President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revised the disability allowance to MVR 3,000 and is set to introduce additional allowances.

The disability allowance is MVR 2,000 at present. This marks the first time the allowance framework has been revised since it was introduced 12 years ago.

By the month of May, there were 11,371 people on the people with disabilities registry.

The decision was made on Tuesday following the cabinet's recommendation after deliberating on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Social Services.

President announced that the allowance will be revised in his Presidential Address to inaugurate the parliament last year.

The announcement with details of the revision were revealed during a press conference at the President's Office where Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed, Aasandha Company Managing Director Ismail Azzam Wajeeh, National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) CEO Mariyam Shafeeg and Spokesperson at the President's Office, Miuvan Mohamed took part.

The Gender Ministry noted that the allowance will see an increase of about 50 per cent, highlighting that the allowance revision will come into effect starting this month.

While the disability allowance has been increased to MVR 3,000, additional allowances are to be introduced based on different categories. The additional MVR 1,000 on top of the MVR 2,000 that was previously provided will be a new allowance. With his, 42 percent of all people with disabilities will receive at least MVR 3,000 as an allowance.

In addition to this, for those who are dependent on others, a Carer Allowance will be provided which is MVR 2,000. This allowance will be eligible for 25 percent of all people with disabilities. There will also be a Self Care Allowance of MVR 1,000 to aid with essential care items. This marks 15 percent of all people with disabilities.

An additional allowance of MVR 1,000 will also be received if a household has three or more disabled people, which marks three percent of all people with disabilities.

All allowances are applicable for those under the age of 65.