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Government has announced ex-gratia uplift payments for eligible public service pensioners. Minimum cumulative monthly pension will move from twelve hundred and fifty dollars ($1250.00) to fifteen hundred dollars ($1500.00). The uplift will be processed for qualifying pensioners as part of the March payroll and will be paid retroactive to January 2025.

In commenting on the uplift, Premier Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly noted that the high cost of living significantly eroded the value of welfare benefits, making it necessary to adjust support for vulnerable populations. “Cabinet approved the uplift as part of our Government’s broader commitment to strengthening the welfare safety net and assisting those most in need. This decision will bring much needed relief for pensioners allowing them to better cope with affording their necessities.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service Honourable Franz Manderson shared similar sentiments stating, “The pensioners faithfully served the government and people of the islands for many years and without doubt this uplift in pension payment is greatly deserved. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our pensioners who laid the foundation for our Civil Service and the growth and development of the Cayman Islands.”

The ex-gratia uplift will support the implementation of government’s policy objective to create parity between long term financial assistance and the minimum amounts paid to public sector pensioners.

Currently, there are 633 active ex-gratia uplift recipients who will qualify for the increase.