Public assistance grants to be increased

Public assistance grants are set to rise following a Cabinet approval to ease the financial burden on vulnerable families, Health Minister Vincent Wheatley announced in the House of Assembly.

Wheatley stated that the adjustment would offer “much-needed relief” to those facing increased living costs.

“This government is acutely aware of the financial pressures confronting many families, particularly the most vulnerable in our society,” he explained.

The revised public assistance programme will see increases across all categories, with single-person grants rising from $200 to $320, while families of five will receive $1,000, up from $375. The grant for persons with disabilities will increase from $225 to $495, and the elderly will see their assistance rise from $337 to $506.25.

“These increases are representative of yet another step in addressing the financial burdens many people face,” Wheatley stated, adding that the annual cost of these adjustments is estimated at $1.72 million.