More than 102,000 families across Malta will receive the second payment of the Government’s additional Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) benefit this week, covering the period from July to December.The announcement was made by Social Policy and Family Minister Michael Falzon and Permanent Secretary Mark Musù, who said the Government is investing a further €28 million through the scheme. Combined with the first payment issued earlier this year, the total investment in the benefit stands at €56 million.The additional COLA payment was introduced alongside energy and cereal price subsidies to provide extra support to low and middle-income households facing increased living costs.Falzon said the latest payment also includes 1,311 families who will receive a full year’s entitlement following applications submitted between January and March. These applications are intended to ensure support reaches people who may not be automatically identified through the system.The annual benefit ranges from €200 to €1,500, with the amount determined by both household income and family size. Lower-income households and larger families receive higher payments.According to Musù, more than half of beneficiaries are not considered at risk of poverty, but still qualify because their income falls below the national median, extending support beyond the most vulnerable groups.Do you think the additional COLA payments are making a difference for families?•