As of March 26 2021, the Turks and Caicos Government have made progress on the issuance of Citizen Relief Stimulus (CRS) cheques in batches. This is starting with approved members of the populace aged 50 years and above located in Grand Turk and Providenciales.
Here are the dates and times for cheque collection:
Providenciales – Turks and Caicos Islands Government Providenciales Treasury
- 26th March 2021 between 1pm and 6pm approved applicants ages 60 years and older
- 27th March 2021 between the hours of 10am to 6pm approved applicants ages 60 years and older
Grand Turk – Anglican Church Dillion Hall
- 26th March 2021 between the hours of 10am to 6pm approved applicants ages 60 years and older
- 27th March 2021 between the hours 10am to 6pm approved applicants ages 50 years and older
For the remaining islands of Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Salt Cay and South Caicos approved applicants in this 50+ age group will be able to start collecting the CRS cheques at 10am on 29th March 2021. We will keep you updated on these matters.
Do note that strict rules are enforced therefore you must collect your cheque in person, with all necessary documents on hand.
To collect your CRS cheque, you must:
- Provide a valid Turks & Caicos Islands Government-issued photo identification (eg. Driver’s Licence, NIB Card, NHIP card, BOTC passport or a TCI Status Card);
- Provide a copy of your application number;
- Appear in person at the cheque issuance location. (Cheques will not be assigned to a bank or issued to individuals other than the approved applicant);
- Wear a facial covering; and
- Collect your cheque on the same island indicated on the application.
Do note, if you do not collect your cheque within one (1) month from the date of printing, it will be cancelled.
Who will not be able to collect a CRS cheque?
To prepare and accommodate for the large number of approved applicants, the Government has relocated an additional $3 million dollars USD to the Citizen Relief Stimulus fund, now summing up to $14.5 million USD. This was approved under the third Supplementary Appropriation Bill passed on March 22, 2021.
In the midst of their efforts to cover the majority of the population, the Government are clamping down on the approval of applicants residing on the outskirts of the TCI including students studying abroad.
A slew of previously approved applicants are now receiving emails requesting proof of their residency. The non-resident classification in the context of CRS falls on students abroad, as they would not have been living in the Turks and Caicos Islands for the past 12 months which is a requirement.
Many seem to be in disarray by this mandate, as there seem to be inconsistencies with residency rules. Students studying abroad are classed as residents eligible to vote and are counted in the National Census (pg. 12-13) if they intend to live in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
We await updates and an address from the Government on this concern.
