Government Announces Increase in Various Forms of Social Assistance
ORANJESTAD – The government has announced a series of major increases in various forms of social assistance, benefiting families and vulnerable individuals across the community.
The measures were announced today during a press conference by Minister of Health, Social Affairs, Senior Care, and Addiction Care Mervin Wyatt-Ras, alongside Prime Minister Mike Eman.
Among the announced measures is an increase in the basic benefit by AWG 150, raising it from AWG 450,00 to AWG 600.00 per month. The monthly school allowance will also be increased by AWG 300,00 to AWG 1,100.00 per month for families with children aged 3 to 24 attending full-time education. Additionally, the contribution for tuition fees will rise from AWG 120,00 to AWG 250,00 per child, while the allowance for purchasing school supplies will increase from AWG 250,00 to AWG 300,00 per child, up to a maximum of AWG 1,000,00 per family.
According to Minister Wyatt-Ras, these increases stem from the government’s vision, which prioritizes human dignity, equal opportunity, and social inclusion.
"We want every child to have the opportunity to pursue their education without their family's financial situation standing in the way. For many parents, the costs of uniforms, school supplies, transportation, and tuition represent a heavy burden. With this extra support, we are helping vulnerable families cover these essential expenses."
The minister explained that the new support provides parents with more financial breathing room to meet their family's basic needs, particularly at a time when the rising cost of living is placing significant strain on many household budgets.
The government also recently increased the disability benefit by AWG 100 per month and is currently working on several legislative amendments to modernize the social support system. These include a revision of the Public Assistance Act (National Ordinance on Social Care and National Decree on Assistance Provision) and a new legal framework for structural support to families raising children with disabilities, which is currently under review by the Advisory Council.
The measures are part of a broader vision to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for all citizens.
"Every family we help represents an investment in our community. When someone cannot meet their basic needs, the impact isn't confined to the family alone; the effects are felt across the entire community. That is why we continue to invest in a social safety net that offers dignity, quality of life, and equal opportunity.