Decision Reference: MD-SOSEC-2022-308 | Public |
Subject: Cost of Living Temporary Scheme (COLTS) - 2022 |
Report Title: Cost of Living Temporary Scheme (COLTS) - 2022 | Public |
Decision(s): The Minister for Social Security approved the Cost of Living Temporary Scheme (COLTS), which will provide monthly payments to people eligible for: Income Support, Pension Plus, the Community Costs Bonus and the Cold Weather Bonus. The Scheme will run for 9 months from April 2022 to December 2022. |
Reason for Decision(s): As a result of rising inflationary pressures on Islanders, the Minister has decided to support over 11,000 people in Jersey who receive means-tested benefits. This includes 9,600 adults and children living in Income Support households and approximately 1,800 people who do not qualify for Income Support but receive help with heating, health or other costs. A payment of £20 per person in the household will be made each month; for example, a pensioner couple will receive £40 a month in total. |
Resource Implications: Based on the number of existing (eligible) benefit claimants, the cost of the scheme for 9 months is estimated at £2 million. Funding will be drawn from existing departmental income support and tax funded budgets. The scheme will be administered by CLS using existing resources. |
Action Required: Senior Policy Officer to publish guidelines for the scheme. CLS Group Director Customer Operations to administer claims in line with policy guidelines. |
Signature: | Signed By: Minister for Social Security |
Date Signed: | Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed): |
gov.je