2026 Budget: MVR 3K for single parents, MVR 1K for thalassemia kids

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the 2026 state budget will include increased financial support for single parents and introduce a new allowance for children living with thalassemia.

Speaking at a public meeting held in Laamu atoll Gan on Tuesday evening, the President said the monthly allowance for single parents will be raised to MVR 3,000, while thalassemia children will receive MVR 1,000 per month under a new scheme.

According to official statistics, 5,878 individuals are currently eligible for the single parent allowance. The government presently provides MVR 2,000 monthly, with the amount scaled based on the number of children. Under previous regulations, single parents with more than three children could receive up to MVR 3,000. The revised policy now allows MVR 1,000 per child, up to a maximum of 10 children, significantly expanding the benefit ceiling.

President Muizzu said the new budgetary provisions aim to ease financial burdens and improve access to treatment for thalassemia patients. He emphasized that the thalassemia allowance will help families cover recurring medical costs and support long-term care.

The announcement aligns with the President’s broader social protection pledges, including reforms to the Single Parent Allowance Program under the Social Protection Act (2/2014). The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) currently administers the program, which provides conditional cash transfers to vulnerable families.

The inclusion of thalassemia support in the budget follows earlier public consultations under the “Raees ge Javaabu” initiative, where citizens raised concerns about the lack of dedicated assistance for children with chronic conditions.

The 2026 budget is expected to be submitted to Parliament in the coming weeks, with final allocations subject to legislative approval.