News

Abuse of benefit schemes an issue: Fatiaki

August 26, 2019 4:50 pm

The abuse of Social Welfare Department benefit schemes by those who don’t need help is a concern for the Ministry.

Department Director Rupeni Fatiaki says some persons accepting benefits have properties and businesses and submit false information to qualify.

Fatiaki says this was revealed during the Social Welfare Department’s scheme review

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“In some cases the recipient has passed away and it’s not reported back to us and some other third party or family are still using that fund. We have come across cases where recipients have businesses, we have come across cases where recipients have property on rent and this does not qualify them for these assistances because it’s for those that don’t have a means of income.”

Fatiaki says they have terminated all these accounts and are working closely with relevant stakeholders to help address the issue.

The Social Welfare Department currently has five major social protection schemes which cater more than 90 thousand people around the country.