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USD 4.4 million disbursed as income support allowance

Ministry of Finance has disbursed USD 4.4 million as income support allowance for individuals whose sources of income were affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics publicised by the finance ministry revealed USD 4.4 million has been disbursed for 6,872 individuals by September 10. The ministry revealed over 16,000 individuals have requested for income support allowance introduced by the government.

The government introduced a monthly income support allowance of USD 323 as compensation to cover the essential expenses of individuals whose employment has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The income support allowance is provided for individuals who have been either dismissed or suspended from their jobs without pay, as well as employees who have been sent on no-pay leaves and employees whose monthly wages have been reduced below USD 323. The allowance given for individuals whose wages have been cut will be the difference between USD 323 and their current monthly wages.

Independent contractors, performing artists and other freelance workers are also eligible for income support allowance if their sources of income have been blocked since March 1, 2020.