Universal Social Protection: The Basic Social Grant for all older persons in Namibia

Namibia’s old age social pension, renamed in 1998 as Basic Social Grant (BSG), guarantees all Namibia’s residents over 60 years of age a monthly unconditional allowance of 1 100 Namibian dollars (N$) per month. It corresponds approximately US$ 78 per month lifting the grant beneficiary well above the poverty line. She or he however shares the grant with the extended family, especially by supporting the schooling and wellbeing of possible grandchildren.