The Education Ministry says $20 million dollars has been disbursed for the School Supplies and Book Grant.

The money was distributed via direct bank deposits and cheque collections.

If the 20,000 payments made, 2,913 were by cheque and the rest were deposited to several different banks.

According to the Ministry, 26,967 applications for the grant were received, with  23,345 approved in the qualifying and verification process.

It adds that while it is “actively working” to complete payments for outstanding applicants, several “challenges” have impacted the payment process.

It listed these as incorrect bank account numbers, closed accounts, and multiple children being listed on a single application form which is contrary to instructions requiring separate forms for each child.

It also said, “Additionally, payments were returned to the MOE due to incorrect banking information, MOE staff have encountered difficulties in reaching some applicants via emails and phone calls  to verify necessary details required, therefore, these persons  were not able to be facilitated before the closure of the processing period.”

According to the Ministry, the application process for the School Supplies and Book Grant began on April 9th and closed on April 26th, 2024.

It says the deadline was subsequently extended to April 30th, 2024.