Tag: Needs Assessment Unit
Social welfare overhaul reaches final stages
(CNS): Two years after the Financial Assistance Act was passed in parliament and a year after the regulations were implemented, the Needs Assessment Unit will officially become the Department of Financial Assistance (DFA) on 10 October, as work continues on reforming the delivery of welfare assistance to those in need. A number of changes have […]
NAU tackling 350 calls per week but hitting targets
(CNS): Social Development Minister André Ebanks has told parliament that the rollout of new technology and the collection of data are beginning to improve the service the Needs Assessment Unit can offer. He told his fellow MPs that a team of just four people is handling an average of some 350 calls per week. But […]
NAU offers more resources under new policies
(CNS): As the Needs Assessment Unit (NAU) prepares to morph into the Financial Assistance Department and new legislation providing for Cayman’s future welfare needs is rolled out, the Ministry of Social Development has implemented a series of enhancements to financial assistance programmes to provide better support.
NAU launches fraud hotline to report welfare cheats
(CNS): As the Needs Assessment Unit begins rolling out its new technology platform to improve the delivery of social services, it has launched a dedicated Fraud Reporting Hotline. Given the broad perception that some people receiving government cash are either undeserving or not Caymanian, the phone line has been installed to promote transparency and accountability.
Christmas bonus and pension rise cleared for payment
(CNS): Cabinet has approved a $250 Christmas bonus for those who receive long-term financial assistance through the Needs Assessment Unit (NAU) and recipients of the Seafarers and Veterans Ex-Gratia Benefit. Officials have also confirmed that the increase from $950 to $1,250 for former public sector workers receiving the ex gratia pension, promised by Premier Juliana […]
Welfare overhaul won’t be easy, warns minister
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government is preparing for the implementation of new laws governing welfare support next month, including the transition of the Needs Assessment Unit into the Department of Financial Assistance. However, Social Development Minister André Ebanks has warned that it will take time for the changes to have an impact and it “won’t […]
Welfare reform to roll out after years of neglect
(CNS): Cabinet has approved new regulations that pave the way for the launch of the Department of Financial Assistance later next month (replacing the Needs Assessment Unit) and a complete transformation in the way the Cayman Islands handles welfare support. The Financial Assistance Regulations, 2023 and the Financial Assistance (Appeals) Regulations, 2023 were rolled out […]
Budget under pressure from those in need
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government has agreed to look at increasing the ex gratia pension paid to retired civil servants, though Social Development Minister André Ebanks warned that this might be very difficult, given the budget constraints caused by the recent increase in long-term financial assistance payments. These stipends were recently increased from CI$950 to […]
NAU reviewing eligibility of its clients
(CNS): Needs Assessment Unit (NAU) clients now have until 10 November to complete pending reassessments to confirm their eligibility for financial assistance from the public purse. Every year, the NAU spend millions of dollars helping those in need because they are unemployed or unable to work. Last month, some clients did not get their September […]
Seniors and disabled get $300 benefit rise
(CNS): Adults living with permanent disabilities and seniors who receive financial support from the government are getting an early increase in those benefits this year, officials have announced. The monthly stipend administered by the Needs Assessment Unit (NAU) will increase by more than 30% to $1,250 per month from the current payments of $950, with […]
NAU clients to get $150 Christmas bonus
(CNS): Anyone receiving the government’s permanent financial assistance through the Needs Assessment Unit will get an extra $150 on top of their monthly payment in December for additional support during the holiday period. André Ebanks, the minister responsible for social development, said, “Our government recognises that there are many vulnerable persons in our community who […]
