Recipients seek more help despite $211m welfare package

More than 130,000 vulnerable Fijians will continue receiving Government assistance under a $211 million social protection package, but welfare recipients say rising living costs mean the support needs to go further.

The allocation for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection in the 2026-2027 National Budget will fund social welfare, pension and aftercare programmes for vulnerable children, older persons, people living with disabilities and pregnant mothers in rural and maritime communities.

Government said the funding reflected its continued commitment to strengthening Fiji's social protection system and ensuring vulnerable groups received the assistance they needed.

Social welfare recipient Ilisabeta Tabuitamana, 57, of Naikorokoro, with maternal links to Navai in Ra, said the rising cost of food, transport and other essential items had made it increasingly difficult for families to cope.

"The cost of food, transport and other essential items had risen significantly, and the assistance should have been increased further to better reflect the financial pressures many families are facing," Ms Tabuitamana said.

Another social welfare recipient, Shobna Gautam, said more assistance was needed to help people become financially independent.

"I have been asking for assistance for more than five years to help with medical surgeries and to pay my nanny," Ms Gautam said.

"More support is needed to help people become financially independent rather than relying on welfare alone."

The ministry's funding has increased over the past three Budgets. In 2023-2024, Government increased welfare payments by 15 per cent for all recipients and 25 per cent for beneficiaries aged over 70.

The 2025-2026 Budget included a five per cent increase across all welfare payments.

The $211 million allocation for 2026-2027 maintains the highest level of funding for the ministry, as Government seeks to strengthen Fiji's social protection system while responding to growing demand for assistance.