ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Government of Aruba has announced a major expansion of social assistance benefits, with new increases designed to provide greater financial support to vulnerable families and individuals.

The measures were announced by Minister of Health, Social Affairs, Senior Care and Addiction Care Mervin Wyatt-Ras, alongside Prime Minister Mike Eman.

The basic social-assistance benefit will increase by AWG 150, rising from AWG 450 to AWG 600 per month.

The government is also increasing the monthly school allowance by AWG 300 to AWG 1,100 for families with children aged 3 to 24 who are enrolled in full-time education.

Education-related assistance is also being expanded. Tuition support will rise from AWG 120 to AWG 250 per child, while school-supply assistance will increase from AWG 250 to AWG 300 per child, subject to a family maximum.

Government officials say the changes are intended to reduce financial pressure on families facing higher living costs and ensure that children can continue their education regardless of household income.

The administration is also working on legislative changes to modernise Aruba’s social-support system, including revisions to existing public-assistance legislation.

A new legal framework for structural support to families raising children with disabilities is also under review by the Advisory Council.

The policy represents a significant expansion of Aruba’s social safety net and could affect thousands of households through increased monthly and education-related support.

The government says the broader objective is to strengthen social inclusion, protect vulnerable residents and improve equal access to opportunities.