COVID-19 SOCIAL BENEFIT SUPPORT PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTED BY SOCIAL SERVICES

As part of efforts to alleviate hardship that has been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent response measures, the Social Services Department, with funding through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MoFEM), has been implementing a ‘COVID-19 SOCIAL BENEFIT SUPPORT’ Programme, which includes several packages of assistance.

The ‘COVID-19 Social Benefit Support’ programme covers the following:

• Extension of the Meals on Wheels Service – This service is extended to include any identified person who would benefit from having a hot meal.
• Medication collection and delivery – The Social Services Department and the Montserrat Red Cross volunteers have been assisting persons with the collection of their medication. Where possible the pharmacy will provide a 3-month supply.
• Red Cross Delivery service – Anyone can use this service. You will order your groceries from the supermarket and the Red Cross will collect your money and deliver your shopping.
• Monthly Food Package – This assistance is for persons who are low income earners, and persons who are in quarantine who are unable to access food. This will be offered for 3 months, in the first instance.
• Social Income Support/Unemployment Benefit ($900.00) – Due to the shutdown, a number of persons are now unemployed and would need assistance as they are not able to work. In these cases, the Social Services Department will offer a basic
income support or unemployment benefit of $900.00 per month for the next three months, in the first instance.

Read more – Government of Montserrat