The Central Bank of Cuba published an account of the initial rollout of a pilot programme to pay social security retirees and pensioners through the Caja Extra service, using partnerships with new economic actors, shopping centres and Local Development Projects in parts of Havana. The pilot is being run by the Central Bank of Cuba with Banco Metropolitano, the Government of Havana, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the National Social Security Institute. As an early participant, the MSME MEC S.U.R.L. in Playa municipality organised four zone-based teams and, after requesting 300 beneficiaries, was allocated 150 in the first stage; it prepared payment lists with names, identity card numbers and addresses and reconciled each work session with the bank to confirm payments. The firm reported strong retiree interest in the approach continuing and urged other economic actors to join while organising delivery so it does not disrupt their day-to-day business activities.
Central Bank of Cuba 2026-04-17
Central Bank of Cuba describes early rollout of pilot paying retirees and pensioners via Caja Extra with new economic actors
The Central Bank of Cuba reported on the rollout of a pilot programme to pay social security retirees and pensioners via the Caja Extra service in parts of Havana, in partnership with Banco Metropolitano, the Government of Havana, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the National Social Security Institute. Early implementation by MSME MEC S.U.R.L. in Playa municipality involved zone-based teams, bank reconciliation of payment lists and strong retiree interest, with calls for broader participation by other economic actors.