Increase in Benefits for NIS Pensioners

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has announced an increase in benefits for all National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensioners.

The Minister, in his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 13), informed that retirement (old age), widows, widowers, invalidity pension will move from $4,200 to $4,620 per week.

Pensioners, who receive $3,500, will see an increase to $3,850 and for those receiving $3,000 per week, they will now receive $3,300.

In addition, the retirement (old age), widows, widowers, invalidity grant will increase from $60,000 to $65,000; special child and orphan pension will move from $6,000 per week to $6,600 per week; the special child and orphan grant will move from $75,000 to $80,000; sugar workers pension will increase from $3,000 to $3,300; employment injury benefit will move from $4,200 per week to $4,620 per week; and funeral grants will move from $150,000 to $160,000.

These increases will take effect April 1, 2025, with payments to begin in August 2025.

The Maternity Allowance, which is pegged to the National Minimum Wage, will see domestic workers receiving an increase to $16,000 effective June 1, 2025.

In the case of the NI GOLD, which is the health insurance benefit provided to NIS pensioners, the benefit levels will increase effective July 1, 2025.

Mr. Charles Jr. said the increases are in light of the performance of the National Insurance Fund (NIF) and based on a recent actuarial review.

“We will continue reforms to not only optimise the financial performance of the Fund but also to monitor its long-term financial sustainability,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the upcoming year, the NIF will embark on high-priority initiatives, including continued revision and implementation of investment policies aimed at minimising risk exposure.

Focus will also be placed on the strategic review and realignment of the Fund’s real estate assets to improve overall portfolio performance and on the development and renovations of key properties to align with market demand, compliance standards and ensure operational efficiency.

Minister Charles Jr. told the House that the NIF is targeting several properties for development, including Harbour Street, Knutsford Boulevard, Ripon Road, and the Trelawny and St. Mary parish offices.

He said that architectural designs will commence for the development of lands for the Clarendon parish office in financial year 2025/2026.

“We will continue to enhance the Fund’s investment strategies to ensure optimal rates of return while maintaining stability and sustainability. With this, we continue our mission to deliver today and secure tomorrow,” Minister Charles Jr. pointed out.

Turning to the challenges pensioners face in submitting Life Certificates, he said that the Ministry is working with the Information and Communications Technology Authority (eGov) to launch the ‘AmAlive’ mobile and web apps, which will use facial recognition technology to provide proof of life.

This will reduce the need for pensioners to travel to the Ministry’s offices or post offices, he noted.

For those who prefer traditional methods, paper-based and email submissions will continue to be accepted.