1. What is the State Age Pension?
The State Age Pension will replace the Basic Retirement Pension, as from 1 January 2027. Henceforth, any citizen will be entitled to elect to receive a State Age Pension as from 60 years old: (i) an early SAP as from 60, (ii) a standard (full) SAP at 65, (election at an earlier age during the transition period) (iii) a late SAP as from 65 and up to 70.
2. What is the standard (full) State Age Pension?
The standard (full) State Age Pension is the pension payable to a beneficiary upon electing to receive State Age Pension at the prescribed pension age. The current standard (full) State Age Pension is Rs 15,555. This amount will be revised in January every year by such rate, as may be prescribed, taking into consideration the cost of living of the previous year. In addition, age-based increases will also be applied.
| Age | Additional Monthly Amount |
|---|
| 65 | Rs 1,000 |
| 75 | Rs 1,500 |
| 90 | Rs 7,995 |
| 100 | Rs 5,185 |
3. What is the pension age?
The pension age is the age at which a citizen will receive the standard (full) State Age Pension. The pension age for a citizen to elect to receive the standard (full) State Age Pension will be increased to 65 years old as from September 2029.
4. Is there a transition period?
Yes, a transition period has been established, whereby the pension age for the standard (full) State Age Pension is being progressively increased from 60 years to 65 years. This is summarised in the table below.
| Period when citizen turns 60 | Pension Age |
|---|
| 01 Sept 2025 to 31 Aug 2026 | 61 |
| 01 Sept 2026 to 31 Aug 2027 | 62 |
| 01 Sept 2027 to 31 Aug 2028 | 63 |
| 01 Sept 2028 to 31 Aug 2029 | 64 |
| As from 01 Sept 2029 | 65 |
5. What is early State Age Pension?
As from 1 January 2027, a citizen may elect to receive an early State Age Pension at any time on attaining 60 years up to his pension age. This amount will be revised in January every year by such rate, as may be prescribed, taking into consideration the cost of living of the previous year. In addition, age-based increases will also be applied.
| Age | Additional Monthly Amount |
|---|
| 65 | Rs 1,000 |
| 75 | Rs 1,500 |
| 90 | Rs 7,995 |
| 100 | Rs 5,185 |
6. What is late State Age Pension?
A citizen may elect to receive a late State Age Pension as from his pension age up to 70 years. This amount will be revised in January every year by such rate, as may be prescribed, taking into consideration the cost of living of the previous year. In addition, age-based increases will also be applied.
| Age | Additional Monthly Amount |
|---|
| 65 | Rs 1,000 |
| 75 | Rs 1,500 |
| 90 | Rs 7,995 |
| 100 | Rs 5,185 |
7. What happens if I choose to receive an early State Age Pension?
If you choose to receive your State Age Pension early, your pension will be reduced by 0.5% for each month you elect to receive same before your pension age. This is equivalent to a reduction of 6% per year.
8. What happens if I choose to receive a late State Age Pension?
If you defer your State Age Pension, your pension will increase by 0.5% for each month of deferment up to pension age. For deferment after pension age, your pension will increase by 0.75% per month.
9. I turned 60 in the period September 2025 to December 2025. When will I be entitled to the Basic Retirement Pension?
From September 2026 to December 2026, when you reach the age of 61, you will receive your Basic Retirement Pension of Rs 15,555 per month. Thereafter, as from 1st January 2027, you will transition to the State Age Pension, at the same rate as the Basic Retirement Pension.
10. I turned/will turn 60 in the period January 2026 – December 2026. When will I be entitled to the State Age Pension?
For those turning 60 years in the year 2026, they will be eligible to elect to receive their State Age Pension as from January 2027. For every month you elect to receive your State Age Pension before the pension age, the amount will be reduced by -0.5%.
For example, if you turn 60 years in August 2026, you are entitled to receive your standard (full) SAP in August 2027 (at age 61). If you decide to elect to receive your early State Age Pension in January 2027 (seven months earlier), your State Age Pension will be adjusted by -3.5% (= 7 months * -0.5%).
The table below shows the estimated State Age Pension amount for those reaching 60 years in 2026 and who elect to receive their State Age Pension in January 2027.
11. Can I continue working while receiving my State Age Pension?
Yes, you may continue to work while receiving your State Age Pension. The State Age Pension is universal for all those reaching 60 years and above.
12. Is there any 'means testing' applied when determining the eligibility for the State Age Pension?
No. Age is the only criteria determining eligibility to the State Age Pension.
13. Will my Basic Widow's Pension or Basic Invalidity Pension stop when I reach the age of 60 years?
No. You will continue to receive your Basic Widow's Pension (BWP) until you reach pension age. This also applies for the beneficiaries of the Basic Invalidity Pension (BIP).
14. At which age will I be eligible for the bus pass / metro card?
The age at which a citizen is eligible for a bus card / metro card which permits free public transportation will remain at 60 years old.
15. Will I be eligible for income support when State Age Pension comes into effect in January 2027?
No income support shall be payable for any month after December 2026.
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