Following the passing of the 2026/2027 national budget, several government promises are expected to take effect from 1 July 2026, including higher pensions for senior citizens aged 70 and above, a minimum wage increase, the start of a new child wellbeing scheme and changes to government institutions.
According to the 2026/2027 Budget Address, the monthly pension for senior citizens aged 70 years and above will increase from $300 to $500 from July 1. The Government in its Budget Address said 7,285 pensioners are expected to benefit from the increase.
The minimum wage will also increase from $4.84 to $5.24 an hour from 1 July 2026, marking a 40 sene rise for workers.
It is also the official start of the government’s Child Wellbeing Benefit, which will provide $100 a month for children aged 0 to 35 months, along with a one-off $200 baby bonus. However, the money will not be paid from July. The Budget Address states that while the programme takes effect from 1 July 2026, the first payments are scheduled for January 2027.
The government said the delay will allow the Samoa National Provident Fund (SNPF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, to complete legislative amendments, system upgrades, and beneficiary registration and verification.
