The Ministry of Finance has launched the $200 Back-to-School Assistance program, with distributions beginning today and expected to continue through the weekend. This initiative is designed to provide support for families as they prepare for the 2026 academic year.
In total, 204,872 applications have been submitted for this financial aid, which has undergone a meticulous vetting and verification process. Starting today, eligible parents and guardians will begin receiving their payments, benefiting an estimated 185,000 students in the initial phase. The overall payout from the program is anticipated to reach around $37 million.
Payments for students moving from Year 12 to Year 13 will be issued once their enrollment for the upcoming academic year is confirmed. Currently, about 10,000 applications remain under scrutiny due to incomplete or incorrect information. To assist these families, the Ministry of Education is working closely with schools to ensure all eligible students receive their $200 assistance.
Parents and guardians who do not receive their payment by next Monday are urged to seek help at their nearest Ministry of Education District Office or contact the Help Desk at Waisomo House. For additional assistance, the Ministry provides several Help Desk numbers: 3220551, 3314477, 9980079, and 9986069.
The Ministry of Finance stresses the importance of utilizing the assistance responsibly to meet educational needs. Additionally, the government is committed to working with relevant agencies to prevent any potential price gouging or unfair practices related to this assistance program.
As the new school year draws near, the government remains dedicated to supporting families, wishing all students and parents the best in their preparations for the 2026 academic year. This initiative not only aims to ease financial burdens but also signifies the government’s commitment to enhancing educational accessibility for every child.