WILLEMSTAD – Several groups within the Curaçaoan community will receive a special appreciation bonus from the government in January 2026. Minister of Social Development, Labor and Welfare Charetti America (MFK) confirmed the measure in comments to local media, describing it as targeted support for low-income households and retirees.
According to the minister, all individuals receiving an understand (social assistance) benefit will be granted an additional 200 guilders.
Pensioners will also receive extra financial support, with the amount depending on the size of their monthly pension:
• Those receiving up to 2,000 guilders per month will get 400 guilders extra.
• Those earning above 2,000 guilders will receive an additional 250 guilders.
Furthermore, widows, widowers, and orphans will receive a supplementary 400 guilders.
Minister America emphasized that this is not the traditional Bashi Premie often issued around the end of the year. Instead, the government is introducing a new initiative: the Waarderingsbonus 2026, designed to offer both recognition and financial relief to vulnerable groups within society.
The Pisas III cabinet says it aims to ease the pressure on households facing rising living costs while acknowledging the essential role these groups play in Curaçao’s social fabric.