All beneficiaries of the Cook Islands Welfare Benefit, including the child benefit, old age pension, destitute, infirm and caregivers, will be receiving a $50 Christmas bonus payment on Thursday.

The announcement was made by Minister of Internal Affairs, Rose Vainetutai Toki-Brown last week “to affirm the Cook Islands Government’s unwavering commitment in supporting our people”.

Ngapoko Dean Paiti, a pensioner from Puaikura, welcomed the Christmas bonus payment.

“I’m very grateful to our government for thinking of all the beneficiaries this Christmas bonus, every amount counts and makes a difference. I’ll be buying more groceries with this extra.”

Paiti said her family overseas visited in September for the unveiling ceremony of her mother “so this year will be a quiet Christmas lunch at home” with her daughter and family.

Minister Toki-Brown stated that the Christmas bonus payment is intended to provide additional financial support to families during a time when expenses may be higher due to holiday-related costs.

“As well as empower beneficiaries to participate more in the festive holiday celebrations and engaging in social activities, fostering a sense of inclusion and community. The Christmas bonus will also stimulate the local economy as recipients may spend their extra gratuity on goods and services, thereby supporting businesses.”

Toki-Brown would also like to kindly remind all Cook Islands welfare beneficiaries to inform the Ministry of Internal Affairs Te Tango Akarangatira Ora’anga about any travel plans they will be taking during this festive season.

“This is an important requirement for all recipients of the Cook Islands Welfare Benefit.”

She extended her warm wishes and “a safe, joyous and prosperous Christmas and New Year” to all the beneficiaries and to the people of the Cook Islands.