On 18 August 2026, the Ministry of Finance released the second batch of approved beneficiaries for the Cost of Living Relief Programme, significantly expanding the programme’s reach to an additional 3,200 households. This release follows the initial Batch 1 publication on 14 August and reflects the Ministry’s commitment to a phased, transparent rollout. The Batch 2 list includes applicants who submitted complete documentation by the 31 July deadline and passed the automated eligibility checks. The programme, funded through a special allocation in the 2026/27 fiscal budget, targets households with annual incomes below $40,000 and provides a one-time payment of $500 per eligible adult.
Key Takeaways
- Expanded Coverage: With Batch 2, the programme now covers approximately 45% of the estimated eligible population, with further batches planned to achieve full coverage by October 2026.
- Public Verification Portal: The Ministry has enhanced its online verification portal to allow real-time status checks using applicant reference numbers, improving transparency and reducing call center volumes.
- Payment Schedule Published: Batch 2 payments are scheduled for disbursement during the week of 25 August, with direct deposits processed first, followed by cheque deliveries via the dedicated service.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement