Government extends Cost of Living Support Scheme for vulnerable households

The Government of Tuvalu has approved the extension of the Household Cost of Living (COL) Support Scheme for a further three months, from September to November 2026, in response to the continued cost-of-living pressures facing households as a result of the ongoing fuel crisis linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
The extension will provide continued temporary financial assistance to vulnerable households facing higher prices for fuel, food and other essential goods. The Government recognises that, as a small and geographically isolated island nation highly dependent on imported fuel and food, Tuvalu remains particularly exposed to international increases in fuel, freight and commodity prices.

Under the COL Support Scheme, households with an average income of below $300 per person per month are eligible to receive $50 per eligible household member per month, including dependent children. The scheme was designed as a targeted and temporary measure to provide immediate relief to households experiencing the greatest pressure from rising living costs.
The first three-month phase of the scheme has now been completed, benefiting 1,099 households and 5,858 individuals across Tuvalu. More than $290,000 has been paid under the scheme during the initial three-month period, providing direct support to households to help meet essential living costs.
The latest assessment of the scheme recorded 1,221 applications, of which 1,099 households met the eligibility requirements. The beneficiaries represent households across Funafuti and the outer islands and include families and individuals within the targeted income range.
The Government’s decision to extend the scheme reflects the continued uncertainty surrounding international fuel prices and the ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict on global energy, shipping and supply chains. These pressures continue to affect the cost of imported goods and essential services in Tuvalu.
The Government has also continued to absorb significant costs through subsidies for electricity generation and inter-island shipping, helping to limit the flow-on impact of higher fuel costs on electricity tariffs, passenger fares and freight charges.
The extension will continue to be implemented through the established verification and monitoring arrangements, with Kaupule playing an important role in supporting household verification and community-level oversight. The Government will also continue to strengthen the accuracy of beneficiary information and ensure that assistance remains appropriately targeted.
The Government acknowledges the continued pressures being experienced by households and remains committed to providing targeted and responsible support while the international fuel crisis persists.