Gov't delivers first $20,000 grants to persons outside social welfare programmes

The Government has started disbursing the first round of $20,000 grant payments under the Solidarity Programme, which is targeting thousands of Jamaicans who are not covered by formal social protection.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, is designed to reach individuals not enrolled in PATH, Poor Relief, the Social Pension Programme, the National Insurance Scheme, or other safety-net programmes. It is also for persons who did not benefit from the Reverse Income Tax Credit.

In total, 50,000 beneficiaries are set to receive the one-time cash transfer. A second tranche of payments is scheduled for January 2026, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr said the programme represents a “commitment to Jamaicans who may feel forgotten—to ensure that no one is left behind.”

He noted that early implementation challenges were addressed through collaboration with the Jamaica ICT Authority and oversight from the Auditor General’s Department to ensure transparency, accountability, and platform improvements.

"This programme acknowledges, supports, and opens doors to opportunity for Jamaicans who work, struggle, and survive—often invisibly,” he added.

The ministry said phase one of the programme, involving the upload of applications through more than 90 percent of Member of Parliament constituency offices, is almost complete.

It said phase two has commenced with engagement from civil society partners, including faith-based and non-governmental organisations, to facilitate access for vulnerable groups. Phase three, which allows self-referrals, is set to launch next year.

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