Puerto Rico expands aid for displaced federal workers
The Puerto Rico Department of the Family and the Department of Labor and Human Resources announced a coordinated response to assist federal employees on the island affected by recent suspension or dismissal notices.
The measures include expanded access to food assistance, child care support and employment services to lessen the financial strain of job disruptions.
According to Trading Economics, about 21,900 federal government workers are employed in Puerto Rico.
Federal employees who have received suspension or dismissal notices may apply for food assistance through the Nutritional Assistance Program, or PAN in Spanish, administered by the Family Department’s Socio-Economic Development Administration, known as ADSEF, said the agency’s secretary, Suzanne Roig-Fuertes.
“PAN represents immediate support for those facing a reduction or loss of income while their employment situation is restored,” Roig-Fuertes said.
Applicants may submit requests through ADSEF Digital for evaluation under the program’s eligibility criteria.
Individuals under 60 who are not disabled may have up to $5,000 in savings and still qualify for assistance. Those 60 or older, or individuals with disabilities, may have up to $15,000 in savings and still be considered for benefits.
Roig-Fuertes also urged residents to explore other government assistance programs, including ACUDEN ContiGO, a locally funded child care voucher program for working families who do not qualify for federal aid.
The program provides financial support to parents and caregivers who, despite being employed, struggle to cover child care expenses, agency officials said.
“We call on all affected people to request the assistance they are entitled to. We’re ready to offer guidance and support through our digital platforms and regional offices,” Roig-Fuertes said.
Meanwhile, Labor Secretary María del Pilar Vélez-Casanova announced a services and orientation fair for displaced or relocating federal employees, to be held Oct. 20. The event will bring together government agencies, private-sector employers and nonprofit organizations to provide information on job opportunities, unemployment benefits and other support programs.
The Labor Department is coordinating with professional associations to include their recruitment listings on the agency’s job website, and with other government agencies to ensure workers have access to mortgage relief, health care benefits and other assistance.
The Health Department will participate in the event to connect affected workers with programs such as WIC and Plan Vital.
Vélez-Casanova said the department is also working with union leaders representing federal employees from multiple agencies to identify specific needs and connect workers with programs for which they qualify.
“They will be provided with advice to identify the unemployment insurance benefits applicable to workers who have become partially or fully unemployed or to those working for private-sector entities who have been affected by the situation facing the federal government,” she said.
“Additionally, they will receive guidance on recruitment opportunities that the Department of Labor maintains through its portal and support to update recruitment tools such as their resumes,” Vélez-Casanova said.
She urged federal employees and those working for companies that provide services to federal agencies to attend the upcoming job fair in Naguabo on Oct. 17.
