New help for those in need

Support is now available for those who need immediate financial assistance, thanks to new laws that are soon coming into effect. The Needs Assessment Unit (NAU), working with the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development, has just announced a series of significant enhancements to the financial assistance programmes which are not only aimed at providing better support to individuals and households in need, making them align with the Financial Assistance Act, 2022. This means these new enhancements are implemented and delivered in the manner designed prior to official commencement of the new Act and associated Regulations.

One key change to how financial assistance is given is that people facing emergency situations can now receive immediate relief for one month, even if they are unable to provide all the documentation outlining their eligibility. This assistance aims to alleviate immediate financial burdens and ensure individuals have access to necessary resources during times of crisis, allowing them time to gather documents and apply.

A new one-time rental deposit programme is now also available, offering households up to $3,000 to cover rental deposits, empowering families to secure stable housing arrangements. Responsibility for the care of the rental property lies with the household, enabling them to reclaim the deposit for future rentals.

To strengthen support, financial assistance amounts for accommodation, utilities, and food have been increased. The exact amount will be determined by the size of the household. Current clients who receive food support have already have received this increase. People can now get up to $3,000 for accommodation, up to $600 per month for utilities and up to $850 per month for food.

NAU has also expanded its services to include internet (up to $100 per month), transportation (up to $100 per month), and phone assistance (up to $150 per month).

Current clients do not need to re-apply to implement these changes. Adjustments to increased food assistance amounts will immediately come into force for eligible clients. Other services will be adjusted as current approvals end or new applications are submitted so that the assistance provided covers the shortfall clients are experiencing.

New applicants should note that online application forms will include these new services as of Tuesday, 5 March, 2024.

In addition to the policy changes to financial assistance, NAU has also implemented a policy allowing older persons or older couples living with their adult children, adults living with their parents or those with permanent disabilities who are currently living with others, to apply for long-term financial assistance as if they were living alone.

This change means that these individuals will not need to provide financial information for other household members and their income alone will be used to determine the amount of financial assistance they may qualify for. Additionally, long-term financial assistance will now be provided to all qualifying individuals up to their deficit amount, with exceptions made for those with no other income.

To ensure equitable access to support, tiered income and savings eligibility criteria have been established, tailored to household size and composition.

Director of the Needs Assessment Unit, Tamara Hurlston said, “These enhancements represent a significant step forward in our joint mission to serve individuals and families in need across our community; from offering immediate relief to expanding services addressing essential needs such as internet, transportation, and phone assistance, these changes demonstrate our collective commitment to providing comprehensive and meaningful support to those who rely on us.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Social Development, André Ebanks expressed gratitude for the collaboration and input received from the community. “The invaluable feedback received at the close of last year and during the development of the new Act and associated Regulations has guided our decisions; instilling confidence that these reforms will significantly improve the lives of those dependent on our services. For too long changes to financial assistance have been static or incremental one-offs that have not been community or data-driven. Given existing economic and societal pressures, it is time for more strident steps to help the most vulnerable in the community and provide stronger opportunities to enter the formal economy.”