The Government announced that pensioners are among those who benefited the most from Budget 2026, which continues under the theme “Ekonomija b’Saħħitha – Futur għal Uliedna.” The Budget introduces the eleventh pension increase, with around 100,000 pensioners set to receive at least €10 more per week, more than double the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
Importantly, none of this increase will be taxable, a measure that has become standard under this Government. During a press conference, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon and Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea said the new measures provide “guarantee and peace of mind to all pensioners.”
Minister Falzon explained that this year’s increase complements those of previous years, amounting to over €70 per week in cumulative gains. He added that several related initiatives will further “improve the quality of life of pensioners,” including tax exemptions for widows and married couples, and higher pensions for service pensioners.
Agius Galea announced that the annual grant for the elderly will increase by €75, reaching €425 for those aged 75–79 and €525 for those aged 80 and above. He added that deductions on total income for couples in care homes will also be reduced, ensuring greater financial fairness.
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Photos: DOI
