Welfare advises on third party encashment

Submitted by TemoL on Wed, 17/08/2011 - 9:07am

The Ministry of Social Welfare is reviewing its procedures on Third Party Encashment of Family Assistance Vouchers and Food Vouchers.

Ministry permanent secretary Govind Sami says all recipients with third party provisions must make arrangements, to have their authorised nominees visit the nearest social welfare office to get new cards done.

“All Social Welfare recipients are advised that 3rd Party Encashment of Family Assistance Vouchers and Food Vouchers are only allowed in cases where the recipient has been verified by our officers, through home visits," Mr Sami said.

There is reliable information reaching the ministry that some beneficiaries may not be getting their full share of allowances.

New ID cards must have the photo of the client in front and that of the third party at the back of the ID card. It will be valid for three months and re-certification will only be done after home visit by social welfare officers.

“Service providers have been advised that these new ID cards are the only valid cards to accept for all Third Party Encashment or redemption of vouchers,” Mr Sami said.

As a security feature, the ID card will carry the signature of clients and two other officers from the Ministry of Social Welfare. These new ID cards will be white in color and new arrangements are with immediate effect.