The government will extend a cash handout programme from January-March for an eighth round, to provide cash assistance for poor and vulnerable households that have been significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is according to a decision issued by Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth, who is also chairman of the National Social Protection Council.

“The financial support can be received every fourth week of each month,” the decision read.

As of December 24, 2021, the government had spent $501 million to help some 680,000 households through the programme, since its inception on June 25, 2020, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation reported.

The programme divides recipients into three categories by geographical locations – the capital, other urban centres and rural areas. Households receive varying amounts of cash based on number of persons.