FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Yes. Eligible applicants may nominate an authorised third party to assist with applications, enrolment, updates, and payment collection where permitted by programme rules.
  • Applicants who require assistance due to disability, age, literacy, language, or other accessibility needs may receive support from DSW staff, a caregiver, guardian, or authorised third party.
  • Applicants who require assistance due to disability, age, literacy, language, or other accessibility needs may receive support from DSW staff, a caregiver, guardian, or authorised third party.

  • You can request:

    • Help in your preferred language
    • Verbal explanations instead of written forms
    • Large print formats
    • Sign language support where available
    • Home visits if you cannot travel
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  • Yes. If you are unable to complete your application, iBMS will provide a Social Protection Number (SPN) that allows you to resume and complete your application later.
  • You can log in to the Public Portal using your application reference number or Social Protection Number (SPN) to track the status of your application.
  • You can apply online through the public portal at fiji.gov.fj or visit your nearest Department of Social Welfare (DSW) office. Bring your birth certificate and a passport-sized photograph. A Welfare Officer will be assigned to assess your eligibility.
  • You can apply online through the public portal at fiji.gov.fj or visit your nearest Department of Social Welfare (DSW) office. Bring your birth certificate and a passport-sized photograph. A Welfare Officer will be assigned to assess your eligibility.
  • You can complete the screening questionnaire and application form through the iBMS Public Portal or visit your nearest Department of Social Welfare office for assistance.
  • Supporting documents vary by programme but generally include proof of identity, birth registration details, contact information, supporting evidence relevant to the programme, and any documents requested during the application process.
  • Supporting documents vary by programme but generally include proof of identity, birth registration details, contact information, supporting evidence relevant to the programme, and any documents requested during the application process.
  • Supporting documents vary by programme but generally include proof of identity, birth registration details, contact information, supporting evidence relevant to the programme, and any documents requested during the application process.
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  • Your application is reviewed by a Welfare Officer who verifies your eligibility, checks supporting information, and may conduct interviews, home visits, or additional assessments depending on the programme.
  • Your application is reviewed by a Welfare Officer who verifies your eligibility, checks supporting information, and may conduct interviews, home visits, or additional assessments depending on the programme.
  • A home visit may be required depending on the programme and assessment outcome. Welfare Officers may conduct visits to verify eligibility and living conditions.
  • A home visit may be required depending on the programme and assessment outcome. Welfare Officers may conduct visits to verify eligibility and living conditions.
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  • Apply in person at your local Social Welfare Office or online.

    For all applications: a birth certificate (or certificate of naturalisation) and two passport photos for you and each child, plus a school letter or report if a child is in school and you are applying for a higher benefit level.

    Additional documents may apply for single or deserted parents, foster parents/guardians, dependents of an incarcerated or deceased breadwinner, or a child with a disability.

  • The C&P is intended as short-term support, but the exact duration depends on the family's situation, with regular reviews. You must inform DSW if the situation of a child in your care changes.

    MWCSP can also help working-age household members access livelihood and employment opportunities through the Welfare Graduation Programme.

  • It depends on the child's situation:

    • Preschool / not in school: $35
    • Primary school: $42
    • Secondary school: $56
    • Child with disability: $83

    Plus a $50 per month food allowance.

  • A caregiver can apply if the child:

    • Has only one parent or no financial support
    • Has lost a breadwinner or has a parent in prison
    • Is in foster care
  • The programme supports vulnerable children under 18 years of age who fall into approved Care and Protection categories, including children under the care of single parents, foster caregivers, guardians, institutions, or families facing exceptional circumstances.
  • The programme supports vulnerable children under 18 years of age who fall into approved Care and Protection categories, including children under the care of single parents, foster caregivers, guardians, institutions, or families facing exceptional circumstances.

