Pensioners in Antigua and Barbuda are set to receive a 5% increase in payments after Cabinet approved an expansion of the government's wage relief programme, according to Antigua News Room.
Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant announced the decision, noting that it builds on a salary increase granted to public servants the previous week and extends support to additional groups.
"The Cabinet approved a 5% increase in payments to pensioners this week," Merchant said, describing the measure as part of efforts to "provide financial relief and improve the standard of living for all of its citizens."
The government also moved to broaden the scope of the earlier salary adjustment to cover categories of workers who had initially been excluded. "The Cabinet not only agreed to expand that 5% to include those contract workers, persons on the government work scheme, but also the 5% increase to go to pensioners," Merchant said.
The expansion reflects the administration's response to sustained global economic pressures bearing down on local households. Merchant emphasised that the government "remains committed to ensuring that it improves the welfare of its people through prudent economic management policies," framing the increases as part of "a broader strategy to strengthen social protection systems and promote inclusive growth."
Officials indicated that the measures were outlined in the 2026 budget and are backed by projected economic growth. The latest Cabinet decision adds pensioners to a growing list of beneficiaries under the government's wage and social support programme as authorities continue rolling out targeted relief initiatives in response to rising living costs across the country.
