Access to the Disability Allowance in the Maldives: National coverage and factors affecting uptake

Abstract

Disability-targeted cash transfers are increasingly used by governments in low- and middle-income countries as a tool to address poverty and exclusion among people with disabilities. However, in many settings, accurate estimates of coverage and an understanding of factors affecting uptake are needed for effective delivery. This study explores coverage of the Disability Allowance in the Maldives, an unconditional, non-means tested cash transfer (2000 MVR or US$130 per month) and factors affecting uptake. It uses mixed methods, combining data from a nationally representative population-based survey with qualitative research among people with disabilities who are and are not receiving the Disability Allowance. This research found that 25.6% of people with disabilities across the Maldives are receiving the Disability Allowance. Coverage was lowest for women, older adults, people living in the capital (Malé), wealthier households and people with sensory impairments. Factors affecting uptake included lack of information about the programme, perceptions of disability and eligibility criteria, geographical and financial factors, and stigma.

The process of developing and piloting a tool in the Maldives and Zimbabwe for assessing disability inclusion in health systems performance

“…Status in the Maldives and Zimbabwe: Efforts to improve affordability of healthcare for people with disabilities were in place in the Maldives, including provision of a disability allowance, transport subsidies and health insurance, while these were lacking in Zimbabwe (Hameed et al, 2022a). In the Maldives, health expenditure (both absolute or as a proportion of household income) was twice as high for people with disabilities as compared to those without, although the absolute levels were very low as there is a national health insurance programme in place (unpublished data).…”