As of Saturday, families and pensioners will start receiving the first payments related to Children’s Allowance, aid for Children with Disabilities, Supplementary aid and Financial aid for Individuals without a fixed address, Minister for Solidarity and Social Justice, Family and Children's Rights Michael Falzon said.
Falzon said that these payments will be covering the first quarter of 2022; a practice of premature payments by the Department of Social Security has been in operation since 2013, leaving more money in the pockets of such families during these festive times.
"As important as it is to continue to improve our society, we need to be there for 95,000 pensioners, for children, including the disabled, for the homeless, among others. We want to convey the message that there is always someone to whom you can turn even if you have difficulties. We don't necessarily have a solution for everyone, but we will try to help everyone," Falzon said.
He added that despite the grown in the economic cake,t the number of people dependent on social benefits has continued to decline. Statistics from the National Statistics Office (NSO) confirm that a new record has been set in the lowest number of social assistance dependents. From 13,949 in December 2013, those dependent on social benefits now fell to 6,243 in December this year.
Supplementary rate increases
An increase in supplementary assistance will be given where pensioners, the elderly, individuals in employment who do not have children under the age of 16 or receiving Social Assistance are amongst the many that will benefit. In total, 28,740 people will benefit from increases ranging from €3.47 to €6.50 per week, with some couples benefits amounting to €1,929 per year.
The government will be spending €17.5 billion in 2022, a drastic increase from the €5.74 billion spent in 2006.
Families to stat receiving payments for the year 2022 this week
For the first quarter of 2022, 44,656 families will receive children’s allowance payments, where 67,000 children will benefit. From this year onwards the payment will re-include the Child Supplement of €70 or €50 per year per child.
Couples whose income does not exceed €25,318 have so far benefited from an increase of €166 per child, an increase amounting to more than €3 million.
Meanwhile, Allowance for Children with Disabilities will be increased by €30 per week, a benefit which will be paid in addition to the Children’s Allowance.
Benefit for people without a fixed address
Peoplee without a fixed address will receive their payments from Saturday 11 December. Most of these people who did not have access to these benefits now will be receiving payments following logistical changes made in collaboration with FSWS.
Minister Michael Falzon concluded by saying that as time goes on, people are increasing their belief in this Government's social policy, which is always reaching more people. He emphasized the importance of spreading the wealth in all walks of life, especially where it is most needed.