Egypt's population of people aged 60 and older has reached 10.2 million, with the national statistics agency reporting a growth from 9.8 million the previous year. This demographic is projected to account for roughly 14 percent of the population by 2050. The government has implemented various measures to address the needs of this growing population, including pensions, a cash program for the poor, a new rights law, and a gradual overhaul of health insurance.
Pensions are the primary source of support for older Egyptians, reaching approximately 11.5 million people. The minimum pension for new retirees increased to EGP 1,755 (USD 31) per month in January, and a 15 percent increase took effect for existing pensions on July 1, at an estimated annual cost of EGP 70 billion (USD 1.25 billion). However, critics argue that this is insufficient, citing the state's minimum wage for public-sector workers, which is EGP 8,000 (USD 142.5), more than four times the minimum pension.
The General Federation of Pension Unions is advocating for retirees to receive the same increases as state employees. Huwayda al-Sayed, leader of a telecommunications pensioners' union, shared her experience of receiving a pension of under EGP 3,000 (USD 53) after 37 years as a human resources director, despite paying contributions at the maximum rate. The pension system also carries long-term obligations to the Treasury, with the government having paid EGP 1.61 trillion (USD 28.7 billion) to the National Social Insurance Authority since the 2019 law restructuring.
For poorer older individuals, the Takaful w Karama project provides a vital lifeline, offering unconditional cash assistance to those older than 65, as well as people with severe disabilities or illnesses. The monthly stipend increased by 25 percent in July 2025 to EGP 900 (USD 16). A government source indicated that another increase of about 20 percent is planned. However, the program has also seen 620,000 cases removed from the rolls in 2025, and payments suspended to households owning cars, taxis, or tractors.
The Elderly Rights Care Law, passed in 2024, promises various benefits, including partial discounts on state-run public transportation and fees at state sports facilities, cultural centers, and museums. However, enforcement is pending executive regulations, which had not been issued as of May, according to a member of parliament. The delay has been criticized as a deprivation of rights for millions of citizens.
Egypt's health coverage is also undergoing a transition, with a 2018 law aiming to achieve universal health insurance by 2032. Nevertheless, some retirees struggle to afford treatment or surgery, according to al-Sayed. The informal sector remains a concern, with insurance coverage historically absent, according to Mona Ezzat, an economic and social affairs researcher.
The Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics reported that 54.9 percent of older Egyptians were illiterate as of 2021, and only 16.6 percent, approximately 1.1 million, were economically active. A 2025 paper urged stronger primary health care, recognition of geriatrics as a medical specialty, and clear executive regulations for the rights law. The Parliament is currently considering a bill that would raise the minimum pension to EGP 4,000 (USD 71) and link annual increases to inflation, capped at 20 percent.
Key points
- Egypt's ageing population is projected to reach 14 percent of the total population by 2050.
- The minimum pension for new retirees is EGP 1,755 (USD 31) per month.
- The Elderly Rights Care Law promises various benefits, but enforcement is pending executive regulations.
