KOROR, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. has submitted a bill to the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) to appropriate $1.4 million in social assistance funds for retirees and disabled citizens.
The funding was authorized under the Fiscal Year 2025 budget law, RPPL 11-37, but was not allocated. If enacted, the bill would provide a one-time payment of $450 to retired Palauans without other sources of employment income and individuals receiving disability insurance benefits.
A similar provision was included in the FY 2024 budget. This year it was included but no funds were appropriated. If approved, the Ministry of Finance would be authorized to disburse the payments to eligible recipients.
Whipps submitted the bill to both houses of OEK on Jan. 16.