MEDIA RELEASE
WELFARE BENEFICIARIES TO RECEIVE CHRISTMAS BONUS
The Government has again approved the payment of the 2014 Christmas Bonus to the recipients of the Cook Islands welfare benefits. The $50 Christmas bonus is expected to have been paid into the Bank of Cook Islands accounts of 5,490 recipients on Rarotonga and in the Pa Enua since Monday 22 December 2014.
“This payment recognises the high costs and financial toll on families during the festive season due to the many functions that are planned at this time of the year,” stated Minister for Internal Affairs, the Hon. Nandi Glassie. “In this period of uncertainty, Government would like to spread the spirit of giving and to help alleviate some of the financial burden on families”.
In November 2014, the Cook Islands Parliament passed the 2014/15 Budget which included an allocation of $278,000 under the Welfare Payments allocation administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Christmas Bonus.
This Christmas Bonus payment was introduced in December 2003 as an alternative to the annual Christmas feast that had previously been provided for Old Age Pensioners.
End.
Contact:
Ngatuaine Maui
Welfare Director
Ph 29370
