Government officials are calling on families with IDPoor cards to register their primary and secondary school-age children for an additional monthly allowance under the family support package. The programme, with an initial annual budget of $27 million, will commence on January 30, 2025.

Chan Narith, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and secretary-general of the National Social Protection Council (NSPC), issued the reminder last week while promoting the programme in Arey Ksat town, Kandal province.

According to preliminary estimates, around 450,000 students nationwide from families holding Identification of Poor (IDPoor) cards levels 1 and 2 are eligible for the support, as reported by the National Television of Cambodia.

Narith explained that eligible families will receive additional monthly financial assistance, based on the number of family members who are currently enrolled in primary or secondary education.

In late November, the NSPC announced the registration process. Students from families holding valid IDPoor cards (1 and 2) must meet with programme officials at their schools and present their IDPoor cards, along with their school enrolment forms, to get verification via an app.

Subsequently, families are required to meet commune or sangkat officials, bringing their valid cards and school enrolment letters to complete the registration process. The first round of allowances is scheduled to be disbursed on January 30.

The announcement of the new financial assistance programme was made at the end of 2023 as part of the national social assistance program under the family support package. 

According to the sub-decree, primary and lower secondary students in public general education institutions will receive 20,000 riel ($5) per month, while upper secondary students will receive 30,000 riel ($7.50).