MPSDFS Clarifies Public Assistance Grant Appeal Misunderstanding

The Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services wishes to clarify information in a video circulating on social media, in which the father of a twelve-year-old child alleges that he was denied access to the Public Assistance Grant (PAG). The client subsequently appealed the Local Board’s decision.

The Ministry clarifies that the matter arose from a misunderstanding of the Central Public Assistance Board’s decision to overrule the initial decision following the appeal, thereby approving the client’s eligibility for the grant.

Social Welfare Officers made several attempts to contact the client to communicate the outcome of the appeal and advise him that he was eligible to receive the Public Assistance Grant. Officers subsequently contacted the client and clarified the decision, advising him to visit the Social Welfare Office to collect his first PAG cheque.

The client has since complied and apologised to the officers for the misunderstanding.

The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that eligible citizens receive the social assistance to which they are entitled and encourages clients to engage with Social Welfare Officers for clarification and guidance regarding their applications and appeals.The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that eligible citizens receive the social assistance to which they are entitled and encourages clients to engage with Social Welfare Officers for clarification and guidance regarding their applications and appeals.