The next children’s, disability and foster care allowances, as well as the supplementary allowance for families in financial difficulties, are being paid three weeks earlier for parents to have the required cash to buy their children’s books and uniforms.

Social Solidarity Minister Marie-Louise told a news conference in front of the Birkirkara Primary School this morning that the allowances were being paid out next Saturday instead of in October.

These allowances, not including the supplementary, work out to a total of €5.9 million benefitting 17,500 families and 25,000 children.

A total of 23,000 families benefit from the supplementary allowance which amounts to a total of €1.6 million.

Children’s allowance, which until now was paid in January, April, July and October will now start to be paid in December, March, June and September.

Ms Coleiro-Prece said the payments were being made early following a suggestion made to the Prime Minister by four mothers.

Other suggestions may be sent to marie-louise.coleiro@gov.mt .