Eligibility for Financial Assistance

Eligibility for Financial Assistance

In order to access financial assistance, applicants must meet all of the criteria below:

1. Caymanian     
    Household members must be Caymanian to access financial assistance. Applications can be received by:

    1. Caymanians;
    2. the spouse or civil partner of a Caymanian as long as the are living with their spouse or civil partner for five years or more immediately prior to date the application is submitted; or
    3. A guardian of a dependent who is Caymanian.
 2. Residency
     Household members must be resident in the Cayman Islands at the time of the application and for a total of at least eight out of the last twelve months prior to the application. 
 3. Income and Savings Maximum Thresholds
     Household income and savings must not exceed:
1-3 Persons in Household 4-6 Persons in Household 7+ Persons in Household
Income Threshold $3,000 $3,500 $4,000
Savings Threshold $3,000 $3,500 $4,000
Savings Threshold for Households with Older Persons or Adults with Permanent Disabilities $15,000 $15,000 $15,000
 4. Shortfall
     The household expenses must be more than the household income. 
Financial assistance will be provided where all of the eligibility criteria are met and based on the amount of the household's financial shortfall. Financial assistance will only be provided for those in the household who meet eligibility criteria 1 and 2 and the household is eligible per criteria 3 and 4.

Eligibility Self-Assessment

This tool summarises key eligibility criteria under the Financial Assistance Act, 2022. It is for guidance only and does not replace the Act, Regulations, DFA External Policy, or any formal decision made by the Department.

The Department of Financial Assistance (DFA) helps individuals and households who cannot fund their basic needs.

Use this tool to check if you might qualify before applying.

Privacy notice: This self-assessment runs in your browser only. The Department of Financial Assistance does not collect or store the information you enter here. If you apply, your data will be processed in line with the DFA Privacy Notice and the Data Protection Act (2021 Revision).

1. Caymanian Status

Examples: Disaster, domestic violence, or risk of harm.

2. Residency

3. Income & Savings Thresholds

Include yourself.
Category 1–3 Persons 4–6 Persons 7+ Persons
Income Max $3,000 $3,500 $4,000
Savings Max $3,000 $3,500 $4,000
* Savings Max increases to $15,000 if the household includes an Older Person (65+) or Adult with Permanent Disability
View full eligibility criteria View DFA policies Appeals process

4. Shortfall

Please provide details about all adult household member’s expenses. Enter the CI monthly amount.