Fiji's director of Social Welfare says a new Government benefit aims to provide a lifeline for families in desperate need.
Rupeni Fatiaki says the Poverty Benefit Scheme replaces the Family Assistance Scheme following recommendations made by a World Bank review.
The scheme will have the same budget as its predecessor, of 22-million dollars, and will provide monthly assistance to up to 13-000 households.
Mr Fatiaki says anybody can apply for assistance but the aim is to help the poorest of the poor.
"The idea is to assist them during that period of time of need and once they are able to find means to be self-sustainable then to be able to bring in other families who are in need and are waiting for assistance."
Fiji's director of Social Welfare, Rupeni Fatiaki, says families will be means tested to determine whether they are eligible.
