The Cook Islands government says public servants may have to wait another two years to get their long-awaited cost of living adjustment.
Only three out of more than 20 government departments have received the payment, which was promised more than a year ago.
The Minister of Finance has confirmed workers will now need to have their salaries assessed before they get the increase.
Sir Terepai Maoate says the assessment, described as "job sizing", will ensure that workers on the lowest pay are given priority.
But he says all public servants will receive the increase eventually.
"Everybody's not getting the adjustment right now, but after this initial period of sizing, I see no reason why the cost of living cannot be adjusted within the next couple of years."
The Cook Islands Minister of Finance, Sir Terepai Maoate.
The union representing the public servants say they're struggling to meet the rising cost of fuel and commodities.
