OLD AGE PENSIONERS TO RECIEVE INCREASE IN MARCH SINCE BUDGETS PASSAGE

By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has outlined the specific procedure for old-age pensioners to access their increased monthly payments and retroactive arrears following the passage of the 2026 National Budget.

The new measures provide a direct financial boost to senior citizens, raising the monthly pension from $41,000 to $46,000.

The March “Double” Payout

Pensioners who have already cashed their January and February vouchers at the previous rate of $41,000 are entitled to a retroactive adjustment for those two months.

• March Total: In March 2026, eligible pensioners will receive a total of $56,000.
• Breakdown: * $46,000 (The new monthly rate for March).
  • $10,000 (Retroactive arrears of $5,000 each for January and February).

Mandatory “Stamping” Procedure

To ensure the transition to the new payment amounts is accurately recorded, Minister Persaud emphasized that a specific administrative step must be taken at the Post Office.

• Stamping Requirement: All pensioners must visit the Post Office to have their March vouchers stamped to reflect the new amount, even if they usually cash their vouchers at alternative locations such as Western Union, MoneyGram, or SurePay.
• Future Stamping Schedule: To maintain account accuracy for the remainder of the year, vouchers must also be stamped during the following months:
  • April 2026
  • July 2026
  • October 2026

Key Takeaways for Senior Citizens

Minister Persaud reminded senior citizens that these increases are part of the government’s commitment to improving the disposable income of Guyana’s 95,000 pensioners, a measure that will inject over $52 billion into the lives of the elderly this year.