Government moves to clear $200 back-to-school payment delays

Government teams are working to clear outstanding queries related to the $200 back-to-school assistance, with parents expected to know the status of their applications by this weekend.

Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel said teams from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance were jointly addressing unresolved cases.

“There’s a team at the Ministry of Education, and together with our team here, we are working tirelessly to clear those queries,” Mr Immanuel said last week.

“So hopefully by today, or by the weekend, parents will be able to find out.”

Mr Immanuel said one of the most common issues involved parents changing their mobile phone numbers, as payments are made through mobile money platforms.

“One problem we found is that many applicants change their phone numbers, because the payment is done through the phone,” he said.

“In some cases, the registered parent’s name is also changed, whether it is the father or the mother.”

When asked whether the payment period would be extended, Mr Immanuel said this would depend on how many eligible applicants remained unpaid once the verification process was completed.

The $200 assistance is intended to help families meet back-to-school expenses such as uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery and other essentials for the 2026 school year, which began on January 26.

Parents who have not received their payment have been advised to visit their nearest Ministry of Education district office for assistance.