State raises single parent assistance ceiling by MVR 5,000, bringing maximum monthly aid to MVR 15,000

The state has increased the monthly financial assistance available to single parents, raising the maximum allowance to MVR 15,000 under amendments published on Thursday.

The last major revision to the scheme was six years ago, on October 20, 2019, when the allowance was increased to a range of MVR 3,000 to MVR 10,000. With the latest amendment, the ceiling has now risen by an additional MVR 5,000.

According to the updated regulation, eligible single parents will receive MVR 3,000 per child per month for up to four children, and MVR 1,000 per month for each additional child beyond the first four. The maximum monthly support is capped at MVR 15,000, while the annual limit is MVR 180,000 per applicant.

The amendment will take effect next year.

Latest figures from the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) show that 2,895 single parents currently live below the poverty line, and 4,940 children receive financial assistance through the program. NSPA spent MVR 4.94 million on single parents and their children during the past month.

Increasing support for single parents was a pledge President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced in early February last year. The government has since emphasized targeted welfare measures to strengthen social protection for vulnerable families.