An additional 115,000 unemployed due to the pandemic and others living on or below the poverty line eargerly await budget announcement

People living on or below the poverty line in the country will be eagerly awaiting the 2020/2021 National Budget announcement tonight on how they will be assisted during this pandemic which has affected everyone.

With the confirmation that an additional 115,000 people are unemployed in the country, the Social Welfare Department confirms they have started receiving cases of people who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Fijians are also working reduced hours.

The government is currently spending more than $105 million a year to assist Fijians through various programs.

According to the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, if a household income is less than $209.24 per week, they are considered to be living below the poverty line.

In the 2017 Census, it was stated that 28% of Fiji's population lived below the poverty line. This number is expected to rise due to increased unemployment and reduced hours.

Meanwhile, 25,467 families are currently being assisted under the Poverty Benefit Scheme.

8,183 people are getting assistance under the Care and Protection Scheme.

All those receiving the state welfare assistance in the Poverty Benefit and Care and Protection schemes are also getting $50 food vouchers for approved basic food items.

45,954 senior citizens who are 65 years and above with no source of income are being assisted under the Social Pension Scheme.

2,142 rural pregnant mothers are also getting $50 food vouchers under the Expanded Food Voucher Program.

52,640 people are being assisted under the Bus Fare Concession Program where senior citizens aged 60 years and above and disabled persons receive a $40 top up per month. The top up per month is currently $20 due to COVID-19.

Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will deliver the 2020/2021 National Budget address at 7.30 tonight.

Stay with us for coverage on how the budget announcement will affect you. Find out which taxes and duties will go up or down and how it affects your pocket, and how the government will allocate money to provide services to the people of Fiji in the new financial year. You can also follow live coverage of the speech, live updates, detailed analysis and budget responses on our website, fijivillage tonight.