Politics

Governor Announces $2,000 Bonus for ASUME Employees

Published Sep 12, 2026, 10:24 AM ASTvia El Nuevo Día

At a glance

  • 365 ASUME and PROSPERA employees will receive a $2,000 special bonus
  • The bonus recognizes employees’ performance in maintaining agency services
  • ASUME administers 157,000 active child support cases and serves 230,000 minors

Why this matters: The bonus recognizes the critical work of ASUME employees in supporting thousands of Puerto Rican minors and families, and aims to retain staff amidst a 5% workforce reduction over the last three years.

Governor Jenniffer González announced a special $2,000 bonus for 365 employees of the Child Support Administration (ASUME) and the PROSPERA Program, recognizing staff performance amid staffing shortages. The bonus covers 361 ASUME employees and four PROSPERA employees who were active as of August 20, 2026, with all eligible staff receiving the same amount regardless of classification, position, or salary level.

The direct disbursement totals $730,000, with an estimated total cost of $810,300, fully funded by federal funds without using General Fund resources. ASUME, which operates under the Department of the Family, administers about 157,000 active child support cases, serves roughly 230,000 minors, and collects and distributes more than $330 million annually to participating families. ASUME Administrator María del Mar Mateu Meléndez said the agency’s workforce has shrunk about 5% over the last three fiscal years, yet has maintained service continuity and productivity.

She said the bonus recognizes employees’ work and helps retain staff needed to continue serving families. González made the announcement during a professional development event at the agency.

In context

SourceEl Nuevo Día

More in Politics