A young Cuban resident in Matanzas reported on social media about her aunt's situation, a retired woman who worked for over 15 years in Comunales, and now receives a monthly pension of only 1,600 Cuban pesos (around five dollars at the informal exchange rate).
"This is all she could buy with her retirement," Sheyla (@sheyreyes03) recounts in a TikTok video that quickly went viral. In it, she shows how that amount only reaches for a package of orange soda (150 CUP), a bottle of oil (880 CUP), a pack of sausages (400 CUP), and a pound of rice (250 CUP). "And this is just once a month," the young woman emphasizes, outraged by the precarious situation faced by thousands of seniors on the island.
The images sparked an avalanche of reactions on social media. "How do they survive?" "That's not even enough for two days," "God bless the Cubans," commented users from Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and the United States. Some expressed sadness and admiration for the resilience of the Cuban people, while others directly questioned the regime: "How is it possible that they remain in power while the people are starving?" wrote an internet user.
According to official data, more than 39% of retirees in Cuba receive the minimum pension, set at 1,528 CUP. This was confirmed by Virginia Marlene García Reyes, the director general of Social Security, in statements to state media. The amount represents less than five dollars a month and is insufficient to cover even a minimum basic basket. The official herself admitted that the situation "does not allow for immediate changes," despite the fact that inflation on the island continues to exceed 30%.
Sheyla's complaint is not an isolated case. Last March, another young woman from Matanzas, identified as @brianna4258, showed how she spent the minimum pension on just a few products: rice, beans, eggs, minced meat, and garlic. “Do you think a retiree can live on their salary in Cuba?” she questioned at the time.
Also in February, Cuban writer Eider Matos recounted a meeting with an elderly woman in Havana who confessed to him that her pension as a teacher was not sufficient "even for the luxury of eating tomatoes." Like her, thousands of retirees, without support from abroad or additional resources, resort to rummaging through the trash or collecting raw materials to survive.
In contrast to the state’s abandonment, gestures of citizen solidarity have emerged. The young mother @anita.cubanita64, also from Matanzas, has touched thousands by documenting how she cooks with the little she has to distribute hot meals to homeless elderly people. “It’s not to make me go viral, it’s to raise awareness,” she states in her videos.
Meanwhile, the Cuban government continues to offer no concrete solutions to the crisis affecting one of the most vulnerable sectors of the population: its retirees. The dissolution of the National Social Security Institute in 2024 and the decentralization of its functions have only worsened the situation.
“Impossible, it doesn't even last for two days”, Sheyla asserted in her video. Her testimony adds to a series of complaints that highlight an undeniable reality: in Cuba, aging without assistance from abroad is a sentence to extreme poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Retirees in Cuba
What is the minimum pension received by retirees in Cuba?
Retirees in Cuba receive a minimum pension of 1,528 Cuban pesos per month, which is equivalent to less than five dollars at the informal exchange rate. This amount is insufficient to cover basic needs due to inflation and the scarcity of products on the island.
What basic products can Cuban retirees buy with their pension?
With the minimum pension, Cuban retirees can only afford a very limited amount of basic products. For example, it barely covers a pack of soda, a bottle of oil, a pack of sausages, and a pound of rice, which is not enough to sustain even two days’ worth of food.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to improve the situation of retirees?
Until now, the Cuban government has not implemented effective measures to improve the situation of retirees. The dissolution of the National Institute of Social Security and the decentralization of its functions have been criticized for not providing clear solutions, and inflation remains a serious problem.
How does inflation affect retirees in Cuba?
The inflation in Cuba, which exceeds 30%, has significantly reduced the purchasing power of retirees, further hindering their ability to acquire basic products. This situation has led many to seek additional resources, such as rummaging through trash or collecting recyclable materials.
What alternatives do Cuban retirees have to improve their economic situation?
Given that pensions are insufficient, some Cuban retirees turn to informal work or assistance from relatives abroad. However, for those without external support, the options are very limited, and many live in extreme poverty.
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