MORE than 130,000 vulnerable Fijians will continue to receive social welfare assistance under the 2026-2027 National Budget, with the Government allocating $189.3million to key social protection programs.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran told Parliament on Monday the ministry had been allocated a total of $211m to strengthen Fiji’s social protection system while expanding services for women, children, older persons and people living with disabilities.
“This budget allows the ministry to continue strengthening Fiji’s social protection system, expand child protection services, advance women’s economic empowerment, improve support for survivors of violence, and enhance services for older persons and persons with disabilities,” Ms Kiran said.
She said the $189.3m allocation would enable the ministry to continue supporting more than 130,000 vulnerable Fijians through various welfare schemes.
She said the largest allocation of $86.2m had been set aside for the Social Pension Scheme, followed by $38.3m for the Family Assistance Scheme, $22m for the Transport Assistance Scheme, $18.5m for the Disability Allowance Scheme and $18.4m for the Child Protection Allowance.
Ms Kiran said a further $465,615 had been allocated for the Rural Pregnant Mothers Food Allowance.
“Social Pension Scheme has received an increase of $4.16million in anticipation of more applications from senior citizens and Transport Assistance Scheme has been allocated additional $7.9million.
“There is 11 per cent increase in allowance for rural pregnant mothers.
“We also appreciate continued budget allocation for welfare graduation program revived in the last financial year.”
