HRPP to Lower Pension Age from 65 to 61 at cost of $68 million per year

June 13, 2025

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13 June 2025 Apia Samoa. The opposition Human Rights Protection Party have unveiled PELEGA: A $68 million tala pension reform, lowering the pension age from 65 to 61.

Dubbed PELEGA which stands for Pension Ensuring Lasting Empowerment for the Golden Age – HRPP says the initiative will deliver a groundbreaking pension framework designed to meet the evolving needs of Samoa’s elderly population.

“HRPP is thrilled to announce the second pillar of its transformative Poverty Alleviation Project (PAP)”.

The first pillar was announced last week as COLA – the $500 tala per annum per resident citizen as a Cost of Living Allowance valued at $110 million tala.

“This $68 million annual initiative revolutionises support for Samoa’s seniors by lowering the pension age to 61 and introducing a tiered pension system to provide dignified, tailored financial assistance to citizens aged 61 and above.”

“In Samoan culture, our elders are revered as the pillars of our communities, embodying wisdom, tradition, and the spirit of fa’aaloalo (respect). The name
PELEGA, meaning “cherished treasure” in Samoan, reflects the deep cultural value
placed on honouring and uplifting our seniors.”

This initiative is a heartfelt acknowledgment of their lifelong contributions to our families, villages, and nation, ensuring they are cherished and supported in their golden years with the dignity they deserve.”

The HRPP has costed the initiative at $68 million tala with an estimated 19,423 seniors aged 61-64 in 2025.

HRPP says the program ensures financial security through a four-tier system, where the reward increases with age.

 Age 61–64: $200 per month (a brand-new pension tier for those in the age
group without formal employment)
 Age 65–74: $300 per month
 Age 75–84: $400 per month
 Age 85+: $500 per month

The current pension is paid to 65 and over at the rate of $300 per month. $100 tala is added on your 75th birthday and citizens who achieve the age of 85 will be rewarded with a $500 tala monthly pension.

“This innovative approach provides escalating support as seniors age, acknowledging their increasing needs and contributions to Samoan society.”

Leveraging the existing Samoa National Provident Fund (SNPF) infrastructure, PELEGA ensures a seamless and rapid rollout, delivering immediate benefits that will be actioned within the first 100
days of a new HRPP administration.

Key Features of the PELEGA Initiative:
 Historic Pension Age Reduction: Lowering the pension age to 61 ensures
earlier financial support for more Samoans.
 Tailored Support: The tiered structure provides payments aligned with seniors’
stage of life, offering greater assistance as they age.

 Efficient Implementation: Building on the SNPF’s established system, PELEGA can be enacted swiftly through executive action, ensuring rapid delivery of benefits.

 Empowering Seniors: PELEGA provides financial stability, enabling seniors to meet essential needs such as healthcare, housing, and daily living expenses, fostering dignity and independence.

“The HRPP is proud to lead the charge in supporting our seniors by lowering the pension age to 61, a historic milestone for Samoa,” said HRPP leader Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi.

“PELEGA, with its $68 million annual investment, ensures that every Samoan aged 61 and above receives the support they deserve..

“This initiative is a cornerstone of our vision for a compassionate and prosperous Samoa, where our elders can live with dignity and security..

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“As part of the broader Poverty Alleviation Project, PELEGA complements the Cost-ofLiving Adjustment (COLA) Initiative, reinforcing HRPP’s commitment to uplifting all Samoans..

“Through disciplined leadership and a focus on vulnerable populations, HRPP is dedicated to rapidly rebuilding a resilient and inclusive future for Samoa.”