Short-Term Relief Application Available Online
The Government announced that Short-Term Relief Application is now available online.
The Government said, “For persons experiencing sudden hardship you can apply to the Department of Financial Assistance for the short-term relief. Apply online at forms.gov.bm/strb.”
The Government previously announced that they introduced legislation to “establish a framework to provide immediate financial support on a short-term basis for persons who qualify in the event of experiencing financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances” which would provide $1,500 per month.
When they announced it in June, the Government said, “This Bill entitled: “Financial Assistance [Short-Term Relief Benefit] Act 2024”, will steer the Short-Term Relief Programme in the Department of Financial Assistance with the following features:
- Eligibility: Qualifications of a person to apply for the benefit and the stipulated criteria that must be met;
- Amount: The benefit is a legislated $1,500 per month
- Duration: Recipients can receive the benefit for up to three [3] months in a financial year.
- Process: Every application for the short-term relief benefit must be made 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.
- Conditions: The benefit recipients must comply with specified conditions in the Bill some of which include notifications to the Director of any financial change in one’s circumstances while receiving the relief benefit, any sudden change that would make one ineligible for the benefit, of any intention to travel outside of Bermuda and if one becomes a recipient of a financial assistance award under the Financial Assistance Act 2001.
“The short-term relief benefit payment is payable to individuals, not to households. Individuals must apply and then prove that they are experiencing the sudden hardship and the impact it may have on their household. For example, if a person has been made redundant from their job or is a victim of domestic violence, that specific individual would apply for the short-term relief benefit for a maximum of three months in that they would receive a total of $4,500 per year.”
