Financial Assistance Amendment Act 2023

What this bill does

This bill creates a new type of financial assistance called a "subsequent award" for able-bodied people whose regular 7-year financial assistance has ended. It allows these recipients to apply for continued support with reduced benefits and additional requirements like volunteering or skills training.

If passed (voted YES)

• Able-bodied people who have used up their 7-year financial assistance limit can apply for a new "subsequent award" to continue receiving some support
• Recipients of this new award must meet stricter conditions, including 20+ hours of volunteering per week or enrolling in skills training programs
• The new award provides more limited benefits (room allowance, food allowance, and health insurance only) compared to the original financial assistance

If rejected (voted NO)

• Able-bodied people would continue to lose all financial assistance after their 7-year limit expires, with no option to apply for continued support
• No new volunteer or skills training requirements would be introduced for financial assistance recipients
• The current system remains unchanged with no additional support pathway for long-term recipients

Who it affects

This primarily affects able-bodied Bermudians who have been receiving financial assistance for close to or exactly 7 years and would otherwise lose all support. It also impacts the Department of Workforce Development and volunteer organizations that would need to accommodate new program requirements.