January 20, Colombo (LNW): The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that it will commence the census for low-income families who applied for the second phase of the “Aswesuma” welfare benefits programme tomorrow (21).
This step is crucial to ensure that the most deserving individuals and families are selected to receive the financial support offered by the initiative.
With close to 800,000 applications received for this second phase, the Board will carry out an extensive door-to-door census to verify the eligibility of these applicants.
This process aims to identify the families who are most in need of assistance, ensuring that the benefits reach those who require them the most.
The first phase of the “Aswesuma” programme saw an overwhelming 3.4 million applications, with nearly 1.8 million qualifying for the support.
Currently, the programme is providing ongoing assistance to approximately 1.72 million beneficiaries, offering vital financial aid to a wide range of individuals facing economic hardship.
The welfare benefits are distributed in four distinct categories, aimed at providing tailored support to different segments of the population.
The most vulnerable individuals in the “extremely poor” category receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 17,500, while those in the “poor” category are granted Rs. 10,000.
Additionally, families in the “vulnerable” and “transitional” categories receive Rs. 5,000 each month.
The Board has emphasised its commitment to ensuring that the second phase of the programme reaches all eligible applicants who are in dire need of assistance.
