In early July, it was announced that households earning below RM5,000 per month are now eligible to apply for financial aid from the Selangor state government via the Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (Bingkas) programme.
This marked an increase from the previous household income cap of RM3,000 per month. Applications are currently open until Aug 15, with successful applicants receiving monthly RM300 aid for the coming 24 months.
Those applying need to check that they meet the other eligibility criteria listed on the Bingkas website, such as Malaysian citizenship. Applicants also need to have been born in Selangor or have resided there for at least 10 years, and have at least two dependents below 18 years of age.
Getting started
Those who fit the requirements should start off first by installing the Selangkah app, available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Once installed, start off by creating an account – users will need to input their full name, phone number for TAC verification, a password, select the app’s language, and agree to the app’s privacy statement and terms of use before proceeding as shown in the screenshot below.
After logging in, the app should take users to the home page, where they can scroll down to the "State Programs" section where the Bingkas button is located. Tap on this button to be brought to the Bingkas application page.
Making the application
Assuming the user has already created a Selangkah account, the next step on the Binkas page is to tap the "Buat Permohonan" button.
The first page will ask for personal particulars, such as the applicant’s full name, address, MyKad number, state constituency, and number of years lived in Selangor.
After ticking a checkbox to declare that the information provided is true, next is the employment information page.
Users will only need to input details of their employer along with their monthly personal income before continuing.
The next page asks for the number of children in a household, requiring information for each of them, including full name, date of birth, age, OKU status (if any), and an identification document. Applicants will also be asked for their total monthly household on this page.
The remaining two pages will ask for a list of any other monthly financial aid that the applicant is currently receiving, along with copies of relevant documents (MyKad, pay slips, EA form, EPF statement, and proof of their registered voting constituency).
After that, all that remains is the declaration section to confirm that all the information is accurate before submission. The application will then take up to 14 days to be processed, with successful applicants being notified via the Selangkah app.
Applicants should note that the RM300 financial aid will be credited to the Selangkah ewallet and can only be used to purchase household necessities approved by Bingkas at its panel stores.
For more details on the list of the approved items and panel shops, check out the Bingkas website.