HRPP Unveils $68 Million PELEGA Pension Scheme

Apia, Samoa – 13 June 2025 – The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) has unveiled a $68 million annual initiative that revolutionizes support for Samoa’s seniors as part of its election platform.

The initiative lowers the pension age from 65 to 61 and “introduces a tiered pension system to provide dignified, tailored financial assistance to citizens aged 61 as the second pillar of its transformative Poverty Alleviation Project (PAP): the Pension Ensuring Lasting Empowerment for the Golden Age (PELEGA).

In a statement, HRPP says “This $68 million annual initiative revolutionizes 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 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.

HRPP Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielagaoi announcing the party’s election platform.

“PELEGA delivers a groundbreaking pension framework designed to meet the evolving needs of Samoa’s elderly population. For the first time, Samoans aged 61–64 without any formal employment will be eligible for pension benefits, marking a historic expansion of support. With an estimated 19,423 seniors in 2025, the program ensures financial security through a four-tier system:

• 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

“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 Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, Leader of the HRPP.

“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.”

“As part of the broader Poverty Alleviation Project, PELEGA complements the Cost-of- Living 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.”