Around 56,000 elderly beneficiaries are receiving more than €31 million this week following improvements to two social benefits introduced in Budget 2026.

The annual grant for persons aged 75 and over has increased by €75, reaching €425 for those aged 75-79 and €525 for those aged 80+. Some 42,892 people are benefiting, with payments totalling €20.4 million.

A separate annual bonus for individuals who do not qualify for a contributory pension has also risen by €50 across all nine rates, now ranging from €600 to €1,050. About 13,119 people are receiving €10.7 million under this scheme.

Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon said the measures form part of a broader package aimed at steadily improving pensions and elderly benefits.