Name of the Organization : Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Type of Facility : Apply For Public Assistance
Country : Jamaica
Official Website : https://www.mlss.gov.jm/
Apply For Public Assistance :
** The Public Assistance Division of the Ministry administers a number of non-contributory social assistance programmes.
Related : MLSS National Insurance Scheme Registration Jamaica : www.statusin.org/4584.html
It provides financial assistance to the most vulnerable groups in the society, namely; children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant and lactating mothers and the unemployed.
** The Programmes administered by the division include the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education, and the Rehabilitation Programme.
The Rehabilitation Programme constitutes four types of Grants, namely :
** Rehabilitation Grant
** Compassionate & Emergency Grants
** Education & Social Intervention Grant
Rehabilitation Grants :
The main purpose of this grant is to provide an opportunity whereby individuals can improve their economic base through income generating projects. The expectation is that the persons who receive this grant will eventually become self sufficient and cease to be dependent on the State.
The grant is also available to persons who, in the past, have exhibited their self supporting potential but who are currently experiencing circumstances that prevent them from providing for their basic needs or that of their families.
Applicants should be able to operate a project that is viable or which will enable them to enter suitable employment.
The types of project/micro enterprises which are supported include :
1. Trading in haberdashery, clothing/garment, cosmetics, etc.
2. Hairdressing/Barbering, butchering, food-vending, etc.
3. Shop keeping
4. To purchase or repair tools, machines or other equipment used to earn a livelihood.
5. Small livestock rearing in rural areas; as well as the planting of cash crops and the purchase of hand tools.
Compassionate and Emergency Grants :
Compassionate and Emergency Grants are available to persons who are in need of speedy assistance and who cannot access such assistance under any other scheme. It aims to provide swift response to emergency situations. This benefit is either paid in cash or kind.
How to Apply :
** The operation of the Programmes is guided by the policies and guidelines developed by the Head of the Ministry located in Kingston. The programmes are however, administered through the Ministry’s network of thirteen Parish offices.
** Persons wishing to apply for assistance are required to provide evidence to support each application for benefit. The evidence required is dependent on the programme and the peculiar circumstance of each case. Upon application a social worker will conduct an interview and follow-up home visit to verify need and eligibility for assistance.
Priority Groups to benefit are :
1. The unemployed
2. The underemployed
3. PATH Beneficiaries
4. Persons who fall below the poverty line and are not beneficiaries of PATH
5. Victims of disasters who are in need
6. Any other needy persons or groups
Contact :
Persons wishing to apply for assistance under any of the Programmes listed above may visit the offices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (NIS Office) in his/her Parish or call 1-888-991-PATH or 1-888-991-7284 for further details.
For More Details : https://www.mlss.gov.jm/