  • It supports children under 18 who are:

    • At risk of neglect or abuse
    • Living in vulnerable situations
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  • Your payment may stop if:

    • Your situation changes
    • You do not complete required reviews
    • You move away and cannot be contacted

  • Payments may be paused if:

    • Your situation changes
    • There is a review or complaint
    • You travel overseas for more than 3 months
    • You are admitted to prison or government care
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  • You can report fraud anonymously or with your contact details through the online public portal, by visiting a DSW office, or by calling our toll-free hotline. All reports are treated confidentially and investigated promptly.
  • You can submit a complaint through the Public Portal, contact a Department of Social Welfare office, or use other approved complaint channels. A reference number will be provided for tracking.
  • You can submit a complaint through the Public Portal, contact a Department of Social Welfare office, or use other approved complaint channels. A reference number will be provided for tracking.
  • You can submit a complaint through the Public Portal, contact a Department of Social Welfare office, or use other approved complaint channels. A reference number will be provided for tracking.
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  • Visit your local Social Welfare Office and complete the form, taking your birth certificate and two passport photographs. You can also apply online. A Welfare Officer will also assess whether you are eligible.

  • $109 per person per month, plus a $26 per month cash top-up for transport assistance.

  • You will receive your monthly payment into your registered payment account on the 5th of every month.

  • You may qualify if you have a permanent disability. An assessment is required, and it can take place at your home if you are unable to travel to a DSW office.

  • The programme supports persons with permanent disabilities who require constant attendance from others in their daily life and meet the programme eligibility requirements.
  • The programme supports persons with permanent disabilities who require constant attendance from others in their daily life and meet the programme eligibility requirements.
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  • Yes. Eligible beneficiaries may choose from approved payment methods available for their programme, subject to Department of Social Welfare requirements.
  • If approved, you will be enrolled into the programme, assigned a beneficiary profile, and your payment method will be set up. You may also receive a DSW beneficiary identification card where applicable.
  • If approved, you will be enrolled into the programme, assigned a beneficiary profile, and your payment method will be set up. You may also receive a DSW beneficiary identification card where applicable.
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  • Yes. If you are able to work, you are expected to look for employment or join training or income programmes. MWCSP can help working-age household members access livelihood and employment opportunities through the Welfare Graduation Programme.

  • Apply in person at your local Social Welfare Office or online. You will need:

    • A birth certificate (or certificate of naturalisation) for yourself and each household member you wish to include
    • Two passport-sized photographs of yourself

  • Up to 5 years, reviewed regularly. You must inform DSW if your situation changes.

  • Based on household size:

    • 1 person: $42
    • 2 people: $70
    • 3 people: $111
    • 4 or more people: $153

    Plus a $50 per month food allowance.

  • FAS beneficiaries undergo annual reviews and a more comprehensive reassessment after five years to determine continued eligibility.
  • FAS beneficiaries undergo annual reviews and a more comprehensive reassessment after five years to determine continued eligibility.

  • A Welfare Officer will be assigned to your case and will visit your home to assess whether you are eligible to receive assistance.

  • Households with low income or experiencing hardship.

  • The Family Assistance Scheme supports low-income households and households facing exceptional circumstances, subject to assessment and programme eligibility requirements.
  • The Family Assistance Scheme supports low-income households and households facing exceptional circumstances, subject to assessment and programme eligibility requirements.
  • The Family Assistance Scheme supports low-income households and households facing exceptional circumstances, subject to assessment and programme eligibility requirements.
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  • You need to go to the postal agency and present your national ID.

  • Up to 10 months, depending on your clinic visits and when you apply.

  • $53 per month.

