Financial Assistance in Emergency Circumstances

Emergency Circumstances

 
If you are without other financial support options and find yourself in a crisis, you may be eligible for one month of emergency financial assistance if you are:
  • Experiencing domestic violence.
  • Facing a disaster.
  • At significant risk of harm.
  • In urgent need of aid. 
As per the Disaster Preparedness and Hazard Management Act (2019 Revision), a disaster includes events like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, outbreaks of disease, or any other calamity requiring emergency intervention.
"Harm" under the Financial Assistance Regulations, 2023 refers to ill-treatment or the impairment of mental, physical, or behavioral health.
Emergency support is intended to help you gather necessary documentation and apply for financial assistance during crises.
To qualify, you must demonstrate one of the mentioned circumstances and prove a lack of other financial support.
For an emergency application, you need:
  • Completed Emergency Circumstance section of the Application Form
  • Applicant and household member's details
  • Proof of identification (if available)
  • Supporting documentation e.g. letter from an external organization

Applications for emergency circumstances are decided on within two working days of receiving the required information.

Please note that when an application is submitted for a non-Caymanian, Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) will be formally notified of the individual’s circumstances. The applicant must demonstrate that they have updated WORC in writing regarding their change in circumstances.

For work permit holders, DFA will contact the employer, who is legally responsible for the worker’s maintenance, to verify the information provided. The employer must provide a written statement confirming that they are unable to offer financial support, as required under the Immigration (Transition) Act. Any other relevant agencies will also be informed, as appropriate.

In some cases, during disasters or emergencies, we may make referrals to other entities that provide support and services, in addition to or instead of issuing emergency assistance.

Related information: