4000 back to school applications still pending

Seven weeks into the school term, more than 4000 families are still waiting to receive their Back to School Assistance payments.

This was confirmed by Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro yesterday.

Mr Radrodro said the outstanding applications had issues such as duplicate entries or missing information and were still being verified.

"We are working diligently to address the remaining applications with issues," Mr Radrodro said.

"I want to assure all parents and guardians that no eligible child will be left behind."

Out of 212,845 applications received, 208,764 have been processed and approved — a 98 per cent approval rate.

A total of $41.8 million has already been paid out directly to families to help cover school expenses.

The Back to School Assistance Programme is a Coalition Government initiative that provides financial support to families at the start of each school year.

Mr Radrodro urged affected families to cooperate with the Ministry as it works to resolve the remaining applications.

"We appreciate your patience as we complete this final phase of the programme," he said.