The Government tabled financial assistance legislation in the House of Assembly yesterday that would see residents benefiting from a $1,500-a-month payment in short-term relief.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said that under the Financial Assistance (Short-Term Relief Benefit) Act 2024, recipients can get payments for up to three months in a financial year, payable to individuals rather than households.

Ms Furbert said that proof was required of sudden hardship and its impact on the household.

Examples could include job loss or the impact of domestic violence, to a maximum of $4,500 per year.

She added: “The individual unemployed would need proof from their former employer while the victim of domestic violence would need proof from either a helping agency such as the Centre Against Abuse, or a police report.”

She said residents must apply in writing “on an approved form submitted digitally or in person to the director, with documented proof of eligibility and evidence of sudden financial hardship”.

Applicants must notify the director of any change in financial circumstances, any sudden change rendering them ineligible, any intention to travel outside Bermuda, and any financial assistance award.

Ms Furbert said that in cases of domestic violence, “when they eventually muster the courage to flee from their home environment because of abusive behaviours, the offending partner would often decide to block their access to funds by closing bank accounts and cancelling credit cards so that the victim has no financial means”.

“Persons experiencing this can apply for the short-term relief benefit.”

Ms Furbert said families might need support for reasons including arrears on their rent or mortgage, eviction, loss of income for landlords, disconnection of electricity for non-payment, or having to forgo essential needed medications.

She said it came from a commitment to financial aid reform in the 2022 Throne Speech.

Ms Furbert said some might see the relief as creating disincentives to seek work, or leading to financial dependence on the Government.

She said that a dedicated team would oversee applications, verify evidence and monitor changes in a recipient’s finances.

She called it “a stimulus to help individuals maintain their skills, their motivation and self-esteem, positioning them for re-entry into the labour market”.