“From today, March 14, until the end of this month, workers, pensioners, students and those on social benefits will start receiving in their homes the cheque, that together with the Prime Minister, we announced as we will continue to reward the zeal and stimulate the economy of our country “, said the Minister for Finance and Labor Clyde Caruana during a news conference in Żabbar.
Minister Caruana said, “If the need arises later this year, the government will not rule out intervening again. We are closely following what is happening on a daily basis in international markets, especially the rise in the prices of oil, wheat, cereals and other essential products. No doubt all this will have an impact on our country but this government is close to the people and if the need arises, we will continue to help the people “.
He said that just as the government has protected the economy and Maltese and Gozitan families during a two-year pandemic, it will continue to protect people from the impact of the war. Our country’s finances are strong and therefore the government will continue to support its citizens where needed.
The minister explained that through the additional cheque, pensioners and those on social benefits will receive a cheque for € 200, while all workers and students who receive the stipend will receive a cheque for € 100. In total, this cheque alone will leave € 48 million in the pockets of Maltese and Gozitan families and will benefit 361,000 people.
In addition, about 250,000 workers began receiving another cheque – the tax refund cheque. These cheques will be in higher amounts than in previous years as announced in the Budget last October. The highest amount of these cheques will be € 140 while the lowest amount will be € 60, with the highest amounts being given to the lowest earners. This is not a cheque that refunds overpaid tax, but is a tax incentive that rewards the zeal of Maltese and Gozitan workers. This measure alone leaves € 25.5 million in the pockets of workers
Thus, these two measures together will leave another € 70 million in the pockets of Maltese and Gozitan families.
For more information on these measures call freephone 153.
