BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS — The National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS) today confirmed that the first disbursement of the Government of Barbados Cost of Living Cash Credit (COLCC) has been effected as committed. A total of 53,917 eligible registered beneficiaries received payments on 20 April 2026, with a combined disbursement of $5,391,700 paid from the Consolidated Fund of Barbados.
Of the total payments made, 29,770 were direct bank deposits and 24,147 were cheques dispatched to beneficiaries. The payments covered NIS and Public Sector Pensioners, Special Needs Grant recipients, and seniors aged 65 and over without pension income. Welfare recipients received their April 2026 COLCC payments directly from the Social Empowerment Agency (SEA).
| “We said we would deliver on the 20th. We delivered. Every eligible registered beneficiary received their $100 on time — by direct bank deposit or cheque. This is NISSS doing what it has done for over fifty-eight years: honouring its commitment to the people of Barbados.” |
— Kim Tudor, Chief Executive Officer, NISSS
As at 16 April 2026, 956 persons have registered for the COLCC. All persons registered to date have been scheduled to receive their payment on 20 April 2026. NISSS is also proactively reaching out to confirmed eligible unregistered persons to ensure no one who qualifies is left behind.
Registration Expands into Rural Communities
Registration for the COLCC continues at the NISSS office at the Frank Walcott Building, Culloden Road, St. Michael, Monday to Friday from 9AM to 3PM. This week, NISSS is also bringing registration directly into communities across Barbados. The Speightstown Resource Centre on Queen’s Street, St. Peter will host registration sessions from Monday to Wednesday, 20 to 22 April, from 9AM to 3PM. SEA satellite offices at Six Roads, St. Philip and Southern Plaza, Oistins, Christ Church will host registration sessions on Thursday and Friday, 23 and 24 April, also from 9AM to 3PM.
| “The COLCC is for every eligible Barbadian — not just those who live near Bridgetown. We are taking registration to where people are, and we will continue to do so until every eligible person has been reached.” |
— Kim Tudor, Chief Executive Officer, NISSS
Registration is also available online at COLCC.NIS.GOV.BB and by telephone at (246) 431-7400. Persons attending any registration location should bring a valid photo ID and a recent utility bill as proof of address.
A Note for Pending Applicants and Persons Turning 65
NISSS wishes to advise two specific groups of eligible persons who are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Firstly, unpensioned persons aged 65 and over who are awaiting NISSS approval of a pension application. Secondly, persons aged 64 who will turn 65 at any point between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027. Both groups are eligible to receive the COLCC from the month of their 65th birthday until March 2027. Persons who register after 20 April will receive their first COLCC payment — including any amount due for April — by 20 May 2026.
About the Cost of Living Cash Credit
The Cost of Living Cash Credit is a Government of Barbados initiative providing $100 per month for 12 months to eligible Barbadian seniors and welfare recipients, funded from the Consolidated Fund of Barbados and administered by NISSS on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. The programme runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, subject to Cabinet renewal.
For more information, contact the COLCC Contact Desk at (246) 431-7400, visit COLCC.NIS.GOV.BB, or visit NISSS at the Frank Walcott Building, Culloden Road, St. Michael.
