Government expenditure on pensions and social benefits reached a record level in 2025, according to figures published by the National Statistics Office. The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights stated that total payments to contributory and non-contributory beneficiaries amounted to approximately €1.62 billion, representing 21% of the Government’s recurrent expenditure and “double the amount of benefits paid in 2013.”
Data shows that contributory benefits increased by €106.3 million to exceed €1.25 billion, while non-contributory benefits rose by more than €36 million to €362.5 million. The number of contributory pensioners surpassed 100,000, with total pension recipients reaching around 106,800. Pension income, including bonuses, rose by €103 million, largely due to an annual increase of €416 and further improvements.
Additional measures included adjustments benefiting widows, as well as pension increases aimed at reducing disparities between those born before and after 1962. Changes to cost-of-living bonuses are also expected to standardise payments for all pensioners. Around 13,800 individuals, mostly women not eligible for pensions, received €10.5 million in annual bonuses.
Investment in families with children also grew by €18 million to nearly €113 million, alongside increases in children’s allowances and in-work benefits. Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon said the data reflects stronger economic performance and reduced social dependency.
Follow News Of Malta 🇲🇹 for the latest stories and updates.
