PATH

The Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) is a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT)programme funded by the Government of Jamaica and the World Bank aimed at delivering benefits by way of cash grants to the most needy and vulnerable in the society. The programme was introduced in 2001 to rationalize the operations of existing income transfer programmes in order to eliminate duplication, reduce administrative costs, streamline the use of resources, and increase the effectiveness of programme delivery of the poor.

To qualify for PATH, an applicant must satisfy the Programme that he/she is part of a poor household. This is done through the application of a Proxy Means Test. The application is interviewed and an application is completed with the help of Ministry personnel. The applicant is asked to provide personal data pertaining to his/her family, including levels of education attained, and the family’s access to basic social ammenities. On the basis of the information submitted and the application of a scoring formula, the Management Information system selects families who meet the established criteria. Information provided at the interview is later verified through a field visit, after which qualified applicants are registered to begin receiving grant payments.

There are 5 broad categories of beneficiaries, all of which must satisfy the criteria of poverty to qualify for benefits. These are:

• Children: from birth to completion of secondary education
• Elderly: 60 years or over, and not in receipt of a pension 
• Persons with Disabilities
• Pregnant and Lactating Women
• Poor Adults 18-59 years

Please click on links below to read more information on the following items:

• Beneficiary Responsibilities
• Special Cases
• Beneficiary Payments
• Appeals
• Frequently Asked Questions