€1.6 billion is set to be spent on pensions and social benefits throughout the calendar year of 2025, the government said.
The Ministry for Social Policy said this mark will set “an all-time record.”
Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon announced this information during a press conference in which he also shared that a number of social benefit payments will be made over this weekend.
The government has invested €154 million in pensions and social benefits over the past four weeks.
“The investment in benefits for families with children, low-income families and average-income families has tripled from €50 million in 2013 to around €152 million this year. This government recognises and addresses the new social realities and challenges, in the best interests of families, pensioners, and the most vulnerable,” Minister Falzon said.
During this press conference, it was also announced that widowed pensioners will receive the first payment to their increased pension for this year.
At the end of this week, other benefits – such as those related to illness, unemployment, and for those who suffered an injury in their workplace – will also be given.
Permanent Secretary Mark Musù said that in total, 18,044 widows will be paid more than €17 million for the first four weeks of 2025. These payments include the allocated €8 increase per week. Over the past decade, widow pensioners have enjoyed increases of over €60 on these payments.
It was clarified that these payments do not include the adjustment pending for May; this will gradually bring the widow’s pension to be equal to that of their deceased spouse.
Referencing other social payments, it was also announced that 9,414 people will be receiving over €1.4 million in Sickness Assistance, while 1,091 people are being paid other temporary contributory benefits due to illness, injury or temporary unemployment.
The number of persons being paid for Unemployment Assistance has dropped to an all-time low of 212 beneficiaries.
The capital asset limit for non-contributory benefits has also been increased; specifically for the right to an Old Age Pension, Social Assistance (including Unemployment Assistance), Medical Assistance, and the Pink Card. The thresholds will change from €23,000 to €26,000 for married couples, and from €14,000 to €16,000 for single persons.
