If you are more than 50 years old, you can now log online and calculate your monthly pension, or estimate how much cash you would have in hand if you choose to retire at a home for the elderly.

Two online apps have just been launched by the Social Solidarity Ministry that tackle a demographic group which makes up a fifth of the population.

It is estimated that there are more than 90,000 pensioners in Malta, and 19 per cent of the population is aged over 65.

Minister Michael Falzon told the media this morning that the two online calculators are not the only means for people to access pension information.

People can ask for help on the Freephone 153, or at one of the “one-stop-shops” within the community located at social security offices.

The Ministry, which absorbs a third of the government’s budget, received a large number of queries, including 1,000 emails a month, Mr Falzon noted.

The Minister added that through these new apps, which are accessible from socialsecurity.gov.mt, people would now be better informed before heading to the social security department to ask about their pensions.

Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Anthony Agius Decelis meanwhile noted that the aim of these apps was important to simplify the process so that pensioners could budget their expenses beforehand.

“In line with our social justice aims, we want to reduce social exclusion, empower people and be more accessible,” he said.