Welfare support may be a saving grace for some, but in Saint Lucia, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment has reported that its Public Assistance and Child Disability programmes (PACD) are nearing capacity.
Currently, the program serves 3515, but there is a growing waitlist.
“…We would love to not have a waitlist and when persons come and we realise that they are eligible and need the support, that we would just be able to provide that support,” Acting Deputy Director of the Welfare Unit within the Ministry, Jahn McFarlane told St. Lucia Times.
McFarlane said that when it comes to medical assistance, the Unit also wishes to be able to cover everyone seeking support.
The PACD exists to serve individuals facing financial challenges.
Through an application process, those accepted into the program can access support based on the needs of their household.
Cash support ranges from $215 to a maximum of $465. Medical coverage includes family healthcare, laboratory services, medication, eye care, and burial contributions if the beneficiary dies.
To address the mounting demands for welfare services, the Welfare Unit has had to undertake a review process to determine those no longer in need and release them from the programme to make resources available for those on the waitlist.
The review process, which began on September 9, 2024, will last until October 18, 2024
“…Beneficiaries are required to provide identification, medical reports for those in need, proof of school attendance for children, and banking details to confirm active accounts,” a Welfare Unit press release stated.
If individuals do not comply, the Unit could suspend their payments and they could lose access to essential services.
According to the Welfare Unit, a significant challenge is the inability to see applicants to the Child Disability program receive support.
“Families whose children are turning 21 and aging out of the Child Disability Program are urged to act, as these beneficiaries may no longer qualify, but may be eligible for public assistance to continue receiving support,” McFarlane said.
The Welfare Unit has urged all beneficiaries to contact local offices for assistance during the review period.
We asking people to make more kids…….. we can’t take care of what he have and we asking for more …… what is the plan???????
Ben Livermore says they have been doing this for years. Really, why do have no money need to find money for you to help find them work. Why isn’t the employer paying for the services?!
This joint initiative by Travel and Leisure Centre (TLC) and Caring People recruitment agency.
Popo, the managing director at TLC according to you this service has provided over 60 percent of candidates success. Who are these St. Lucians who need help finding work and have 7,000ec laying around to give an agency whose goal is to help people find work?!
I think the government needs to impose a small levy tax on those businesses making a killing on the backs of st lucians to give a little something back to needy and the unfortunate in the community I for one not running any business willing to give a little something out of my retirement to help those that needs the help the most its not going to lead any of these businesses in a financial loss
I would be more comfortable to donate to a fund setup to help these people than willing to give to the church
and as I say church churches in the community needs to do the same to members in their community as a rule of thumb we all to need to do something to help those that’s unable to help themselves