The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has earmarked more than $72 billion in the 2026 budget to support various pensions and social assistance programs. This includes allocations for old age pensions, public assistance, permanent disability payments, the newborn cash grant, and new transport and utility subsidies.
The breakdown of this allocation was provided during the Committee of Supply‘s examination of the ministry’s spending estimates for the fiscal year. Opposition MP Dr. David Hinds requested a disaggregation of the funds under line item 6343 for “old age pension and social assistance.”
Allocation Details
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, explained that the allocation encompasses multiple beneficiary categories:
- $52.44 billion for old age pensions
- $5.7 billion for public assistance
- $8.2 billion for permanent disability payments
In addition, the minister highlighted other social support initiatives included in the 2026 estimates:
- $1.3 billion for the newborn cash grant program, which supported approximately 13,000 mothers last year
- $1.9 billion budgeted for a new transportation subsidy
- $942 million allocated for an electricity subsidy
- $298.2 million dedicated to a water subsidy, with additional support figures related to electricity and water mentioned.
In total, these allocations bring the overarching budget for the ministry to approximately $72.39 billion.
Beneficiaries
When asked about the number of pensioners expected to benefit, Minister Persaud projected that around 95,000 old age pensioners would be served in 2026. For public assistance, about 19,000 individuals are anticipated to benefit from that category.
Focus on Capacity Building
During the discussions, the minister also emphasized the ministry’s commitment to strengthening staff capacity as it transitions service delivery into a digital format. In response to inquiries about increased spending for staff training and scholarships, she outlined targeted training areas including change management, team building, leadership development, coaching and mentoring, emotional intelligence, stress management, conflict resolution, creative problem-solving, and orientation for new staff.
This coordinated effort reflects the government’s overarching strategy to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of social services across Guyana.
