- The Supplementary Allowance is a means-tested benefit granted to low income single or married households. Weekly rates are determined through an assessment mechanism which considers the household reckonable income. Following enhancement in rates in 2017 and 2022, an overhaul of the assessment mechanism was introduced in 2025 to further step up the payable rates.
- The annual maximum rates in 2026 were set at €1,419.60 for married couples and €748.8 for single persons. Furthermore, the eligibility income thresholds were again widened to €20,000 for married couples and €14,000 for single persons.
- A yearly additional allowance is paid to beneficiaries of the Supplementary Allowance, aged 65 years and over. In 2026 the allowance was increased to €250 and extended to both spouses in this age, instead of one of them.
- Supplementary Allowance beneficiaries are automatically entitled to free medical aid (Pink Card) without the need to undergo a means test. The age eligibility was lowered from 75 to 65 years and over in 2026.
- Government prioritizes energy subsidies as a key pillar in supporting households amid inflationary pressures and global uncertainties. In addition to broad energy subsidies, targeted assistance is provided through the Energy Benefit, aimed at offsetting electricity and water consumption costs for low-income The income threshold for eligibility to the benefit in 2026 was increased by €2,500 to €14,993.
- Higher unemployment benefit rates came into effect in 2024 to ensure a sufficient income replacement for beneficiaries. Flat rates have been replaced by a set of rates tapered and linked to the previous earnings of a beneficiary. The minimum rate is pegged to the national minimum wage, whilst the maximum rate could reach 175% of the national minimum wage. Entitlement to the highest rate was extended by 4 weeks to 10 weeks in 2026.
- Unless they qualify for an Invalidity Pension, working individuals who experience prolonged illness automatically become eligible for the Increased Sickness Benefit. Higher rates for the Increased Sickness Benefit and the Sickness Benefit came into effect in 2026 to better support individuals experiencing short and long term illness.
- Single parents are given the opportunity to concurrently benefit from the payment of Social Assistance and a stipend when they take up post-secondary studies. The payable amount of social assistance and the stipend however cannot exceed the national minimum wage. In 2019 this concession was extended to social assistance beneficiaries over the age of twenty-three (23) years who decide to take up studies at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) or the University of Malta.
- The Drug Addicts Allowance was increased again in 2026 to better assist individuals pursuing a rehabilitation programme for drug or alcohol abuse. It currently stands at €3,120 yearly. To further incentivize addicts to successfully rehabilitate themselves and eventually find a job, they could be eligible to (4) years of NI credits if they stay clean and hold on to their job. In addition, employers hiring rehabilitated individuals are exempt from paying social security contributions for these employees for a period of 2 years.
- In 2019 self-employed persons were historically extended the right to receive unemployment benefits if they ceased their activity and registered for work, putting them on the same footing as employed persons.
- A reform in Social Assistance enacted in 2025 with the creation of a new benefit class: Social Assistance Medical. It is intended to give more financial support to persons on those medically certified to be unfit for long term employment. As part of the change, besides the full cost of living increase awarded to the head of household, each member of the household became eligible to a higher additional benefit rate.
- Discrimination between males and females in the award of benefit rates under the Social Security Act was eliminated in 2016.
- The Social Security Act provides for the payment of Medical Assistance to the head of household subject to a means test. An amendment in the legislation in 2019 gave recognition as heads of household to children caring for their parent/s and in receipt of the Increased Carer’s Allowance or the Carer’s Allowance if they applied for medical assistance.
- Also, in 2019 all persons suffering from bipolar, depression by psychosis and terminal illnesses were granted the right to medical assistance if they satisfy the means test criteria.
- Persons medically certified to be suffering from listed medical conditions and satisfying the eligibility criteria are entitled to Sickness Assistance. The weekly eligibility thresholds for couples and singles were extended in 2025 to enable low-income households to draw the benefit if they satisfy the capital asset and medical eligibility criteria.
- In 2020 the medical conditions for ME and Fibromyalgia were added to the list of medical conditions eligible for Sickness Benefit, subject to applicants satisfying a means test and undergoing a medical assessment by a multi-disciplinary board.
- Persons undergoing continual treatment for certain medical conditions, such as cancer, in 2020 became qualified to Sickness Assistance from the first day of their repeat claim for the benefit.
- Disablement pensioners qualify to full entitlement to injury, sickness or unemployment benefits without any deduction being made in their pension. (2022)
- Social assistance beneficiaries as from 2022 became eligible to the full annual COLA increase, instead of two thirds of the increase.
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