Welfare Programs in Maldives I
WELFARE PROGRAMS IN MALDIVES I
We all have different lives and different circumstances. Some of us may have more financial difficulties due to certain circumstances, so welfare programs give these people assistance financially, or in kind. If you are eligible for these programs and they can help you out, get on them! Here I answer some questions you may have about these welfare schemes.
I. I shouldn't apply because there are other people who need it more, right?
If you need the assistance, then apply for it. There is no quota, so do not feel that you are robbing someone else of their financial aid.
II. What will people say?
First of all, other people's opinions should not dictate your actions. If you personally believe that something is right, then go ahead. If you are struggling financially and feel that you are genuinely eligible for these programs, make sure you apply. Unfortunately, some people worry about other people's perceptions, and don't make use of these benefits, which is why this question had to be covered. But these programs are supposed to keep your information confidential so rest assured that other people will not know that you are receiving this financial aid.
III. Who is conducting these programs?
The ones listed here are conducted by the government - with the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).
IV. How can I apply?
- online by following the links below
- in person in Male' at the NSPA counter at IGMH
- in person in Male' at the NSPA building near Schwack cinema
- in person on an island (other than Male') at the local council.
V. Am I guaranteed these benefits if I apply?
There are certain requirements that you must meet to qualify for each of these programs. Not everyone is guaranteed to be accepted. To get more details on the eligibility criteria, you can call the NSPA hotline at 1402/3005353 between 8am and 2pm on weekdays.
The benefits vary program by program. You can call NSPA at 1402 or 3005353 to get more details.
VII. What are some of the welfare programs we have in Maldives?
1. Food Subsidy
Financial assistance is provided to help low income groups purchase staple food.
For more details: http://www.nspa.gov.mv/v2/index.php/food-subsidy/
2. Fishermen's Income Assurance Scheme
This is for fishermen (people whose monthly income comes mainly from fishing) to secure their income and smooth over the effects of climate and other environmental fluctuations. The fishing vessel must be licensed and have a Vessel Locating Device according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture.
For more details: http://www.nspa.gov.mv/v2/index.php/fishermens-income-assurance-scheme/
3. Disability Program
This is for people of all ages with disabilities, to help cover the additional costs that they may have. The allowance is MVR2000 monthly. A PWD (person with disability) card is also issued to successful applicants - this allows you to get discounts on some other services such as transportation.
To apply for this, you do need to prove that you have a disability by getting a medical evaluation. This may be costly, but check to see if you can use Aasandha or the Medical Welfare Program to cover these fees.
For more details: http://www.nspa.gov.mv/v2/index.php/disability/
4. Single Parent Allowance
This is for single parents looking after a child (under 18 years old) alone, whose income is below the income poverty line. This included parents who are divorced and living separately, widowed parents who have not remarried, and cases where one parent is in jail long-term.
For more details: http://www.nspa.gov.mv/v2/index.php/single-parents-program/
5. Foster Parent Allowance
This is for foster parents of children (under 18 years) who are financially struggling. The foster parent must be the legal guardian of the child.
For more details: http://www.nspa.gov.mv/v2/index.php/foster-parent-allowance/
6. Medical Welfare Program
This program provides assistance in obtaining medical services not covered by Aasandha - for example some medicine and injections, medical care at private hospitals if those services are not available from government hospitals, financial aid when traveling abroad for treatment, oxygen machines and other medical equipment, as well as some services required by Thalassemia patients including a bone marrow programs. A lot of these medical services are quite expensive, so make sure you apply for this assistance if you need it.
For more details: http://www.nspa.gov.mv/v2/index.php/medical-welfare/
These are some of the welfare programs in Maldives. More will be covered later in another article.
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