A second round of government cost of living payments in May reached almost 2,000 more Barbadians in May, reflecting expanded eligibility and improved data sharing between state agencies, according to the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS).

Some 56 259 eligible beneficiaries received the second Cost of Living Cash Credit (COLCC) in May, representing a rise of 1 959 people over April, with a total of $5 625 900 disbursed from the Consolidated Fund of Barbados.

Of the total payments made, 34 945 were direct bank deposits and 21 314 were cheques mailed to beneficiaries, the NISSS said.