(Credit: JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images)
(CNN Spanish) ––
The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, announced this Thursday a series of social measures to help the most needy sectors of the country due to the increase in the cost of living.
"I know that we are living in difficult times and that the rise in the cost of living is a challenge for all Chilean families. If a couple of years ago you could go with 10,000 Chilean pesos (about 11 dollars) to the fair to be able to buy merchandise, today that is simply impossible," Boric said at a press conference in the city of Valdivia.
The president indicated that "in this context, I have asked my team of ministers to present a support package for families that we will send to Congress for prompt approval."
These are seven measures that, if approved in both houses of Congress, will allow:
1. Double the amount of the Permanent Family Contribution
The also known as "March Bonus" could reach 120,000 Chilean pesos (about 141 dollars) and benefit more than three million people.
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How do you know if you are a beneficiary of the "March Bonus"?
You can do it through this page.
2. Creation of the "Electronic Family Pocket"
The President @GabrielBoric also announced the creation of the Electronic Family Pocket to improve #Economic Security.
It consists of reducing the rise in food with a 20% discount on purchases of these.
Check Minister Marcel's explanation here 👇 pic.twitter.com/ebs2rhcaeE
— Camila Vallejo Dowling (@camila_vallejo) January 5, 2023
A "digital pocket" will be created that consists of a state transfer of 13,500 Chilean pesos (almost 16 dollars) per month per load.
The objective is to alleviate the rise in the cost of food and these resources will cover up to 20% in the value of purchases in this area.
The money will be deposited in the "CuentaRut" of BancoEstado of the people who currently receive the "Basic Food Basket Contribution" benefit.
The latter is valid only until April and will be replaced by this electronic pocket, which will last throughout the year.
How do you know if you are currently a beneficiary of the "Basic Food Basket Contribution"?
You can review here.
3. Increase in the Family Allowance (AF) and the Single Family Subsidy (SUF)
The amount of the Family Allowance (AF) and the Single Family Subsidy (SUF) will be increased by 20%, benefiting more than three million people.
In addition, progress will be made in the automation of the SUF, to reach more than 900,000 children and adolescents belonging to the most vulnerable 40% of the population.
You can review details of the Family Allowance here.
How to apply and what are the requirements for the Single Family Subsidy?
You can check them on this page.
4. Expansion of agreements for drug discounts
Direct agreements with pharmacy chains will be expanded, which will increase from 2,700 to 6,900 medications with discounts for users of the National Health Fund (FONASA), allowing families savings of close to 32%.
In addition, the stores that have these discounts throughout the country will increase from 240 to 512.
Which pharmacies currently have this Fonasa discount agreement?
You can review the list here.
5. Expansion of the School Food Program (PAE) and increase in the amount of the Food Scholarship for Higher Education (BAES)
The School Food Program (PAE) will be extended to 50,000 girls and boys in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten levels in public schools, while the monthly amount of the Food Scholarship for Higher Education (BAES) will increase by 5,000 Chilean pesos.
6. Extension of the application for the Employment Emergency Family Income (IFE) and the Protege Subsidy
The IFE Labor and the Protege Subsidy will be extended throughout the first half of 2023. According to the authorities, this will promote the creation of nearly 600,000 formal jobs.
Where to apply for IFE Labor?
You can review the details here.
7. Implementation of a special state guarantee fund for loans in the construction sector
A program of special state guarantees will be promoted for 50,000 million Chilean pesos (about 58,000 dollars) for loans in the construction sector.
According to the authorities, this will allow "maintaining thousands of jobs and fostering the creation of new ones for workers in this sector, as well as giving continuity to investment projects in housing and infrastructure affected by international cost increases."
helpGabriel Boric