Fiji’s Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has received an increased budget allocation from $147.7million to $200.2million, accounting for an increase of $52.5m.
More than 90,000 people on social welfare will directly benefit from increased monthly allowances of 15 and 25 per cent.
Announcing the 2023-2024 National Budget, Minister of Finance and Deputy PM Prof Biman Prasad said for those at the age of 70 years and above and are on the social pension system, will receive a 25 per cent increase.
He said that meant that the monthly allowance would increase from $100 a month to $125 a month effective August 2023.
Those between the age of 65 to 69 years will have their monthly allowances increased from $100 to $115.
As such, he said social pension scheme was allocated a large budget of $78.2m, an increase of $23.2m to cater for the needs of 54,200 senior citizens.
