Wednesday 11 Nov 2026
A man reads a Braille text using his hands. (Photo/Statistics Maldives)
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) provided MVR 58.8 million in financial assistance to persons with disabilities in October, according to the agency's latest statistics.
NSPA's figures show that 16,049 people were listed on the national disability register as of last month. Of them, 9,272 were male and 6,777 were female.
The statistics show that the largest group on the register comprises individuals aged between 18 and 64, numbering 8,131. The register also includes 5,536 children under the age of 18 and 2,382 people aged 65 and above.
According to NSPA, 199 new individuals were added to the disability register during October.
People with physical disabilities make up the largest category on the register, with 4,300 individuals recorded. This is followed by people with multiple disabilities, who account for 3,618 registrations. Meanwhile, persons with learning disabilities represent the smallest category, with 63 individuals registered.
Despite 16,049 people being listed on the disability register, NSPA provided financial assistance to 15,862 beneficiaries during October. The agency disbursed a total of MVR 58.895 million under the programme during the month.
Under the disability allowance scheme, eligible persons with disabilities receive a monthly allowance of MVR 3,000.
NSPA also published broader social protection statistics for October, showing adjustments to beneficiary registries across several assistance programmes. The figures show that 107 beneficiaries were removed from assistance records following their deaths, while a further 60 children were removed after exceeding the eligibility age limit. The agency's statistics also recorded a number of removals and additions across other social assistance schemes during the month.
