Ensuring Income Security in Old Age for All Jordanians: Building a Comprehensive Pension System That Leaves No-One Behind

Ensuring Income Security in Old Age for All Jordanians: Building a Comprehensive Pension System That Leaves No One Behind has been written to support Jordan’s commitment in the National Strategy for Older Persons (2025–2030). The strategy pledges to introduce a minimum income for all older people through a non-contributory pension, which is a landmark step that would guarantee universal coverage for the first time. With Jordan’s population rapidly ageing and nearly half of older people currently without income security, the paper highlights the urgent need to establish a modern, multi-tiered pension system. A Senior Citizens’ Benefit (SCB), financed through general revenues, could provide a guaranteed minimum income while complementing contributory pensions, ensuring dignity and fairness in old age.

The analysis shows that the SCB is both affordable and impactful. Beginning in 2026, it could start modestly and expand gradually, with costs remaining low compared to international benchmarks. Once fully implemented, the scheme would cut poverty among older people nearly in half, raise living standards across households, and strengthen the autonomy of older women. Broader benefits would ripple through society: families would have more resources to invest in children, health outcomes would improve, and local economies would be stimulated by increased spending. Above all, the SCB would build trust between citizens and the state, affirming Jordan’s commitment to inclusion and stability while investing in the well-being of future generations.