Living in Jamaica comes with access to a wide range of government programs designed to support families, students, unemployed citizens, and those in need. Whether you’re looking for help with school, food, housing, or healthcare, here’s a breakdown of the top 20 benefits Jamaicans can apply for in 2025.
- PATH (Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education)
- School Feeding Programme
- HEART/NSTA Trust Training
- NIS (National Insurance Scheme)
- NHF Card (National Health Fund)
- JADEP (Jamaica Drug for the Elderly Programme)
- Social Pension Programme
- Disability Allowance
- Poor Relief Assistance
- Food Stamp/Grocery Assistance
- Student Loan (SLB)
- Housing Assistance (HAJ or NHT)
- Back-to-School Grants
- Compassionate Grants
- MSME Support (SME Grants & Loans)
- Tertiary Scholarships & Bursaries
- Ministry of Labour Work Programme
- Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (Teen Moms)
- PEP Grants
- Legal Aid Services
1. PATH (Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education)
Provides cash grants to low-income families with children, the elderly, and disabled individuals. Administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
2. School Feeding Programme
Offers daily meals to students in public schools to improve attendance and performance.
3. HEART/NSTA Trust Training
Provides free or subsidized vocational and technical training to youth and adults.
4. NIS (National Insurance Scheme)
Gives retirement, disability, maternity, and death benefits to registered workers who have contributed to the scheme.
5. NHF Card (National Health Fund)
Helps cover the cost of medication for people with specific chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.
6. JADEP (Jamaica Drug for the Elderly Programme)
Offers affordable medication to persons aged 60+ with common chronic illnesses.
7. Social Pension Programme
Supports elderly Jamaicans who are not eligible for NIS and have no other means of income.
8. Disability Allowance
Provides financial assistance to persons living with disabilities who are unable to work.
9. Poor Relief Assistance
Local authorities offer emergency and long-term help with food, shelter, and medical care for destitute persons.
10. Food Stamp/Grocery Assistance
Some parishes provide food vouchers or grocery cards to low-income households, especially those not on PATH.
11. Student Loan (SLB)
Government-supported loans to help Jamaicans pay for tertiary education at accredited institutions.
12. Housing Assistance (HAJ or NHT)
Housing grants and affordable loans available for low-income earners and public sector workers.
13. Back-to-School Grants
Provided seasonally through the Ministry of Education or private-public partnerships to help families cover school supplies.
14. Compassionate Grants
Short-term emergency grants offered in cases of tragedy, fire, medical need, or other crises.
15. MSME Support (SME Grants & Loans)
Funding and training for small business owners through the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and other agencies.
16. Tertiary Scholarships & Bursaries
Offered through the Ministry of Education, HEART Trust, JN Foundation, and more.
17. Ministry of Labour Work Programme (Farm Work, Hospitality)
Provides temporary overseas employment for qualified Jamaicans through structured government partnerships.
18. Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (Teen Moms)
Helps adolescent mothers return to school and access social and medical services.
19. PEP Grants (Primary Exit Profile)
Grants or scholarships awarded to top-performing primary students entering high school.
20. Legal Aid Services
Free or low-cost legal help for individuals who cannot afford representation in civil or criminal cases.
Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility, availability of funds, and application deadlines. Always check with the relevant ministry or agency for current details.
