Updated on: July 4, 2025

Who is eligible for Income Support Pension 2025?

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In a major shift in retirement policy, the Government of Mauritius has launched a new pension scheme called ‘Income Support‘, aimed at low-income individuals aged 60 to 65. Announced by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr Navin Ramgoolam during the Parliamentary Sitting of Friday 4 July 2025, this initiative fills the financial gap created by the recent increase in the Basic Retirement Pension (BRP) eligibility age from 60 to 65.

Eligibility Criteria for Income Support Pension Scheme

To qualify for the newly introduced Income Support Pension Scheme, individuals must meet a specific set of age, income, and residency conditions. This scheme was designed to target vulnerable retirees who are not yet eligible for the Basic Retirement Pension (BRP) due to the new retirement age of 65.

Key Eligibility Conditions

Criteria	Details
Age	Applicant must be between 60 and 64 years old.
Income (Single)	Must earn less than Rs 10,000 per month in total income (including pensions, salary, etc.).
Income (Couples)	Combined income for a couple (married or cohabiting) must bebelow Rs 20,000 per month.
Residency	Must be a resident of Mauritius and meet the usual conditions under national social security rules.
Retirement Status	Applicant must not yet qualify for the Basic Retirement Pension (now only available at 65).

This change is being phased in over several years starting September 2025.

The schedule for eligibility is:

Turning 60 between Sept 1, 2025, and Aug 31, 2026 → Eligible at 61 (Sept 1, 2026)
Turning 60 between Sept 1, 2026, and Aug 31, 2027 → Eligible at 62 (Sept 1, 2028)
Turning 60 between Sept 1, 2027, and Aug 31, 2028 → Eligible at 63 (Sept 1, 2030)
Turning 60 between Sept 1, 2028, and Aug 31, 2029 → Eligible at 64 (Sept 1, 2032)
Turning 60 on or after Sept 1, 2029 → Eligible at 65 (Sept 1, 2034)

Who Will Benefit this Income Support?

This scheme primarily targets:

Women who were full-time homemakers and have limited or no contribution records.
Informal sector workers who did not contribute regularly to the National Pension Fund (NPF).
Widows, separated individuals, or disabled persons between 60–65 years old with no other income.
Unemployed older adults who are waiting to reach BRP eligibility age.

The nature of the programme ensures that only those genuinely in financial need will benefit, helping to avoid unnecessary fiscal pressure while protecting the most vulnerable.

Why the Shift from Basic Retirement Pension (BRP) to Income Support for 60–64?

^{Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr Navin Ramgoolam}

Moving from Universal to Targeted Support

Historically, Mauritius has maintained a universal pension model — where all residents aged 60 and above receives the same benefit, regardless of wealth. However, Dr Navin Ramgoolam said this model has become financially unsustainable:

In 2024–25, the government spent over Rs 55 billion on pensions alone.
With the population ageing, the number of pensioners is projected to surpass 300,000 by 2027.
Maintaining a flat-rate BRP for all would place excessive strain on the national budget.

By introducing this procedure for early retirees through Income Support, the government aims to:

Reduce costs
Improve fairness
Focus assistance on those most in need

Expected Application Process

Steps	Details
1. Confirm Eligibility	Ensure that you meet the age (60–64) and income requirements (< Rs 10,000/month for singles or < Rs 20,000/month for couples).
2. Collect Supporting Documents	Prepare ID documents (National ID Card, Birth Certificate), bank statements, payslips, pension records, and utility bills as proof of residence and income.
3. Visit Your Local Social Security Office	Applications will likely be processed at the nearest Social Security or Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) office.
4. Submit the Application Form	Complete the official Income Support form (expected to be downloadable from socialsecurity.govmu.org) and submit it along with required documents.
5. Await Income Verification	The Ministry or Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) may verify your declared income and household status before approval.
6. Receive Confirmation & First Payment	If approved, you’ll be notified by mail or SMS. Payments will likely be credited monthly to your bank account or issued via postal order.

Important Tips

Couples applying jointly must declare combined household income.
False declarations can result in disqualification and penalties under social security regulations.
Applications will likely be renewed annually, especially if income conditions change.