WILLEMSTAD – The number of people receiving disability benefits on Curaçao increased to 1,880 in 2023, according to the Social Insurance Bank’s (SVB) latest annual financial report. The associated costs rose to nearly 32 million guilders, up from almost 30 million in 2022. 

In the previous year, just over 1,800 residents received disability payments. The growth in beneficiaries has led to an annual cost increase of almost 2 million guilders, highlighting the rising financial pressure on the system. 

The disability benefit is part of the General Old Age and Disability Insurance (AOV/AO) scheme and is intended for individuals who, due to medical reasons, are unable or only partially able to work. 

The SVB notes in its report that this benefit program, like others, is under increasing strain due to rising expenditures and the growing number of claimants. The figures underscore the broader challenges facing Curaçao’s social safety net amid changing demographics and healthcare demands.