$72.3B budgeted for pensions, newborn grants and subsidies

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has earmarked more than $72 billion in 2026 to support pensions and social assistance, including old age pensions, public assistance, permanent disability payments, the newborn cash grant, and new transport and utility subsidies.

The breakdown was provided in the Committee of Supply during scrutiny of the ministry’s spending estimates for fiscal year 2026, when opposition MP Dr David Hinds requested that the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud disaggregate the allocation under line item 6343 for “old age pension and social assistance”.

The minister explained that the allocation covers multiple beneficiary categories. She said $52.44 billion is set aside for old age pensions, $5.7 billion for public assistance, and $8.2 billion for permanent disability.

She also detailed additional social support initiatives included in the 2026 estimate. The minister said $1.3 billion has been allocated for the newborn cash grant, noting that last year the programme supported about 13,000 mothers.

A further $1.9 billion is budgeted for a new transportation subsidy, while $942 million has been allocated for an electricity subsidy. The minister also cited a water subsidy allocation of $298.2 million, along with a separate figure mentioned for electricity and water-related support during her response.

In total, she said the package brings the line to approximately $72.39 billion.

When asked how many pensioners are expected to benefit, the minister said the ministry is projecting about 95,000 old age pensioners in 2026.

In response to another question on public assistance, the minister said about 19,000 persons are projected to benefit under that category.

During the same exchange, the minister also highlighted the ministry’s focus on strengthening staff capacity as it transitions service delivery “into a digital realm.” Responding to a query on increased spending for staff training and scholarships, she outlined areas targeted for training, including change management, team building, leadership development, coaching and mentoring, emotional intelligence, stress management, conflict resolution, creative problem-solving and orientation for new staff.