The total number of children eligible for the reformed children's allowance reaches the 75,000 mark, including 25,000 children who are now eligible for the allowance after the government extended it to all families, irrespective of their income.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina said the reformed children's allowance effectively means an investment of around Lm6.2 million extra annually. Mrs Cristina was speaking during the launch of a leaflet which will be distributed in every household. The leaflet includes a table of the allowance families will be eligible to, when considering the income and the number of children.

A family with an income of Lm2,000 (€4,658.75) will receive Lm496.20 (€1,155.84) for one child, Lm922.40 (€2,311.67) for two children, Lm1,488.60 (€3,467.51) for three children, Lm1,984.80 (€4,623.34) for four children and Lm2,481 (€5779.18) for five children. A family with an income of over Lm10,270 (€23,293), will receive Lm107 (€250) for one child, Lm214 (€498.49) for two children, Lm321 (€747.73) for three children, Lm428 (€996.97) for four children and Lm535 (€1,246.21) for five children.

Mrs Cristina said those who did not qualify for children's allowance or those who are receiving the allowance for the first time need to fill in an application form in order for their request to be processed.

The application can be downloaded online or filled it at any district office of the Social Services Department.