More than 105,000 people have received assistance under the Back-to-School Support program across the country, according to the Ministry of Women.

An updated report released on 8 April 2026 shows a total of 105,669 recipients

Of those who received support, 52,847 are female, and 52,822 are male. The program also includes 1,346 persons with disability and 6317 pensioners. A total of $15,850,350 has been paid out so far.

The age breakdown includes 13,222 in early childhood, 23,601 in primary school, 14,752 in secondary school, 8,717 in tertiary education, 11,950 young adults, 9,944 mid-career people, and 6,317 pre-retirement and elderly.

The program is part of a $32.25 million Back-to-School Assistance scheme funded through district grants. It was announced in January by Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt. The cabinet approved payments for all citizens, including adults and newborns. Each person received $150 through their constituency district councils.

The report shows 44 of 51 districts are now active, while seven are still pending. Overall, the program is 86 per cent complete.  

Meanwhile, districts, including Faleata No.2 and Vaimauga No.3, ran out of funds during the rollout of the programme, leaving some residents disappointed after being turned away.

The Prime Minister, in a recent press conference, said Vaimauga 1to 3 and Faleata 1 to 4 ran out of funds due to the high number of people. However, he said the program will continue, and funding is already in place to continue the program