News

The Needs Assessment Unit (NAU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development (MIISD) is pleased to announce 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, but importantly, are aligned with the Financial Assistance Act, 2022 and associated Regulations. Accordingly, this provides an opportunity to ensure these new enhancements are implemented and delivered in the manner designed prior to official commencement of the new Act and associated Regulations.

Key Changes to Financial Assistance:

Emergency Circumstances Assistance:

Individuals facing emergency situations can now receive immediate relief for one month, even if they are unable to provide all of 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.

Rental Deposits:

A new one-time rental deposit programme is now 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.

Increased Financial Assistance Amounts:

To strengthen support, financial assistance amounts for accommodation, utilities, and food have been increased as per the table below. The exact amount will be determined by the size of the household. Current clients who receive food support have already have received this increase.

New Financial Assistance Services:

Recognising the importance of connectivity and mobility, NAU has also expanded its services to include internet, transportation, and phone assistance. Qualifying households can now receive the following assistance:

These measures aim to address the essential needs of individuals and families, ensuring they remain connected and mobile during challenging times and when maintaining or seeking employment to continue to be contributing members of our community.

Current clients should note:

• No re-application is necessary 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:

• Online application forms will include these new services as of Tuesday, 5 March, 2024, meaning you will be able to apply for them as of today.

Changes to Long-Term Financial Assistance

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.

Tiered Income and Savings

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

MIISD and NAU actively sought community input from town hall events held towards the end of 2023. These town hall meetings were positive overall, particularly resulting in how and when these significant enhancements should be implemented.

Director of the Needs Assessment Unit, Tamara Hurlston: "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."

In response to evolving needs, MIISD Chief Officer, Tamara Ebanks expressed, "We're pleased to announce these enhancements, which underscore our commitment to supporting our communities in need; these changes reflect our dedication to ensuring equitable access to assistance for all individuals and households."

Deputy Premier and Minister for Social Development, the Hon. 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."

The Ministry and NAU remain dedicated to ongoing improvements and transparency, ensuring that the financial assistance programs continue to meet the needs of our diverse and dynamic communities.