Pensioners get $420 raise

Retirement (old age) pensioners are getting a $420 raise.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, announced the increase in benefits for all National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensioners. during his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. He informed that retirement (old age), widows, widowers, invalidity pension will move from $4,200 to $4,620 per week. Pensioners who receive $3,500, will get a $350 increase to $3,850, and those receiving $3,000 per week, will see their pension increase by $300 to $3,300.

In addition, the retirement (old age), widows, widowers, invalidity grant goes up by $5,000 from $60,000 to $65,000; special child and orphan pension rises $600 from $6,000 per week to $6,600; and the special child and orphan grant will move from $75,000 to $80,000. Sugar workers' pension gets a $300 increase from $3,000 to $3,300; employment injury benefit goes up by $420 from $4,200 per week to $4,620; and funeral grants will move from $150,000 to $160,000. Payments with these new increases begin in August.

The maternity allowance, which is pegged to the national minimum wage, will see domestic workers receiving an increase to $16,000 effective June 1. In the case of the NI GOLD, the health insurance benefit provided to NIS pensioners, the benefit levels will increase effective July 1. Charles said the increases are in light of the performance of the National Insurance Fund and based on a recent actuarial review.

Turning to the challenges pensioners face in submitting life certificates, he said that the ministry is working with the Information and Communications Technology Authority (eGov) to launch the 'AmAlive' mobile and web apps, which will use facial recognition technology to provide proof of life. This will reduce the need for pensioners to travel to the ministry's offices or post offices, he noted. For those who prefer traditional methods, paper-based and email submissions will continue to be accepted.