Over 4,000 teachers to receive $2.1m Location Allowance, 1,084 applications still pending

Good news as 4,185 teachers will receive their Location Allowance which amounts to almost $2.1 million but the Ministry of Education is yet to receive 1,084 applications.

While making the announcement Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro says teachers’ Location Allowance will be paid on Pay 21 of this year.

He says as per the Ministry of Education policy on Location Allowance teachers who are currently serving in schools at least 45 kilometres away from the nearest declared city or township are eligible for the location allowance.

Radrodro says an unmarried officer qualifies for a maximum of $1,200 gross per annum while a married officer qualifies for a maximum of $1,800 gross per annum.

He says a total of 514 rural and maritime schools are entitled to the Location Allowance which include 69 secondary schools and 445 primary schools, and the Early Childhood Education Centres.

The Minister says the Ministry of Education had to carry out their due diligence in ensuring that they are providing entitlement to the right teachers, and this is because of staff movement and lodgment by head of schools.

He says head of schools and the District Education Officers will be following up with the respective schools on the 1,084 applications they are yet to receive.

The Education Minister has assured all teachers that their welfare remains a priority for the Ministry.

Radrodro adds the Location Allowance is not only a financial recognition, but also a reaffirmation of the government’s appreciation for the vital role that teachers play in the lives of our children.