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1303 Hospital Ground • STE 1 • St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 Golden Rock • Christiansted, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 www.dhs.vi.gov GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Press Contact: Kimberley Causey-Gomez, MSW Commissioner Kimberley.causeygomez@dhs.vi.gov Phone: (340) 718-2980 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Tuesday, 10 May 2022 VI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES WAIVES FEE FOR SENIOR ID SERVICES U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS -The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced the Division of Senior Citizens Affairs, Information and Referral (I&R) Senior Identification Document (ID) Program is waiving the fee for the Senior ID cards. “As we are in the midst of COVID surges and most importantly celebrating our beloved seniors through an array of social, emotional and spiritual activities for Older Americans Month, this waiver will help our senior population which is in coordination of Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s new health and wellness initiative dubbed ‘Our Best Life’.” The initiative was announced during a weekly press conference at Government House last week. The “Our Best Life” initiative is being spearheaded by the Human Services Department in partnership with Sports, Parks, and Recreation, and is meant to facilitate activities and spaces that will increase the health and activity levels of seniors, children, and families. The emphasis of the initiative, Bryan said, is on seniors’ ability to “age well and with dignity” and on “helping families be active again.” Seniors 60 years of age and older qualify to receive a Senior ID Card from the Department of Human Services. Once seniors are given scheduled appointment dates, they will need to provide supporting documents to verify age such as a birth certificate, passport or other government issued l valid ID and proof of residency such as a utility bill, property tax statement, or rental lease/deed. The fee for the Senior I.D. has been waived, and the I.D. will be valid for a period of five (5) years. As a reminder these services are by appointment only and for the health and safety of all, COVID protocols must be adhered to. Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez encourages 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, please contact the Department of Human Services 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 For general information, please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs). The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs. In times of national uncertainty and hardship we act as a safety-net and exist to inspire hope and empower change through non- judgmental, quality delivery of needed services and resources. Please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi for more information. 1303 Hospital Ground • STE 1 • St. Thomas, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 Golden Rock • Christiansted, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 www.dhs.vi.gov The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure, and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government, and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov. ## END ##