The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an increase in monthly assistance under the People’s Benefit Programme, raising payments from EC$215 to EC$300 to provide additional financial support to vulnerable citizens struggling with the rising cost of living.

The EC$85 increase, representing an adjustment of nearly 40%, will benefit 1,495 registered recipients who have been receiving the same monthly amount for approximately 20 years.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the decision during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, saying the increase was approved as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen social protection for vulnerable members of society.

The People’s Benefit Programme is administered by PDV Caribe Antigua and Barbuda Limited (PDVCAB), which provides financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries.

According to Merchant, Cabinet recognized that the value of the monthly assistance had remained unchanged for about two decades despite substantial increases in the cost of essential goods and services.

The adjustment is intended to help beneficiaries better manage everyday expenses and provide some relief from the financial pressures associated with the rising cost of living.

The increase will also require a significant expansion in the programme’s annual budget.

Merchant disclosed that the additional EC$85 per beneficiary will result in approximately EC$127,000 in additional expenditure each month, equivalent to about EC$1.5 million annually.

As a result, the programme’s total annual expenditure is expected to rise from approximately EC$3.8 million to EC$5.3 million.

Cabinet welcomed the increase, describing it as an important social protection measure intended to ensure that vulnerable citizens continue receiving assistance as living expenses increase.

The decision comes as households across Antigua and Barbuda continue to face financial pressures associated with the cost of food, utilities, transportation and other necessities.

For beneficiaries, the increase means an additional EC$1,020 annually, bringing the total value of assistance received by each person to EC$3,600 per year.

The government has not yet announced the specific date when beneficiaries will begin receiving the increased monthly payments.

The increase represents the first adjustment to the programme’s monthly benefit in approximately two decades, according to the information presented to Cabinet.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: People’s Benefit Programme Payments to Increase From $215 to $300 Monthly.