Tunisian Families Caring for the Elderly Receive a Monthly Allowance of 350 Dinars
Announcement made on Friday, 20 February 2026 by Imed Amari, Director of the Elderly Persons Administration at the Ministry of Family, Women, Children and Seniors.
Speaking on Radio Nationale, the director explained that access to this scheme is subject to strict eligibility criteria:
- Age: The senior must be 60 years or older.
- Family support: The person must be without family assistance.
- Health: The senior must be free of diseases, especially contagious or mental illnesses.
Requirements for host families
- Can host no more than two seniors at a time.
- Must own a suitable dwelling that meets accessibility standards.
- Must have an income at least equal to the national minimum wage (SMIG).
- Must guarantee that no illnesses are present in the household.
Interested families are invited to submit their applications to the regional family affairs delegation that covers their area.
Funding and Complementary Support
Although the 350‑dinars allowance provides a vital safety net, Imed Amari acknowledged that the amount remains insufficient and should be increased. He also highlighted that the ministry continues to offer additional assistance, notably the “Ramadan Cradle” program, which is being extended to all beneficiaries of the family‑placement scheme.
Monitoring and Current Impact
- The programme is regularly monitored through inspection visits to host families.
- To date, it covers 435 elderly persons across the country’s governorates.
- The oldest beneficiary is 113 years old.
Broader Context
Tunisia currently operates 13 dedicated elderly‑care centers, but authorities stress that the family environment remains the preferred living setting for seniors.
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Source: La Presse (31 January 2026)
