Pensions at or below the minimum wage to rise by twice the inflation rate in 2027

Pensions equal to or below the statutory minimum wage will rise by twice the consumer price index (CPI) rate in 2027. Benefits above that threshold will be adjusted in line with the CPI.

Head of Government Xavier Espot announced the measure on Tuesday at Festa Magna, an event in Encamp attended by older people from all of Andorra’s parishes.

Espot said the change would be included in the 2027 draft budget bill and would help strengthen pensioners’ purchasing power.

More residential and day-care places

In his address, the head of government also reviewed the support available to older people. Andorra currently has 378 residential places, 163 day-care places and 24 serviced apartments. The Government funds 72% of these places through agreements with providers.

The network will expand over the coming years with new facilities in Encamp, Ordino, Sant Julià de Lòria and Andorra la Vella. By 2028, the country is expected to have 558 residential places, 193 day-care places and 94 serviced apartments. “We will have strengthened the network of care for older people as never before”, Espot said.

The Government has also expanded its Home Care Service, which supports 239 users each year. Among the measures that directly affect older people’s daily lives, Espot highlighted the third-party payment scheme for pharmacy costs and 100% coverage of podiatry services provided by the Andorran Health Service (SAAS).

Radars programme to expand to every parish

The head of government also linked housing policy to older people’s quality of life, saying that the public housing stock would exceed 500 affordable homes by the end of the legislative term.

To help prevent unwanted loneliness, the Radars programme has identified around 15 new cases of vulnerability and activated the necessary support services. Following strong interest and participation from volunteers, the programme will be extended to every parish.

Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín thanked staff at social and healthcare centres, the Home Care Service and social services, as well as Radars volunteers. 

She said public policies should adapt to each person’s needs and help older people pursue their life plans with as much independence as possible.