  • Pregnant women who:

    • Attend regular health check-ups
    • Use rural health services

  • You cannot apply if you:

    • Are a civil servant
    • Already receive other welfare support from DSW
    • Have already had three or more confinements (this support is limited to the first three)
  • Pregnant women living in rural areas who attend health facilities for required prenatal and postnatal care may qualify, subject to programme conditions and eligibility requirements.
  • Pregnant women living in rural areas who attend health facilities for required prenatal and postnatal care may qualify, subject to programme conditions and eligibility requirements.
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  • In some cases, yes. You can receive more than one benefit if:

    • You receive the Social Pension or Disability Allowance — you will also get Transport Assistance.
    • You care for a child in need and also receive the Disability Allowance or Social Pension for yourself — you may also apply for the Care and Protection Allowance.

    You cannot:

    • Receive both Family Assistance (FAS) and Care and Protection (C&P) at the same time.
    • Be counted as a recipient household member in FAS if you already receive the Social Pension or Disability Allowance.

  • Yes. Support is available:

    • In person at offices
    • Through home visits if you cannot travel
    • In different languages
    • With help for people with disabilities (for example sign language or verbal explanations)

  • If you are a citizen by birth, you must have a birth certificate to apply. If you do not have one, you can get help to obtain it — with extra support if you live in a rural, remote or maritime area.

    If you are a citizen by naturalisation or descent, you must provide your Certificate of Naturalisation or Certificate of Citizenship.

  • No. If you are admitted to a residential institution subsidised by the government you are no longer eligible, and you will need to re-apply if you exit.

  • Yes. For all programmes you must:

    • Be a Fiji citizen by birth, naturalisation or descent
    • Live in Fiji while receiving support
    • Not be in prison or a correctional facility
  • You can submit an update request through the Public Portal or visit a DSW office to report changes to your address, phone number, household composition, payment preference, or other personal details.

  • Usually within 30 days, or up to 60 days if you live in a remote or maritime area.

  • You may be contacted by:

    • Phone call
    • SMS
    • Email

  • They provide financial help and support to people who need it, including:

    • Older persons
    • People with disabilities
    • Families with children at risk
    • Low-income households
    • Pregnant mothers

    Each programme has different rules about who can apply.

  • The exact documents vary by programme. For all programmes you need:

    • A birth certificate (or a certificate of naturalisation for naturalised citizens)
    • A passport-sized photograph

    Each programme then has its own checklist of supporting documents. If a Third Party collects on your behalf, their ID proof and a passport photo are also required.

  • The Integrated Beneficiary Management System (iBMS) is the online platform used by the Department of Social Welfare to manage applications, assessments, enrolment, payments, recertification, updates, and complaints for social assistance programmes in Fiji.
  • The Integrated Beneficiary Management System (iBMS) is the online platform used by the Department of Social Welfare to manage applications, assessments, enrolment, payments, recertification, updates, and complaints for social assistance programmes in Fiji.
  • You should immediately report the loss or damage through the Public Portal or your nearest DSW office and request a replacement card.
  • You can apply for the Social Pension Scheme (SPS), Disability Allowance Scheme (DAS), Transport Assistance Scheme (TAS), Care and Protection Allowance (C&P), Family Assistance Scheme (FAS), and Food Allowance for Rural Pregnant Mothers Scheme (FARPMS), subject to eligibility requirements.
  • You can apply for the Social Pension Scheme (SPS), Disability Allowance Scheme (DAS), Transport Assistance Scheme (TAS), Care and Protection Allowance (C&P), Family Assistance Scheme (FAS), and Food Allowance for Rural Pregnant Mothers Scheme (FARPMS), subject to eligibility requirements.
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  • You should first verify your payment status on the Public Portal. If the payment is marked as processed but not received, contact the Department of Social Welfare immediately for assistance.
  • You should first verify your payment status on the Public Portal. If the payment is marked as processed but not received, contact the Department of Social Welfare immediately for assistance.
  • Payments are processed according to approved payment cycles. Once your payment has been approved and processed, you will receive it through your selected payment method.
  • Payments are processed according to approved payment cycles. Once your payment has been approved and processed, you will receive it through your selected payment method.
  • Payments are processed according to approved payment cycles. Once your payment has been approved and processed, you will receive it through your selected payment method.
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  • Yes. If you disagree with a decision regarding your application, eligibility, enrolment, payment, or recertification outcome, you may submit an appeal through the grievance process.

