Colombians Fret Over the Future of Solidarity Income in 2023

With Solidarity Income having been paid until the end of 2022, many in Colombia are wondering whether the financial aid scheme will continue in 2023. The Department of Social Prosperity (DPS) had been providing the benefit to help the country’s most vulnerable families living in extreme poverty. However, instead of the Solidarity Income, the DPS began paying out an extraordinary transfer of 500,000 pesos as part of the Shock Plan against Hunger. Although the National Government had designed the temporary initiative, it has not announced any new Solidarity Income subsidy for the new year.

The last delivery of Solidarity Income was in December 2022, while other subsidies continued until the second week of January 2023. With no new updates from the government or Social Prosperity, which is responsible for social programs, Colombians are waiting for information on whether the support will continue in any form. During a press conference, the director of Social Prosperity, Cielo Rusinque, tried to alleviate some concerns by giving updates about payments related to the Shock Plan Against Hunger, but she did not provide any news about future plans for Solidarity Income.

Those who have been receiving the extraordinary transfer or were previously beneficiaries of Solidarity Income may log into the program page, which can be found at ingresosolidario.prosperidadsocial.gov.co, to verify their eligibility. The department has implemented the Zero Hunger bonus, and its beneficiaries are new households belonging to group A of Sisbén IV that have never received any aid from the State, beneficiaries of Solidarity Income also belonging to group A of Sisbén IV, households participating in Families in Action headed by women with children under six years of age, and Jóvenes en Acción participants who are mothers and heads of households, with boys and girls under six years of age who meet the requirements.

Although Solidarity Income may not be available for Colombians in 2023, the government will continue to look for ways to support vulnerable families. President Gustavo Petro has confirmed that while the resources to continue bonds in the new year are lacking, the country still aims to safeguard its citizens who have been significantly affected during the Covid-19 pandemic. Until additional information is provided, beneficiaries of social programs in Colombia must remain patient and vigilant.