An estimated 21,000 families would be eligible for assistance under the governments food voucher program, however not everyone will qualify for the assistance when the first vouchers are issued on March 17th.

Acting Permanent Secretary for Social Welfare Govind Sami confirmed that in the first round of distribution, only these falling in the category of elderly, chronically ill and those with permanent disabilities have been targeted.

Sami said if the funds are left over, the Department of Social Welfare would than consider those individuals falling in the category of single mothers, those deserted by their spouse and those individuals who have their spouse in prison and have children to provide for would be assessed on a needs basis.

Sami also confirms that data on all those under the Departments Family assistance scheme is entered in their computer systems which can generate a list of those who will qualify for the Food Voucher scheme and the information is further verified by the Divisional and District staff before the list is confirmed and the food vouchers are printed.

The Ministry stresses that the Food Voucher application is not open to the public and only those receiving welfare assistance from the Department of Social Welfare are eligible.

Sami also confirms that a review of all people under the food voucher and welfare assistance scheme is an ongoing exercise and if upon review it is determined that the individuals situation has improved the assistance will be ceased.