The Ministry of Finance has initiated the distribution of the $200 Back-to-School Assistance program, beginning today and expected to continue throughout the weekend. This initiative aims to support families as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 school year.
A total of 204,872 applications have been received for the financial aid, which has undergone a thorough vetting and verification process. Today, eligible parents and guardians will start receiving their payments, with an estimated 185,000 students benefiting in the first batch. The total payout is projected to be around $37 million.
Students transitioning from Year 12 to Year 13 will receive their payments once their enrollment for the 2026 academic year is confirmed. Approximately 10,000 applications are still under verification due to instances of incomplete or incorrect information provided by applicants. The Ministry of Education is collaborating with schools to assist affected families and ensure that all eligible students receive the $200 assistance.
Parents and guardians who do not receive the payment by next Monday are encouraged to reach out for assistance at their nearest Ministry of Education District Office or contact the Help Desk at Waisomo House. Additional support can be accessed through the Ministry’s Help Desk numbers: 3220551, 3314477, 9980079, and 9986069.
The Ministry of Finance emphasizes the importance of using the financial assistance responsibly to address children’s educational needs. Furthermore, the government is committed to collaborating with relevant agencies to prevent price gouging and other unfair practices that could arise in connection with the assistance program.
As the academic year approaches, the government reaffirms its dedication to supporting families, wishing all students and parents the best as they prepare for the 2026 school year.