After repetitive delays, Lebanon finally launched the registration for two assistance programs, namely Aman and the cash subsidy card, aimed at helping around 700,000 eligible families in coping with the removal of subsidies on basic goods. The Minister of Social Affairs Mr. Hector Hajjar commented that said programs do not constitute a permanent solution, and only serve as a temporary relief to Lebanese citizens awaiting the launch of economic reforms. In details, the first program, Aman, has its $246 million funding fully secured by the World Bank in the form of a loan, and aims to extend some 150,000 families with a monthly assistance of $150 in addition to covering some $200 in school costs for around 87,000 secondary students, noting that all payments will be in USD. On the other hand, the ration card program will have a total cost of around $556 million, has no confirmed source of funding, and will strive to provide eligible families with around $126 per month, yet it is unclear whether said payment will be disbursed in USD or LBP. In this regard, Mr. Hajjar commented that the government and the World Bank are in advanced talks to secure funding for the ration card program. From his part, the World Bank Regional Director of the Mashreq Department Mr. Saroj Kumar called for the rebuilding of trust in public institutions, labelling it as the best type of reform that can occur, and commented that the program will be subjected to a thorough supervision. Finally, it is worth noting that registration for the two initiatives will remain open until end of January 2022 and that disbursements will start during the month of January 2022 with a retroactive effect.