The forthcoming Cook Islands Budget will increase the pension for Cook Islands residents over 70 by more than 37 US dollars a month.
Minister of Finance Mark Brown says the govlernment is also planning additional increases in future years with the aim of doubling the pension within 3 years.
At present 670 people over 70 are paid the pension.
Mr Brown says further details about the Budget will be released in the lead-up to its formal tabling later this week.
He says the Budget will clarify where the government has re-shuffled its spending to allow for the pension increase.
