Income support allowance disbursed to 10,994 applicants

The Maldivian government has disbursed MVR 125.8 million as income support allowance, introduced to provide financial support to the people whose livelihoods have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic so they are able to meet their essential needs.

According to the statistics released by Finance Ministry, income support allowance was disbursed to 10,994 applicants by November 12.

The MVR 5,000 income support allowance is disbursed through National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).

Those who have been laid off or put on no-pay leave or lost their source of income will receive the full MVR 5,000, while those who have been subjected to pay or income reductions, resulting in them earning lower than MVR 5,000, will receive the difference.

The criteria for eligibility for the allowance has been expanded to allow people whose income have been affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic as far back as December 2019, instead of March 2020, to seek income support.

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer said in a recent session at the Parliament that the duration for income support allowance will be extended to December, and will be further extended if necessary.

However, the details of the decision for the extension have yet to be released.