An important announcement has been made for the families benefiting under the Aswesuma Welfare Scheme. The Welfare Benefits Council informed that the September payment for senior citizens above 70 years of age will be credited to the beneficiaries’ Aswesuma bank accounts on October 1.
This announcement is important for senior citizens in families who are already receiving payments under the Aswesuma scheme. In particular, it has been informed that the monthly allowance for senior citizens above 70 years of age will be credited to the Aswesuma account of the family.
A total of Rs. 3,479.07 million has been allocated. This will benefit 695,818 senior citizens who have been eligible under the first and second phases of the Ashwesuma scheme.
Under the first phase for 616,755 senior citizens above 70 years of age Rs. 3,083.755 million has been allocated. Another 79,063 senior citizens under the second phase will receive Rs. 395.315 million has been allocated. Including both phases, the old age allowance for this month is Rs. 3.479 million has been earmarked.
Cash will be available from October 1
According to the notification of the Welfare Benefits Board, the old age allowance for the month of September will be credited to the Aswesuma bank accounts of the concerned beneficiaries on 1st October. Eligible people can get their money from that date.
In addition to the main allowances provided to families under the Aswesuma scheme, the old age allowance continues to be provided. Provisions have been made for continuation of monthly allowance for senior citizens above 70 years of age in 2026 plan. Parliamentary documents also mention that the old age allowances have been extended till 31st December 2026.
Thus, it is necessary for senior citizens in Aswesuma families to take care of the information related to the allowance they are entitled to. After the money is credited to the bank account, the money can be withdrawn through the regular checking account or related banking facility.
Beneficiaries are advised to check the official notifications of the Board of Welfare Benefits as the notifications regarding Old Age Allowance may be released on different dates every month.
There have already been changes at various stages regarding the payments of the Aswesuma scheme. The time limits for some sections of the scheme have also been changed to 2026. Currently very poor and poor households receive the main Aswesuma payments.
Changes in Aswesuma scheme
Aswesuma scheme is now not only a disbursement scheme but also linked to programs for economic upliftment of the beneficiary families.
As per the existing schemes of the Welfare Benefits Council and the Government, self-employment, vocational training, assistance to small businesses and livelihood development activities are being undertaken to improve the living conditions of the beneficiary families. Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Minister Upali Pannilake said that the target is to economically and socially empower about 200,000 Aswesuma beneficiaries by 2026.
The Samurthi Development Department has also said that it is implementing various schemes to economically strengthen Aswesuma families. These include schemes such as equipment for self-employment, vocational training and financial assistance for small businesses.
In the meantime, the information of Aswesuma beneficiaries is being reviewed. The Welfare Benefits Board had informed that the re-certification process of beneficiaries in the first phase would be completed by the end of September. After the publication of the final list, an opportunity to appeal the eligibility will also be given.
Therefore, it is important for Aswesuma beneficiaries to keep a check on the correctness of their family details and the notifications regarding the payments made to them.
As per the current notification, the payment of senior citizens above 70 years of age for the month of September will be credited to Aswesuma bank accounts on 1st October. 695,818 senior citizens belonging to both phases will get Rs. 3,479.07 million will be disbursed.
Beneficiaries can check through their bank account whether the due amount has been credited to their account. In case of any problem, further details can be obtained from the official information services of the Board of Welfare Benefits. 1924 assistance number is also mentioned in the website of Welfare Benefits Council.