  • Yes. You can:

    • Submit a complaint at a DSW office or online (online submissions may be made anonymously or with your details)
    • Request support if you need help, for example someone to explain the process or the decision

  • You can contact the service at any time by visiting a DSW office, submitting a query online, or calling our dedicated toll-free line.

    Typical response times:

    • General questions: immediately or within 2 days
    • Case-specific questions: within 5 days
    • Complaints: up to 60 days depending on the issue

  • It must have been decided that you are not eligible, but you can follow up with the case officer to find out the reason. If you want to make a complaint or an appeal, you can submit it via our online public portal or visit your local office.

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  • Your assistance may be suspended and eventually terminated if recertification is not completed within the required timeframe.
  • Your assistance may be suspended and eventually terminated if recertification is not completed within the required timeframe.
  • Recertification is a periodic review conducted by the Department of Social Welfare to confirm that beneficiaries continue to meet programme eligibility requirements.
  • Recertification is a periodic review conducted by the Department of Social Welfare to confirm that beneficiaries continue to meet programme eligibility requirements.
  • Recertification is a periodic review conducted by the Department of Social Welfare to confirm that beneficiaries continue to meet programme eligibility requirements.
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  • No. Each person must apply individually.

  • Visit your local Social Welfare Office and complete the form, taking your birth certificate and two passport photographs. You can also apply online.

  • Monthly allowance:

    • Age 65–69: $121 per month
    • Age 70+: $131 per month

    You also get transport assistance: a bus card top-up of up to $26 per month at 65–69, or a $26 cash top-up at 70+.

  • You will receive your monthly payment into your registered payment account on the 5th of every month.

  • You can apply if you:

    • Are 65 years or older, and
    • Do not receive any pension, including a Government pension, FNPF pension or ex-serviceman funds.
  • You may qualify if you are a Fiji citizen aged 65 years or older and are not receiving a Government Pension, Ex-Servicemen Fund pension, FNPF pension, or other superannuation benefits.
  • You may qualify if you are a Fiji citizen aged 65 years or older and are not receiving a Government Pension, Ex-Servicemen Fund pension, FNPF pension, or other superannuation benefits.
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  • It depends on your age and the support you receive:

    • 70+ on the Social Pension, or any age on the Disability Allowance: the cash top-up is paid automatically with your allowance — no separate application.
    • 65–69 on the Social Pension: you are eligible for the bus card top-up but must apply in person at your local office.
    • Mild or moderate disability, not on the Disability Allowance: you must apply (online or at your local office) and provide your birth certificate, two passport photos and either a medical report or a letter from NCPD/OPD/an NGO/PA's Office/community leaders.

  • Up to $26 per month, either as:

    • Cash added to your monthly SPS (if 70+) or DAS allowance, or
    • Credit on a bus card

  • The loading is based on utilisation: we top up the difference to reach $26 based on your end balance. For example, if you had $16 left at the end of last month, we top up $10 to reach $26. If you spend all of it, we top up the full $26.

  • You must visit your local Vodafone shop to ask for a replacement card.

  • TAS provides transport support either through a cash top-up or an e-transport card depending on your eligibility category.
  • TAS provides transport support either through a cash top-up or an e-transport card depending on your eligibility category.
  • TAS provides transport support either through a cash top-up or an e-transport card depending on your eligibility category.

  • It helps with transport costs through either:

    • A cash top-up, or
    • A bus e-transport card top-up

  • If you receive a cash top-up, it is paid into your registered payment account on the 5th of every month.

    If you receive a bus card top-up, your card is topped up on the 5th of every month.

  • You may qualify if you:

    • Receive the Social Pension or Disability Allowance
    • Are aged 65 or over
    • Are any age and have a mild or moderate disability
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