The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation on August 24 revealed that the government has transferred just over 3.1 trillion riel to poor and vulnerable households under the Cash Transfer Programme as its 10th round enters a second month.

The ministry noted in an announcement that it has spent the roughly 3.1 trillion riel ($775 million) over 10 rounds divided into 26 month-long distribution periods from June 25, 2020 to August 24 this year. The second period of the 10th round would last for 30 days starting from August 25 until September 24.

It advised those who have already been verified in the 10 rounds to withdraw the money from a Wing Bank counter without going to the commune hall again.

“For poor and vulnerable families who have a valid IDPoor card and have not been verified in any of the 26 periods during the 10 rounds, and those who have just received a new card, please go to the commune hall for verification to withdraw the financial support,” it said.

The ministry also cautioned the public to not be deceived by anyone falsely claiming that it cost money to get a IDPoor card and access to the allowance.

The issuance of the cards, it said, is done in accordance with the procedures from the Ministry of Planning to identify poor families, and is carried out free of charge and without discrimination or political bias.

“In the case of finding irregularities in the implementation of the programme or being unable to withdraw the money at a Wing counter, please contact the programme’s officials at the commune hall, or the capital or provincial social affairs department.

According to the social affairs ministry, more than 700,000 households accessed the programme from June 25, 2020 to August 24 of this year, with more than 250,000 in the Poor 1 category and 430,000 in Poor 2.