Social Welfare Division
The Social Welfare Division (SWD) of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services assists in empowering the vulnerable in society to enjoy a better quality of life by providing financial and social assistance in accordance with existing laws, regulations and policies. The Social Welfare Division (SWD) offers a range of social assistance grants to persons in need, who have little or no means of support. There is absolutely no charge to access or process these grants.
Core roles and functions:
- To provide income support to persons over 65 who satisfy other criteria of income and residence.
- To provide income support to persons with disabilities 18 years and over who satisfy the criteria of income, residence and are permanently disability.
- To provide financial assistance to the infirm and needy.
- To provide assistance on behalf of children whose parents have died, deserted, or are ill, or imprisoned.
- To enhance the quality of life of recipients and other necessitous persons.
Services Provided
The core functions of this Division are the administration of the:
- Senior Citizens’ Pension
- Public Assistance Grant
- Disability Assistance Grant (Adults)
- Disability Assistance Grant (Minors)
- Food Support Programme
- General Assistance Grants
- Special Child Grant
- Household Items
- Domestic Help
- Housing Grant
- House Rent
- Funeral Grant
- Medical Equipment
- Clothing Grant
- Dietary Grant
- School Supplies Grant
- Education Grant
- Free Bus Pass
- Pharmaceutical Grant
- Urgent Temporary Assistance
- Prosthetics Grant
How to Apply
An application form can be collected and completed at the Local Board Office in your district. Applicants may be required to attend an age assessment meeting with the Local Public Assistance Board.
The Assistance Board decides on all applications and rejected persons have the right to appeal.
For more information, please contact
1st Floor, ABMA Building
45A-45C St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 623-2608 ext. 1203