Caregivers of the elderly say the current social pension of 10,000 kyats per month provided by the military junta to people aged 85 and above is insufficient to meet even basic needs.
According to a recent announcement by the junta, elderly citizens who have turned 85 must register with their local ward or village administrators or the nearest social welfare office by May 31 to be eligible for the pension. Those with mobility issues may have a family member listed in the household registration apply on their behalf.
Since the era of the former NLD government, those aged 85 and above have been receiving 10,000 kyats per month, distributed every three months. However, with rising costs of living and healthcare, caregivers say the amount no longer meets current needs.
“With today’s prices, 10,000 kyats a month doesn’t cover anything barely enough for a single medication. Food and daily necessities are all expensive. Everyone is struggling,” said a caregiver in Thanbyuzayat who looks after an elderly family member.
According to data from the Department of Population, Myanmar has over 6.3 million elderly people, with more than 2848,000 aged 85 and above.
However, local sources in Karen State say that after the military coup, the pension program was suspended in some areas. A resident of Kyainseikgyi said officials have only recently begun collecting registration lists again.
“After the coup, not everyone was eligible anymore. Only those close to the administrators received support. Just last week, a new notice came asking for names of those turning 85. But no one knows yet how the aid will actually be distributed,” said a local source familiar with township administration.
The national social pension program began in the 2017–2018 fiscal year, originally targeting seniors aged 90 and above, providing 10,000 kyats per month paid quarterly. In the 2018–2019 fiscal year, the age threshold was lowered to 85 and above.
Following the military coup, economic hardship and job losses have worsened poverty levels across the country. More children and elderly people are now seen relying on charity and handouts to survive.
