In an effort to assist households grappling with the escalating cost of living in Jersey, the temporary scheme providing financial aid will continue at its current level for another year. Social

Security Minister Deputy Elaine Millar confirmed that the Community Costs Bonus would remain at £516.50, the amount it was increased to in 2022 from £258.25.

The application process for this year's payment has been open since July 1st. Eligibility criteria stipulate that at least one adult in the household must have resided in Jersey for a minimum of five years. Additionally, the combined household tax bill for 2022 must be below £2,735, and the household should not be receiving income support benefits to be considered for the payment.

Islanders are required to apply for the bonus after all members of the household have filed their 2022 tax returns and received their tax assessment.

Deputy Millar emphasized that in 2022, the bonus amount was doubled to acknowledge the rising cost of living. Given the continued inflationary pressures, she has decided to maintain this additional support for the 2023 payment. Last year, over 4,000 households received assistance through the scheme.

To address immediate needs, the payment date has been brought forward to July instead of the typical autumn schedule. The government estimates that the overall scheme will cost approximately £2.3 million. Photo by Marilyn Peddle, Wikimedia commons.