For some Saint Lucians, a new review of the Public Assistance Programme (PAP) could mean continuing to receive much-needed support. For others whose circumstances have changed, it could begin the process of moving off the programme.
The Welfare Unit within the Department of Equity is now making that determination as it carries out its first full reassessment of PAP beneficiaries since 2023.
The exercise began on September 15 and will take a fresh look at about 3,500 people who currently receive assistance, along with hundreds more waiting to join the programme.
Equity Minister Emma Hippolyte said a lot can change in a household over three years. People may move, family arrangements can change and finances can either improve or get worse.
“We want the truth… We need current and accurate information to ensure that our limited social protection resources are reaching the households that need them most,” Hippolyte said at Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing.
Welfare officers and designated enumerators are visiting households to collect updated information. The assessment is being conducted using the Saint Lucia National Eligibility Tool (SLNET), which uses the information provided to determine eligibility for public assistance.
The review is not just for people who already receive PAP.
“I want to make it clear that the exercise includes current PAP beneficiaries, as well as persons on the waiting list, including applicants who have already been assessed, but are awaiting placement because of budgetary constraints,” Hippolyte said.
People who were suspended after a PAP review between March and May this year are also being asked to participate.
“Please make yourself available when the Welfare Officer or designated enumerator visits your household,” the Minister urged.
One key question is what will happen to people currently receiving assistance who are found to no longer qualify.
Deputy Director of the Social Protection Unit Jahn Mc Farlane said beneficiaries will not simply be removed in the same way or at the same time. A graduation plan is in place, with the timing depending on each person’s circumstances and assessment score.
“We have the strategy in terms of persons exiting the programme within three months, within six months, within nine months. And it would depend on the person’s circumstances and what pathway that would follow.” Mc Farlane explained.
So far, three communities have been assessed, and the Welfare Unit hopes to finish the review by the end of October.
