The parent benefit scheme has been relaunched by the government for those with children under 16 who are unable to continue to work due to school closures because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 4,500 people are expected to apply, the government said.

It will benefit parents to take unpaid leave to care for their children. The dates it covers are between the 15th of March and the 11th of April, however it could be extended if the need arises, the government said.

This scheme covers a single parent of a child under the age of 16, working full or part-time in the private sector; who is unable to work from home; or unable to report to work in order to care for children; is on unpaid leave; or whose employer is not in receipt of the Wage Supplement.

For a couple where both parents work and both cannot work from home, the benefit will be paid to either parent.

The government explained that a person who works full-time and who is eligible for the scheme, will receive €166.15 per week, while a person who works part-time and is eligible, will receive €103.85 per week.

Payment of the benefit will be made directly into the applicant’s bank account on a weekly basis.

Those parents entitled to In-Work Benefit and Tapering of Benefits will continue to receive them.

The application for the benefit can be found online at www.socialsecurity.com.mt and www.familja.gov.mt

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