Krishna's story

75-year-old Krishna uses his pension to pay medical bills. Photo: Sarah Hertzog/HelpAge International Krishna is 75 and lives in Nepal. He receives a regular monthly pension from the Nepalese government, which is vital for paying his medical bills.

Krishna says: "I live with my wife and we have three daughters and two sons. One of our sons is unmarried and lives at home with us. He has psychiatric problems and is unable to work.

"Both my wife and I receive the pension, but we only got it for the first time a year ago, once we were eligible.

"Sadly my wife is sick with intestinal problems and so the pension money is spent firstly on my son and then on my wife's medication. 

"I often have to take my son to specialist hospitals in Patan and Kathmandu for treatment. The constant travel is very expensive."

"Our pension is very important to us"

"Our children send us money when they can, which helps us a great deal. I used to be a farmer and look after buffalo. Even now, despite not being in the best of health, I still have one buffalo.

"Our pension is a very important source of income to us. I heard about the pension on the radio, when they announced that they had changed the eligibility age.

"The application process was easy because government officials filled in the forms for me. I feel that the pension is just enough. It covers medical costs for both my son and my wife." 

The pension in Nepal

Nepal introduced a universal pension scheme in 1995, the first of its kind in the region.

In 2009, the age of eligibility was lowered from 75 to 70.

The government also increased the amount to 500 Rupees (US$6.50) per person per month.

This demonstrates the state's recognition of older people's important role in Nepalese society, which HelpAge and partners have been working towards.

HelpAge's push for pensions

The HelpAge social protection team works with governments and policy makers to implement universal pensions for older people in developing countries.

We do this so that people like Krishna can lead a comfortable and healthy life into their old age.