Cash aid for struggling families starts today

As global financial pressures build, the Cambodian government has launched a cash assistance scheme to support the country's most vulnerable households.

A statement issued on September 24 said the programme was designed to offset the impact of shifts in the global trade system, heightened geopolitical tensions, aggression against Cambodia by a neighboring country, and conflict in the Middle East, which have pushed energy prices upward and triggered wider economic knock-on effects.

The government framed the initiative as a comprehensive response to a multi-crisis situation, aimed at generating livelihoods and jobs, protecting people's living standards, and strengthening Cambodia's economic and social resilience over the short and medium term. It said the effort was guided by the principles of leaving no citizen behind and promoting social equity.

Payment details

Eligible households will receive different amounts depending on where they live. Families in Phnom Penh will receive four payments of 60,000 riel, about $15, per household, plus an extra 5,000 riel for each member. Households in urban areas outside the capital will receive 48,000 riel, about $12, per household, along with 5,000 riel per member. Rural families will receive 40,000 riel, about $10, per household, plus 5,000 riel for each member.

Assistance will be disbursed through Wing in four instalments. The first payment is due today, September 25, with further payments scheduled for October 16, November 16 and December 16.

The government statement did not specify how many households or individuals would receive the aid, but said the Ministry of Planning had already compiled a list of eligible beneficiaries. As of publication, the ministry had not confirmed the number of beneficiaries.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said on September 16 that the government would spend nearly $100 million to support vulnerable families.