More than $30.5 billion was spent on old-age pensions and subsidised electricity and water charges for senior citizens during the first six months of 2026, according to the Government’s Mid-Year Report.
The report shows that $29.3 billion went directly towards Old Age Pension payments between January and June, while another $942.5 million was spent subsidising electricity charges and $298.2 million on subsidised water charges for senior citizens.
Combined, those three interventions amounted to approximately $30.54 billion during the first half of the year.
The expenditure comes after the monthly Old Age Pension was increased from $41,000 to $46,000 in 2026, part of a broader increase in social assistance spending.
According to the Mid-Year Report, transfer payments across Government rose by 18.2% to $152.1 billion during the first half of 2026, with higher old age pensions and other social assistance programmes among the main drivers of the increase.
Support for pensioners is expected to increase further in the second half of the year.
In July, Government began distributing the new $20,000 annual transportation allowance for pensioners, meaning that expenditure was not included in the $30.5 billion spent during the January-to-June reporting period.
The Mid-Year Report also points to a significant shift in how pensioners are receiving their payments, with more senior citizens moving away from traditional payment methods.
Payments through commercial banks increased by 143% compared with the first half of 2025, with 39,218 pensioners using that payment option. Mobile money payments also increased by 146%, with 470 pensioners accessing their pensions through that channel.
The expansion of electronic payments is part of efforts to make pension collection more convenient, particularly for elderly persons who may face difficulties travelling or waiting at physical payment locations.
Beyond direct financial assistance, the report said 6,312 pensioners received eye-care support during the first half of the year.
Senior citizens also continued to receive medical and assistive support, including walkers, wheelchairs and hearing aids.
Government is also expanding home-based care for elderly persons with limited mobility. More than 6,000 shut-in persons are expected to benefit from home-based medical care by the end of 2026.
At the same time, another 10 Golden Generation Hubs are expected to be established during the second half of the year, taking the total number to 16. The facilities are intended to provide senior citizens with spaces for social interaction and recreational activities.
The Government awarded a contract during the first half of the year for the construction of an additional living facility at Mahaica, which is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
Design work is also being finalised for a new senior citizens’ home, while maintenance continues at the existing Palms and Mahaica facilities.
