Update on the Cost-of-Living Relief Programme: First Batch of Applications Successfully Processed

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 3 December 2024: The Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade is pleased to announce significant progress in the approval process for the Cost-of-Living Relief Programme. As of 11:00 PM on Saturday, 30 November 2024, we have successfully processed the initial batch of applications. Our team has worked diligently to ensure that applicants receive the support they need, and we are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process.

It is important to note that applications are randomly distributed for approval, with the processing team having no control over the order of approvals. This impartial method ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants. The designated portal manages the distribution of applications, facilitating a streamlined approval process.

The following statistics reflect the engagement from various islands up to 11:00 PM on Saturday, 30 November 2024. Overall, the program received a significant number of applications, with a total of 15,614 submitted. Of these, 5,019 applications have been processed in the first batch, representing an overall approval rate of 32.1%. Please note that the overall total includes duplicates, and as a result, the final total may be lower.

The Ministry would like to inform approved applicants that cheque distribution will commence on Wednesday, 4 December 2024 using a batch system. A list of approved applicants will be provided for each batch. The lists will also be accessible via www.gov.tc.

For the payment schedule, approved applications will be paid on the following dates: Batch 1 – 4^th December, Batch 2 – 11^th December and Batch 3 – 18^th December, 2024. All approved applicants will be paid no later than 20^th December 2024.

Cheques will be available for collection across the islands at the following locations: The Treasury on Providenciales, St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Dillon Hall on Grand Turk, and the Sub-treasuries on South Caicos and North Caicos.

Collection hours have been established for the convenience of applicants, with cheques available Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and on Fridays from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Please be advised that cheques are for in-person collection only. There will be no deposits to any bank accounts for the Cost-of-Living Relief Programme. To collect cheques, applicants must present their reference number along with a valid form of identification at the time of collection.

For relief recipients who are disabled or confined to their home (in Turks & Caicos Islands), the Treasury will provide a cheque delivery service. To utilise this facility, approved applicants or his or her representative are asked to make a written request, for the delivery of the cheque to colreliefsupport@gov.tc.

The request must include the following:

• a copy of the approved applicant Government Issued ID
• application number
• phone number and
• address for the cheque to be delivered.

Please be aware that once issued, cheques are valid for six (6) months from the printed date. After 20^th June 2025, any uncollected cheques will be voided and cancelled. Lost or stale-dated cheques will not be reissued.

We encourage all applicants to stay informed and seek any assistance needed during this process. For further inquiries, please contact colreliefsupport@gov.tc.

The Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade strives to ensure that every eligible applicant can access the relief grant, and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this significant endeavour.