Recipients of government financial assistance are set to receive a $250 holiday season payment, the Ministry of Social Development has announced.
The ministry, in a statement Thursday, said Cabinet recently approved the payment for those who receive long-term financial assistance through the Needs Assessment Unit and recipients of the Seafarers and Veterans Ex-Gratia Benefit.
They will receive the additional support the week of 11 Dec.
The NAU recipients’ holiday support follows Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly’s announcement last month of a one-time $1,500 payment for civil servants, along with a bump in public service pension payments, both set for December.
Public service pensioners who have worked for 10 years or more will see a $300 rise in their minimum pension, taking it to $1,250 per month. This marks a 32% increase over the current monthly minimum pension guarantee of $950.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Social Development André Ebanks, speaking to the NAU increase, said – coupled with the stipend increase in August – it “signifies our government’s commitment to bettering the lives of our fellow Caymanians”.
“Acknowledging the distinct challenges faced by permanently disabled individuals and recognising the invaluable contributions of older persons, veterans and seafarers to the Cayman Islands, we aim to ensure that everyone in our community feels valued and supported this holiday season. This payment serves as a tangible expression of that commitment,” he said in his statement.
The additional payment aims to provide support to vulnerable groups, including those persons living with permanent disabilities, older persons, veterans and seafarers, during the holiday season, the ministry statement said.
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