Colombia updates social assistance programs and digital services

The Colombian government is implementing updates to social assistance programs. Prosperidad Social has scheduled the seventh cycle of the Colombia Mayor program to take place between September 3 and September 13. The program, which provides a monthly basic income of $230,000 to approximately three million elderly citizens, faces logistical challenges in rural areas such as southern Magdalena, where beneficiaries often face high transportation costs and long wait times.

In Bogotá, the Secretaría Distrital de Planeación is transitioning Sisbén procedures toward digital formats. To reduce paper usage, certificates and supporting documents will now be prioritized for delivery via email or text message. While the initiative aims to modernize the system, authorities noted that physical service points remain available for citizens without internet access or digital literacy to ensure they are not excluded from the process.