Over 1.5 Million Cubans to Receive Pension Increases

Starting in September, 1,573,320 Cubans—88% of beneficiaries under the General Social Security System—will receive a partial pension increase, authorities announced Wednesday in Havana.

The measure, initially proposed in mid-July by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz before the National Assembly, will take effect September 1 under Resolution 14/2025 from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS). The resolution was published in the Official Gazette No. 71.

Officials, including Vladimir Regueiro Ale, Minister of Finance and Prices; Benito Rey González, Director General of Social Security (MTSS); and Julio Pérez Álvarez, Director of Currency and Securities at Cuba’s Central Bank (BCC), provided further details.

Rey González clarified that the increase applies to retirement, disability, and survivor pensions (widows, widowers, orphans, and dependent parents). He emphasized that protecting the most vulnerable has long been a policy of the Cuban government, though current inflationary pressures have severely impacted pensioners' purchasing power.

However, he stressed that not all beneficiaries will receive the same adjustment. "This is a partial increase, not everyone will receive 4,000 pesos, nor will all pensions double, as some have mistakenly interpreted," he said, referencing the measure as part of broader economic reforms.

Breakdown of Increases

• Retirement and disability pensions under 2,472 pesos will rise by 1,528 pesos.

• Those receiving between 2,473 and 3,999 pesos will see their pensions adjusted up to 4,000 pesos.

• Survivor pensions (unified pensions) will now follow a sliding scale:

  • 70% of the deceased’s pension for one dependent,

  • 85% for two,

  • 100% for three or more.

• Widows’ pensions, averaging 1,970 pesos, will double to 2,140 pesos.

Funding and Logistics

Regueiro Ale noted that despite financial constraints, the state budget supports the measure, made possible by this year’s reduced fiscal deficit. The increase will cost approximately 25 billion pesos annually (about 2 billion monthly).

Pérez Álvarez confirmed that cash reserves for the adjustments will be distributed nationwide, including the Isle of Youth, by August 20 to ensure timely implementation.

The move aims to alleviate economic strain on pensioners, though officials acknowledge it does not cover all Social Security beneficiaries. Further adjustments may follow as Cuba continues its economic restructuring efforts.