Big boost in Social Financial Help announced by TCIG

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, June 17, 2022 – The Department of Social Development and Welfare recently hosted a “Let’s Get Social” program with Director Tiffany Thomas Brown on Radio Turks and Caicos to inform Islanders in need about a plethora of programs available to them.

“Social welfare is designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability in our country, our programs go from the cradle to the grave,” Thomas Brown said.

She explained that Social enhancement aid, home help, subsidized rent, foster care, and adoption are only some of the programs included under social aid.

Here’s how you can benefit.

If you are a vulnerable Turks and Caicos Islander with a valid status card, living in the TCI you may apply for social aid. Vulnerable persons include Orphans, dependent children, the elderly, the unemployed, the underemployed, persons with a medical condition rendering them unemployable, unemployed and underemployed persons (with a salary less than $ 800), and persons deemed mentally, physically, or emotionally challenged by a government medical practitioner or psychologist.

If you fit into any of these categories you can present two forms of valid identification along with the following:

Turks and Caicos Islands Status card or other proof of TCI status

Valid Turks and Caicos Islands passport or another valid TCI identification

Copies of expenses (mortgage, electricity, water, etc)

A letter of employment with recent earnings or provide a copy of the most  recent pay slip

Provide proof of income (if applicable)

Reviews of applications are done twice monthly unless there is an emergency.

Thomas-Brown took the time out to explain a few of the programs, she said Home Help aims to help people who are 65 and over, disabled or mentally challenged, and cannot carry out their daily tasks alone, providing them with between $ 150-250 in cash to hire a caregiver.

Social Enhancement Aid is a temporary solution for persons in dire social or financial straits. Social Enhancement Aid is available for adults and children and the allotments have increased per child from $120 to $500 monthly; for up to 3 children; adult allotments have increased from $120 to $1000 monthly (per household).

The increases came into effect in April and Thomas-Brown said all existing customers will receive a lump sum payment of that money in June.

In terms of Foster Care Thomas-Been appealed to all Islanders saying that,

“I’m putting a plea out to the community..we need people because [we have] children who do not have persons to care for them outside of their family after an incident where they have been abused.”

The Foster Care Programme allotment has also increased, from $120 to $300 weekly, per child, up to three children per household.

Medical programs for the Mentally challenged are also available and include a small stipend and 3 meals a day outsourced from restaurants.

Subsidized Rent provides temporary assistance to needy and vulnerable persons who are unemployed and need help acquiring housing.

Thomas-Brown explained that even if you do not see a program that is specific to your needs Islanders should not be discouraged and should come into the office and explain their situation to the officers who will then figure out the best plan for them.