THE government invested more than $30.5 billion in pension payments and utility subsidies for senior citizens during the first half of 2026.
According to the Ministry of Finance’s 2026 half-year report, $29.3 billion was spent on Old Age Pension payments, while $298.2 million went towards subsidised water charges and another $942.5 million towards electricity subsidies. These investments totalled $30.54 billion.
Further support was rolled out in July with the commencement of payments for the annual $20,000 transportation allowance for pensioners.
The government also expanded electronic payment options, giving pensioners more convenient ways to access their benefits. Compared with the first half of 2025, commercial bank payments increased by 143 per cent, representing 39,218 pensioners, while mobile money payments rose by 146 per cent, representing 470 pensioners.
Support also extended beyond direct financial assistance. During the reporting period, 6,312 pensioners received eye-care support, while elderly persons continued to benefit from improved medical services and assistive supplies, including walkers, wheelchairs and hearing aids.
By the end of 2026, more than 6,000 shut-in persons are expected to benefit from home-based medical care. (In House Media)