessities," she said. "What we ask you to do is to come with your bank statement, your payroll information and an indication of how much you spend each month on basic expenses," Ms Boston told the audience. "We're not writing a blank cheque ? you must make a genuine application for financial assistance."

Once the department receives all the background information, it takes between five to eight working days to process your application.

Seniors who are cash poor and property rich must take steps to protect themselves in old age, especially if they no longer have the ability or desire to look after a home.

"We all know how children can tug on our heart strings, seniors often turn their property over to their children thinking that they don't have anything to worry about only to find the property is conveyed and they have to move off the residence," she said.

If you are a senior and receive financial assistance, Ms Boston said the department does not apply a pension to your living expenses.

Ms. Boston also added there may be myths circulating about financial assistance, such as people not being able to travel once they receive financial assistance.

"We never tell an individual they cannot travel, people have a basic human right to freedom of movement. What we do say is that if you are able to make ends meet and afford the cost of travel overseas then there may be some unreported income."

The Department of Financial Assistance is located on the first floor of Global House on Church Street.