The COLCC is a Government of Barbados policy initiative, introduced in the Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposal 2026 and administered by the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS) on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. It provides $100 per month — $1,200 per year — to eligible seniors and welfare recipients to help manage the rising cost of living.
No. The COLCC is a separate payment, in addition to any pension or welfare benefit you already receive. It will arrive as a separate deposit or cheque.
The Ministry of Finance has not yet issued guidance on the tax treatment of COLCC payments. This page will be updated when confirmation is received. Contact the NISSS COLCC Contact Desk for the latest information.
No. If you are already receiving your pension through NISSS and your income is below $50,000 per year, you are automatically included. Your COLCC will be paid by the same method as your pension — direct deposit or cheque — on the 20th of each month.
No. Special Needs Grant recipients already registered with NISSS are automatically included. Your COLCC cheque will be dispatched to the GPO by the 17th each month for delivery by the 20th.
It depends. If you are already registered in the NISSS system, no action is needed. If you are not yet registered with NISSS, you must complete the online registration form or attend the temporary registration hub at Queen’s Park Steel Shed by 14 April 2026 for inclusion in the first payment.
Barbadians residing abroad who are aged 65 or over and are not receiving any pension income (domestic or foreign) may be eligible. You must register online and provide proof of identity, age, and non-receipt of any pension. Contact the NISSS COLCC Contact Desk for guidance on required documentation for overseas applicants.
The target date for the first COLCC payment is April 20, 2026 for all eligible persons already registered with NISSS.
By the same method already used for your existing pension or grant — direct bank deposit or cheque. There is no need to visit NISSS to arrange this. If you wish to update your bank account details, contact the NISSS COLCC Contact Desk.
Payment will be made on the last business day prior to the 20th.
No.
No. There will only be one monthly COLCC payment per eligible person.
NISSS will only make your COLCC payment by direct deposit to your local bank account or by cheque to your local mailing address in our records. If you wish to update your bank account details, contact the NISSS COLCC Contact Desk.
The Hub will be located at Queen’s Park Steel Shed, Bridgetown. It will be open on April 8, 9, 10 and 11, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please bring a valid photo ID and any documents relating to your income or pension status. NISSS officers will assist you on site.
By the dedicated COLCC Contact Desk at (246) 431-7400, online via this site, or via the general NISSS customer service line at (246) 467-4647.
Contact the Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) at (246) 435-1000 or (246) 435-1023 for queries about welfare eligibility and existing welfare payments. For all questions about your COLCC payment specifically, contact the NISSS COLCC Contact Desk.