Short-term financial relief measures passed by senators
Legislation intended to offer short-term relief for people who suddenly find themselves in financial difficulty was passed by senators today.
MPs recently approved the Financial Assistance (Short Term Relief Benefit) Act 2024, which will allow a $1,500-a-month support payment for up to three months per fiscal year in the event of sudden hardship.
It received broad support from senators and was backed by the One Bermuda Alliance as well as independent members of the Upper House.
Introducing the Bill, senator Lindsay Simmons, the Junior Minister of Home Affairs, said: “Today we stand on the cusp of enhancing the social protection programme for persons experiencing financial hardship, which is long overdue for Bermuda.
“The establishment of this short-term relief benefit will help maintain the resilience of our people when they experience unforeseen financial hardship.
“This benefit will support our people and help them continue their contributions to Bermuda’s economy without stress, without a loss of hope and without fear of the unknown.”
Douglas De Couto, an OBA senator and shadow finance minister, said that “conceptually, this is an example of the kind of thing that the One Bermuda Alliance is always happy to support the Government on”.
He added: “What we like about this, is that it is targeted at people in need, it is meeting a specific need and that is the kind of thing the OBA can really support, versus blanket giveaways.”
While she supported the legislation, independent senator Kiernan Bell asked whether there would be a report that detailed the amount given and its impact.
John Wight, another Governor-appointed senator, added: “Conceptually I support assisting our residents during difficult financial times brought on by sudden and unforeseen circumstances.”
Mr Wight said he was concerned that the due diligence required could prolong payments being made.
He also pointed to a clause that said an individual would not be eligible if they had assets of at least $5,000.
Mr Wight said: “Anyone who has a private pension working one year earning $50,000 would have assets of at least $5,000.”
Under the legislation, applicants can qualify after they show evidence of need from scenarios that range from natural disasters and public health emergencies, to loss of work, domestic violence and the death of a household member.
Applicants must be 18 or older and have Bermudian status or be the spouse or guardian of someone who has Bermudian status.
Detailed checks would be made to ensure that no more than $4,500 is paid to a person in a single year.
• To read the Act, see Related Media
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