Year-to-date applications compared with 2025
Aruba family assistance applications number about 415 so far in 2026, compared with 485 in 2025, DAS official Marceylaine Paskel told Diario in a report published November 11. The figures compare an incomplete current year with the previous year, not matching full-year totals.
Paskel separately reported 423 family-assistance cases and 1,336 disability-benefit cases on the October payment list. Those caseload figures are different measures from new applications.
Employment support remains part of the programme
DAS is running the third edition of “In the Picture” with Stichting Ja Ik to help clients prepare to return to work. Paskel said some participants had obtained employment, while detailed results would be announced later.
The five-month programme combines psychological and social support, budgeting, family-life and stress-management guidance, personal development, workplace visits and practical experience. Paskel described family assistance as temporary support and encouraged businesses to offer placements or employment opportunities.
Source: Read the original Diario report.
Image: Conceptual editorial illustration, not a documentary photograph of the reported people, place or event.
