“More than $100 billion in direct transfers” – Minister Edghill outlines social benefits in Budget 2026

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill says Budget 2026 delivers on government promises through increased pensions, grants and social assistance, describing it as “a people-centered budget… that puts people first.”

Speaking after the budget presentation, Edghill emphasised that the measures form part of a long-term plan.

He announced that the old age pension will rise from $41,000 to $46,000 per month from January 1, 2026.

“Old pension has gone to $46,000 a month from January 1st, 2026, an increase of $5,000.”

He said nearly 90,000 pensioners will benefit.

Edghill also outlined increases in education-related grants.

“With the Because We Care cash grant, we closed in 2025 with $50,000. This first installment, we are adding an additional $10,000, which will take it to $60,000.”

He said when combined with other grants, families will receive significantly more.

“The $5,000 uniform grant and the $20,000 transportation grant will take it up now to $85,000.”

Public assistance has also increased.

“As it relates to public assistance, it’s now up to $25,000. The first installment.”

He explained that these measures stretch across the government’s five-year plan.

“So, we’ve got 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 to fulfill a series of commitments at a particular ceiling that was proposed in our manifesto.”

Edghill said the total amount of direct cash support is substantial.

“When you comprise, put together, the Because We Care cash grant, old age pension, public assistance, the transportation grant… it’s more than $100 billion in direct transfers that is going to the people of Guyana.”

He also highlighted mortgage reforms for young people.

“All the young people who are planning on getting a mortgage to build your home, ownership is becoming more and more a reality.”

He noted that the mortgage ceiling has increased.

“The government has addressed the issue of moving the mortgage ceiling from $20 million to $30 million.”

In addition, insurance companies can now participate. “Insurance companies can also now participate in the financing of mortgages up to $30 million.”

Edghill said employment and security were also addressed.

“The money is there to improve citizen security with allocations to the police, the Ministry of Home Affairs.”

He added that health care, electricity, water and culture received attention.

“Ensuring that we have world-class healthcare… improvement in water, improvement in electricity.”

He pointed to commitments on power generation.

“The commitment of increasing the amount of electricity that is produced by an additional 300 megawatts, and at the same time bringing the price down by 50%, is addressed in the budget.”

He said tourism and agriculture will drive long-term employment.

Edghill also announced an increase for pathway workers and community groups.

“Your stipend has gone up by $10,000 per month. So you’ve moved from $40,000 to $50,000.”

He said about 35,000 people will benefit.

“There are about 35,000 people in this particular category. Pathway workers, CSOs, community policing groups, and community policing officers.”

In closing, Edghill urged citizens to examine the budget carefully.

“You will see a government that has stayed faithful to its promises, faithful to its commitments.”

He described Budget 2026 as inclusive.

“A budget that caters for the young, the children, the baby that is born… the elderly person with their old age pensions, persons suffering with vulnerabilities and disabilities.”

He ended with an appeal to the public.

“Don’t believe propaganda. Deal with the facts. Find out for yourself. Ask the hard questions. Engage.”