Holness announces cash grants under $1 billion ‘Solidarity’ programme

The Government is to introduce a $1-billion "Solidarity" programme that will provide one-time cash grants to vulnerable Jamaicans.

Under the programme, a $20,000 one-time cash grant will be provided to 50,000 vulnerable citizens not enrolled in the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH), social pension, the National Insurance Scheme, or the Reverse Income Tax Credit.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness made the announcement during his contribution to the 2025-2026 Budget Debate in Parliament on Thursday.

He said the initiative will support elderly persons, youth not engaged in education or employment, low-income informal workers, medically negligent individuals and persons with disabilities facing hardships.

"We recognise that many of our citizens are in need but do not benefit from any existing government programmes," he said.

Holness said applications will be accepted through the re-purposed online portal that was for the CARE programme.

- Livern Barrett

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar