Caretaker Minister of Social Affairs and Tourism, Ramzi Musharrafieh and the Caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade, Raoul Nehme, on Thursday launched the ration card “Support Program” in a joint press conference.

Musharrafieh indicated that the amount will be paid in US dollars or its equivalent in Lebanese pounds, according to the exchange market rate at the time of payment.

He explained that the deadline for submitting applications for the card extends from September 15 to October 15, saying that there is a possibility to raise the amount within this card.

Nehme explained that program will benefit 500,000 eligible Lebanese families, and each family member will benefit from $25 dollars for a family of 5 household members max. An additional $15 dollars will be allocated for each family with an elderly person over 64 years old. The maximum monthly aid for Lebanese families will not exceed $126 dollars.

Nehmeh added that all families can register in the program without exception, but hoped that wealthy people would not register to keep chances for needy families.

To inquire more about the criteria and conditions for benefiting from the ration card, we made a phone call with the general supervisor of the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan in the Ministry of Social Affairs, Assem Abi Ali.