INFLATION MITIGATION ASSISTANCE SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFICIARIES

17/08/2022

The Inflation Mitigation Measures announced in the 2022-2023 National Budget reflects compassion and care for every Fijian especially to our most vulnerable Fijians through the various social protection platforms within the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.

“This Inflation Mitigation Measures will shield our vulnerable families, children, persons living with disability and our senior citizens from the rapid price increases in food and other essentials due to imported inflationary pressures,” said Minister Akbar.

Minister Akbar highlighted that the social welfare assistance allowances in most cases, are the main support income for destitute families and individuals and the Fijian Government has paid particular attention to ensuring that these sole source of income were not taken away or reduced for those dependent on it. Even when Fiji suffered its greatest economic blow amidst the crisis.

“In fact, top ups were provided as a means to meet ends for thousands of Fijian families. These Inflation Mitigation Measures will continue to protect and serve the most vulnerable and contribute to Fiji’s poverty alleviation strategy”.

Minister Akbar stated that all social welfare recipients will receive a direct additional top-up of $180 to their accounts on 5 September 2022 aligned to their next welfare allowance payment date.

“Approximately $18 million will be paid to more than 90,000 social welfare beneficiaries (recipients under the Social Pension Scheme, Poverty Benefit Scheme, Expanded Food Voucher for Rural Pregnant Mothers, Disability Allowance and Care and Protection Allowance) and around 8,000 Government pensioners and After-care recipients”.

No applications are required for our social welfare recipients.