WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao has announced that retirees receiving an AOV (old-age pension) or AWW (widow and orphan pension) with a monthly income of up to 1,100 guilders will receive a one-time bonus on Friday. The bonus is intended for retirees residing in Curaçao and is based on income data from 2023. 

Specific provisions apply to certain groups. For example, 72 pensioners who receive additional benefits from the General Pension Fund Curaçao (APC) will receive their bonus via APC at the end of January. Additionally, 267 individuals residing in institutions under the General Insurance for Special Medical Expenses will receive their bonus through their respective facilities. 

Minister of Finance Javier Silvania noted that the bonus will be included in the total income for 2025. As a result, some recipients may exceed the annual income threshold of 12,000 guilders, which could make them subject to premiums for the basic health insurance. The government is exploring adjustments to raise this threshold. 

The bonus is part of an effort to provide financial relief to the island's most vulnerable pensioners.