Budget day has finally arrived, and after much pomp and fanfare, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana will be reading the Budget Speech later tonight starting at around 18:30.
There has been much speculation on what to expect with several figures being thrown about. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced the continuation of energy and fuel subsidies. The Maltese Herald has done some research and and this is what we understand will be announced later tonight.
Budget 2026 โ Key Measures
Education & Gozitan Students
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Monthly grant for Gozitan students studying in Malta to increase to โฌ280.
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Applies to students over 18, permanent residents of Gozo, and enrolled full-time in educational institutions in Malta.
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Around 1,000 students expected to benefit.
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Estimated annual cost: โฌ5 million.
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Current assistance: โฌ500 every three months (โฌ166.60/month) โ increase of over โฌ100/month.
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Grant intended to help cover travel and accommodation expenses.
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Measure replaces a scrapped plan to build student accommodation in Pietร (Dar Fatima project), which was cancelled after high refurbishment costs.
Family & Child Benefits
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Birth/Adoption Bonus increased by โฌ500:
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โฌ1,000 for the first child
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โฌ1,500 for the second child
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โฌ2,000 for the third child and beyond
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Childrenโs Allowance boost for low-income families (income < โฌ30,000):
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Additional โฌ250 per year, paid quarterly.
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Other Budget Highlights
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Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): less than โฌ5 per week.
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Pensions: set for a significant (โheftyโ) increase according to the Prime Minister.

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