The government announces an increase in social assistance for vulnerable families.
ORANJESTAD- Prime Minister mr. Mike Eman, together with the Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs and Elderly Care and Addiction Care, drs. Mervin Wyatt-Ras announced a series of strategic increases in the social assistance program, which will come into force in the 2025-2026 school year.
Every start of a new school year brings extra expenses for families, such as purchasing school supplies, transportation, and parental contributions. For families who depend on welfare, especially singles and those with children attending school, these costs are a big burden.
Given that their financial situation is fragile, the government has found it necessary to adjust the current support to guarantee social equality and equal opportunity in the following way:
- Increase in school allowance (benefit) for the purchase of school supplies
To ease the financial burden on families who depend on welfare, an annual increase will be given during August or September 2025 to help with the purchase of necessary school supplies.
• Currently, the amount is AWG 220.00 for each child attending school, with a maximum of AWG 800 for each family.
• With the new adjustment, the amount increases by AWG 250.00 per child, with a maximum of AWG 1,000.00 per family. - Increase in parental contribution to school fees.
The Department of Social Affairs contributes to the cost of school fees for families who depend on welfare via an annual 'parent contribution.'
• Currently, the amount is AWG 120.00 for each child.
• With the new adjustment, the contribution increases by AWG 250.00 for each child. - Increase in monthly school allowance
The monthly school allowance is for families who depend on welfare and have children between 3 and 24 years old who are following full-time day care.
• Currently, the amount is AWG 250.00 per child per month.
• With the new adjustment, the amount will become AWG 300.00 per month. - Increase in basic allowance for all
To ensure that the social support system reflects the current socio-economic reality, the monthly amount for everyone will increase.
• Currently, the amount of social assistance (welfare) is AWG 450.00 per month.
• With the new increase, the amount will increase to AWG 600.00 per month.
The government reaffirms its commitment to support the most vulnerable in our community and to create a basis of equal opportunity for all children and families in Aruba.