Minister of Social Development (MSDFS), The Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, provided another update on the social support measures to be implemented to assist the vulnerable impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic today at a Media Conference hosted by the Ministry of Health. According to Minister Robinson-Regis: “We at the Ministry empathize with persons experiencing job loss. We understand the anxiety and fear you may be experiencing, but we want you to know that these social packages are in place to address those issues.”

The Minister also indicated that she was aware that persons are crowding Social Welfare and NIB Offices and advised that this is not the best practice, as social distancing is the best approach to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. It was also stated that effective tomorrow, March 26, 2020, Customer Service Representatives will be assigned to all of the 11 Social Welfare District Offices, including the Social Welfare Office in Tobago. The CSRs will address issues and queries from persons who were retrenched, terminated or have experienced a reduction in income. 

All guidelines for accessing the Social Assistance will be posted on the websites and facebook pages of the Ministries of Social Development and Family Services, Labour and Small Enterprise Development and Communications, as well as that of TTConnect.

The Ministry’s Call Centre is now up and functioning at the following numbers. Available from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday: 

800-1MSD (1673) – Toll Free
800-OPIC (6742) – Toll Free
623-2608; Extensions 1120 to 1132
753 – CARE (whatsapp only) – available 24 hours

For further information, please see the following links:

Form A Employer or Employee COVID 19
Form B Self Employed COVID 19
COVID 19 Guidelines Form A employers or employees
COVID 19 Guidelines Form B self employed
Release - Update #3 on Implementation of Social Support Measures for COVID -19 - March 24 (3)