Cost of Living Cash Credit | COLCC - For Barbadians Who Need It Most

A policy initiative of the Government of Barbados administered by the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS)

$100 a month, every month — for Barbadians who need it most

The Cost of Living Cash Credit (COLCC) is $1,200 per year, paid as $100 monthly, to eligible seniors and welfare recipients. For most beneficiaries, no visit or contact to NISSS is required — your payment will come to you automatically.

$100

Paid monthly for 12 consecutive months

Apr 20

Target date for first COLCC payment

63,760+

Pension recipients already eligible and registered

Important: The first COLCC payment will be disbursed on April 20, 2026. Eligible persons not currently registered with NISSS must register at the temporary COLCC Registration Hub at Queen's Park Steel Shed (April 8–11, 2026). All existing NISSS and public sector pensioners and Special Needs Grant recipients are currently registered with NISSS and require no further action to receive the COLCC.

How it works

Most beneficiaries receive the COLCC automatically

If you are already on the NISSS payment system — as a pensioner or Special Needs Grant recipient — your COLCC will be delivered by the same method already on file. No form-filling, no office visit required.

Automatic — no action needed

NISSS Pensioners with Income Under $50,000

Already receiving an NISSS Pension? Your COLCC payment will be delivered to you via your existing payment method on the 20th of each month.

Automatic — no action needed

Public Sector Pensioners with Income Under $50,000

Already receiving a Government of Barbados public sector pension through NISSS? Your COLCC payment will be delivered via your existing payment method on the 20th of each month.

Automatic — no action needed

NISSS Pensioners with Income Under $50,000

Already receiving the Special Needs Grant through NISSS? Your COLCC payment will be delivered via your existing payment method on the 20th of each month.

Registration required

Seniors Over 65 Years Not Receiving a Pension & Welfare Recipients

Welfare recipients not yet in the NISSS system, and seniors aged 65 years and over with no pension income, must register — online or at the temporary hub by 14 April 2026.

Key dates

COLCC Contact Desk hotline activated: (246) 431-7400.

COLCC Registration Hub opens at Queen’s Park Steel Shed, St. Michael’s Row, Bridgetown. Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily.

COLCC micro-site and online registration live at

www.colcc.nis.gov.bb

COLCC direct bank deposits and cheques dispatched for the April payment.

Ongoing monthly COLCC payments continue for 11 additional months. Where the 20th falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment is made on the last business day prior.