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The V.I. Department of Human Services has announced that the Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, Information and Referral Senior Identification Document Program is pausing in-person services as of Tuesday, May 24, and will resume in-person Senior ID services on Monday, June 6 territory-wide.
According to the release, the Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, to protect health and safety of its staff and senior clients during this time of increased Covid-19 positivity rates, will accept telephone calls to schedule appointments. "Seniors are especially vulnerable to the COVID virus, and we prefer to pause services for the next two weeks as a precautionary measure," DHS said.
According to the V.I. Dept. of Health, there were 798 active Covid-19 cases territory-wide as of Monday: 500 on St. Croix, 267 on St. Thomas, and 31 on St. John. The positivity rate stood at 13.80 percent.
DHS said seniors 60 years of age and older qualify to receive a Senior ID Card. Once seniors are given scheduled appointment dates, they will need to bring with them supporting documents to verify age such as a birth certificate, passport or other government-issued ID and proof of residency such as a utility bill, property tax statement, or rental lease/deed.
DHS also reminded senior citizens that Senior IDs are now free. In line with Governor Bryan’s Senior Citizens Health and Wellness initiative “Live Your Best Life by Aging Your Way,” the fee for the Senior I.D. has been waived, and the I.D. will be valid for a period of five years.
As a reminder, these services are by appointment only and for the health and safety of all, Covid prevention and safety protocols must be adhered to, DHS said. Masks are required when entering the Division of Senior Citizens Affairs and will only be allowed to be removed when taking pictures for the Senior IDs.
DHS Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez encouraged all who are eligible for a Senior ID card to make an appointment as the DHS Senior ID cards can be used to obtain valuable discounts in grocery stores, pharmacies, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Lt. Governor’s Property Tax Office, and several other locations throughout the territory.
For more information about the Senior ID Program or to schedule an appointment, contact the DHS at the following phone numbers:
- St. Croix - (340) 772-7148 – Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, 1401 Mars Hill Frederiksted, St. Croix
- St. Thomas (340) 774-0930 ex.t 4018 – Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, 1303 Hospital Ground, STE 1 St. Thomas
- St. John (340) 776-6334 - St. John DHS Multipurpose Center, Cruz Bay, St. John
