Keep your number! Strict rule for $200 school assistance

Parents and guardians applying for the $200 Back-to-School assistance have been warned not to change their mobile numbers after submitting application forms.

Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel issued the stern warning yesterday, stating that the Government will not accept any changes to mobile numbers provided in application forms.

“Parents and guardians must note that we will not accept any further changes to their mobile numbers provided in the application form.

“So parents and guardians, please do not change your mobile numbers," Mr Immanuel said.

The warning comes as payments for the assistance will be made via Vodafone’s M-PAiSA and Digicel’s MyCash from January 16, 2026.

Mr Immanuel urged parents and guardians to double-check that their applications are accurate, particularly their phone numbers which must be M-PAiSA or MyCash numbers to receive the funds.

“If possible, keep a copy of your children’s application as proof," he said.

Mr Immanuel explained that phone number accuracy was crucial to ensure funds reach the right recipients, particularly following the discovery of fraudulent cases in previous years where incorrect or altered information had caused problems.

The warnings follow the opening of the 2026 Back-to-School assistance, with $40 million allocated to assist eligible families.

Applications open today and close on December 12.

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