PATH payment late this August

Beneficiaries of the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) will not get their disbursements on time this month.

Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of labour and social security, said the next payment will be made beginning August 21. Beneficiaries under the poor relief programme were expecting payment on August 15.

In a statement from the ministry yesterday, Charles said the ministry is aware of the concerns being expressed by persons who anticipated getting PATH payments in time to assist with back-to-school expenses.

"I want to assure you that your Government is aware of the issues, and I want to share with you some of the provisions that are in place to assist you with the extra expenses," the minister said.

In addition to regular payments of between $3,800 and $5,600, families will receive an additional amount of $3,500 to help with back-to-school expenses for each child registered in a public school from grade one to 13.

"With back-to-school right around the corner, we want our PATH beneficiaries to be assured that the Government is aware of the challenges they face and will be implementing provisions to help offset some of the costs."

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts Risden emphasised that PATH's support for its beneficiaries continues even after high school has ended. She said, "If a child continues their education after high school, they may qualify for a post-secondary grant of up to $30,000 to assist with sitting CXC exams, skills training, certificates, diplomas or associate degrees."

She further advised, "There's also the tertiary bursary, which is available to students from PATH households who are pursuing bachelor's degrees. With this bursary, PATH provides $100,000 annually, for up to four years, once that student maintains a GPA of at least 2.5 and meets other requirements outlined by the institution they attend."