Labour Ministry Finalising Solidarity Grant Implementation Framework

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is finalising the full implementation framework for the Solidarity Grant.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 13).

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, recently announced that $1 billion has been allocated to provide a one-off $20,000 grant to 50,000 unattached and vulnerable Jamaicans, who are not on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), National Insurance Scheme (NIS) or any other established social programmes.

The target groups under this programme are youth who are not engaged in education or employment; elderly persons in need and who are not now on social pension or receiving pension; persons with disabilities who are experiencing hardships; medically indigent individuals; low-income informal workers in need, and microbusinesses affected by disasters.

Mr. Charles informed that the Ministry, in partnership with the Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA {eGov}) will utilise the Solidarity platform to deliver this support to the beneficiaries.

He further stated that while the Ministry is finalising the implementation framework, a three-pronged approach to beneficiary identification and support has been proposed.

“Members of Parliament will work directly with the Solidarity team to identify at least 300 eligible beneficiaries within their constituencies. Secondly, Solidarity liaison officers will conduct targeted outreach and support the selection process through orientation sessions and by working closely with NGOs (non-governmental organisations), community leaders, and churches to ensure inclusion of those most in need,” the Minister said.

He added that individuals will also have the opportunity to apply independently through the Solidarity digital platform.

“These three channels will form a hybrid system designed to ensure the programme is comprehensive, inclusive, and responsive. This initiative is not only to provide immediate relief but also to connect beneficiaries to long-term services such as social protection programmes and job-readiness support, helping them transition into the labour force and the formal economy,” Mr. Charles said.

He further indicated that the Ministry will inform the public of the details upon confirmation of the formal application process, which will be accessible, transparent, and inclusive.