The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services says from today, March 26 2020, Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) will be assigned to all of the 11 Social Welfare District Offices, including the Social Welfare Office in Tobago.
In an official statement providing an update on the rollout of the measures, the Ministry explains that the CSRs will address issues and queries from persons who were retrenched, terminated or have experienced a reduction in income.
Those applying for the COVID-19 specific assistance—whether self-employed, an employer or an employee—must have been either Retrenched, Terminated or experienced a Loss/Reduction in Income on or after March 1st, 2020.
All guidelines for accessing the Social Assistance will be posted on the websites and facebook pages of the Ministries of Social Development and Family Services, Labour and Small Enterprise Development and Communications, as well as that of TTConnect.
The Ministry reports that its Call Centre is now up and functioning at the following numbers, which are available from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday:
800-1MSD (1673) – Toll Free800-OPIC (6742) – Toll Free623-2608; Extensions 1120 to 1132753 – CARE (whatsapp only) – available 24 hours
Details follow on the implementation of the ministry’s COVID-19 Social Support Assistance measures:
Payment of Salary Relief Grant for Persons Registered with NIB
The National Insurance Board will be addressing persons who are currently making contributions to the NIBTT, with the Salary Relief Grant of $1500.00. It was also noted that the NIB is not yet ready with the operationalization of this grant as they have indicated that the guidelines would be ready within the next seven (7) days.
For Persons who are Self-Employed and NOT Paying NIS
Self-employed and other persons who are not paying NIS will be assisted by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. Persons will be required to register via the portal of the Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development. Completed forms should be emailed to undermentioned addresses relevant to your area:
supportforyou.east@gov.tt (Barataria/Blanchiessuse to Toco)
supportforyou.north@gov.tt (Morvant to Maraval/Las Cuevas/Diego Martin/Petit Valley/Chaguaramas)
supportforyou.central@gov.tt (Chase Village; Caroni; Felicity; Chaguanas; Tabaquite; Manzanilla; Couva; Talparo; Freeport; Claxton Bay and surrounding areas)
supportforyou.south@gov.tt (Pointe-a-Pierre to Moruga/Icacos/Rio Claro/Guayaguayare)
Once verified by the Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development, disbursement of the grant will be completed by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services.
Food Support to families with children registered to receive meals under the School Feeding Programme and do not have a Food Card:
Distribution to the 41 MPs is ongoing at the MSDFS Head Office for Food Support Cards valued at $510.00. Only the parents of the children who are registered on the Ministry of Education’s School Feeding Programme will receive temporary food support. Persons will be contacted by their MP Offices, and should only visit their MP office when they are called;
It should be noted that each family will receive one card. Each person will be required to sign a declaration. Recipients are asked NOT to dispose of their Temporary Card as these cards will be topped up for an additional two (2) months during the month of April, 2020.
Support to existing recipients of Food Support, Public Assistance and Disability Assistance Grants (including the DAG for children):
Food Support: Additional support will be provided via a top up during the month of April for three (3) months, depending on the size of the family, to be paid in April 2020;
Public Assistance: Additional income support in the sum of $150.00, $300.00, $450.00 and $500.00, depending on the size of the family to be paid in the month of April, for a period of three(3) months. This will be paid via a separate cheque, by April 15, 2020;
Disability Assistance Grants: Persons who receive DAG (including the DAG for children) will receive $150 per month for the three (3) months, to be paid via a separate cheque by April 15, 2020.
Food Support for persons who are Retrenched, Terminated or now experiencing Reduced Income:
Where there are persons who are retrenched, terminated or experiencing reduced income, Temporary Food Support Cards valued at $510 will also be issued for a period of three months, following assessment by the Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development and further verification by the Ministry of Social development and family Services to ensure that such persons are not already in receipt of Food Cards.
Rental Assistance Grant:
Rental Assistance will be provided to the value of $2,500 per month for a period of three (3) months initially, and up to six (6) months as required. If this support is required beyond the six months, the rental assistance grant will be reduced to $1,500 and then a further reduction to $1,000.00 for any additional months required. The total period of rental assistance must not exceed twelve (12) months.
Socially Displaced Persons:
The MSDFS, working with the Ministry of Health, the TTPS and the Local Government bodies to institute the “move along system” for street dwellers to come off the streets and go to shelters. Additional financial support will be provided to NGOs that operate these shelters to ensure that they are equipped to provide enough meals for this anticipated increase. MSDFS will be working with NGOs to ensure that socially displaced persons are provided with additional subsistence. The MSDFS will be continuously working with the TTPS, the Regional Corporations and the MOH to help remove these persons off the street.