WILLEMSTAD – Residents receiving social assistance benefits (onderstand) in Curaçao will receive a year-end bonus of XCG 400 in December 2026, double the usual amount of XCG 200.
Minister of Social Development, Labor and Welfare Charetti America-Francisca announced the increase during the television program Relato di Dia.
According to the minister, the government has decided to raise the December bonus from XCG 200 to XCG 400 this year, providing additional financial support to some of the island's most vulnerable households during the holiday season.
The announcement comes amid continuing concerns about the cost of living and the financial difficulties experienced by residents who depend on government assistance.
The additional payment represents a 100 percent increase over the previous bonus amount.
Earlier this year, America-Francisca reported that 4,991 social assistance recipients had received an appreciation payment of XCG 200. That announcement was made in January 2026 as part of the government's efforts to support vulnerable residents.
The government has also been providing temporary purchasing-power assistance of XCG 100 per month to eligible vulnerable residents, including social assistance recipients. The latest extension covers payments through October 2026.
Meanwhile, the government is considering broader changes to Curaçao's social assistance system. In August, the Social Economic Council (SER) issued advice on proposed amendments to social assistance legislation and increases in benefit levels. Further decisions on those proposals remain the government's responsibility.
The December bonus announced by America-Francisca is separate from the proposed structural increase in social assistance benefits.
Although the minister confirmed the higher payment during Relato di Dia, additional details regarding the exact payment date, the number of eligible recipients and the total cost to the government have not yet been published.
For beneficiaries, the announcement means that the usual XCG 200 year-end payment will increase to XCG 400 in December 2026.