Elderly deserve extra pensions: Expert

BEIJING - Local governments have been urged to pay the old age pension regularly since the nation's coffers can now afford it, but the public remains largely unaware of the benefits to which the elderly are entitled, according to a senior civil affairs official.

Currently, only six provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Yunnan, have been paying local seniors over the age of 80 a pension ranging from 50 to 200 yuan ($7 to $29) a month, said Wang Zhengyao, director of the social welfare and charity promotion department under the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

He cited results from a survey conducted by the ministry, which was distributed to local administrations in May to encourage improved support of the elderly.