Pensioners in Antigua and Barbuda are set to receive a 5% increase in payments following a Cabinet decision to expand its wage relief measures amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant said the move builds on last week’s increase for public servants and extends support to additional groups.

“The cabinet… approved a 5% increase in payments to pensioners this week,” Merchant said, adding that the measure is part of efforts to “provide financial relief and improve the standard of living for all of its citizens.”

He noted that the government has also widened the scope of the earlier salary adjustment to include categories of workers who were initially left out.

“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,” he said.

The expansion comes as the government seeks to cushion the effects of global economic pressures on households.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that it improves the welfare of its people through prudent economic management policies,” Merchant said, describing the increases as part of “a broader strategy… to strengthen social protection systems and promote inclusive growth.”

Officials have indicated that the measures were outlined in the 2026 budget and are supported by projected economic growth, as the administration continues to roll out targeted relief initiatives.

The latest decision adds pensioners to a growing list of beneficiaries under the government’s wage and social support programme, as authorities respond to rising living costs across the country.