Solidarity Programme begins disbursing first tranche of $20,000 grant payments

The Solidarity Programme has begun disbursing its first tranche of $20,000 grant payments, providing immediate financial support to some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

With over 90 percent of member of parliament constituency offices uploading applications, phase one of the programme is almost complete.

Phase two began with the engagement of select civil society partners, including non-governmental and faith-based organizations.

These partners play a crucial role in making referrals and facilitating access to vulnerable groups.

The opening of phase three self-referrals will be announced in the new year.

Under the initiative, 50,000 Jamaicans who are not enrolled in PATH, Poor Relief, the Social Pension Programme, the National Insurance Scheme, or other similar safety-net programmes, and who did not benefit from the Government of Jamaica’s reverse income tax credit, will receive a one-time cash transfer of $20,000.

A second tranche of payments will be disbursed next month.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Junior noted that the Solidarity Programme represents an enhanced social security framework, one rooted in empathy, accountability, and inclusion.

Solidarity is the first Government programme to be delivered through the Gov Payout platform, managed by the Jamaica ICT Authority.