WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) has announced the upcoming welfare payment date along with important details regarding the transition to new bank cards.
According to the ministry, welfare payments for period 08/2026 will be made on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The payment date has been moved forward by one day due to the Good Friday holiday on April 3, when banks will be closed.
The announcement comes as part of a broader transition in the government’s banking arrangements. Banco di Caribe has been selected as the new house bank of the Curaçao government, effective April 1, 2026.
As a result of this change, SOAW is informing beneficiaries that:
- Existing debit cards from Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (MCB) will be deactivated as of March 31, 2026.
- Any remaining balance on the old MCB cards will be automatically transferred to the new Banco di Caribe cards.
- Beneficiaries must use their new Banco di Caribe cards to access their welfare payments starting April 2.
The ministry is urging recipients to ensure they are prepared for the transition and to use their funds responsibly.
For convenience, beneficiaries can withdraw their payments at various Banco di Caribe ATMs located across the island, including areas such as Sambil, Otrobanda, Santa Maria, Jan Thiel, and Zuikertuin.
SOAW also reminded recipients that they can contact their local community centers (Kas di Bario) for additional information or assistance regarding the payment and card transition.
The government has indicated that the switch to a new banking partner is part of efforts to modernize financial services and improve payment processes for citizens.