Disability Assistance Grant (Minors)
The DAG for Children was introduced in the 2019 Budget, to be implemented by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. This new provision will allow children with a disability to access this service at a fixed rate of $1,500 per month. This grant is payable where the assessment of a child is either severe or complete and where the disability is permanent in nature. Such certification shall come from a Paediatrician or other medical practitioner (Public Health) authorized by the Chief Medical Officer for this purpose or from a Paediatric Specialist (Private Practitioner) registered with the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago. This new provision will allow children with a disability to access this service at a fixed rate of $1,500 per month.
Who Qualifies?
- The grant is payable where the assessment of a child is either severe or complete and where the disability is permanent in nature. Such certification shall come from a Paediatrician or other medical practitioner (Public Health) authorized by the Chief Medical Officer for this purpose or from a Paediatric Specialist (Private Practitioner) registered with the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago.
- A parent/legal guardian must be a citizen/resident of Trinidad and Tobago as defined in the Immigration Act;
- A parent/legal guardian must be 18 years or older;
- A child must not have attained the age of eighteen (18) years;
- A child must be a citizen / legal resident of Trinidad and Tobago as defined in the Immigration Act;
- A child must be residing permanently in Trinidad and Tobago.
Income
Where a monthly income exceeding $1,500 is paid for a similar benefit on behalf of a child, such will not be eligible to receive the DAG for Children.
How to Apply
- New Clients
- Obtain a Medical Form from any Social Welfare Local Board Office.
- Once the Medical Report is Certified by an authorized Medical Practitioner, proceed to complete the application form which is available:
- Online – www.social.gov.tt
- Social Welfare Local Board Office
- Health Centres
- ttconnect Service Centres
3. Have the child examined by a Medical Practitioner who completes the Medical Report.
4. Return the completed application form and Medical Report to a Local Board Office nearest to you.
5. Obtain a receipt as proof of your application.
- Existing Clients
You do not have to reapply. All existing clients who were previously in receipt of a Grant for their child with Special Needs who was certified as being permanently disabled shall begin to automatically receive the new Disability Assistance Grant for Children; with effect from September 1st, 2019. It should be noted that the payments will be retroactive effective January 1st, 2019.
For further information, please contact the Ministry via toll free at 800-1673 or log on to the Ministry’s website at www.social.gov.tt for the chat bot feature from ttconnect or any of the ttconnect Service Centres near you.
Documents
- DAGM Application Form
- Medical Report
- DAGM Guidelines