Maldives Spends Over $1.1 Million on Single Parent Assistance in July

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) disbursed more than USD 1.1 million in financial aid to single parents living in poverty during July. The funding is part of a broader effort to ensure that children raised in single-parent households have access to essential resources and stability. According to official NSPA statistics, the agency provided critical support to 3,313 parents caring for 5,687 children last month. The program continues to expand to meet growing needs, with 112 new parents and 207 children registering for assistance in July alone. The total expenditure for the single-parent assistance program for the month reached USD 1.106 million. Beyond support for single parents, the NSPA managed several other social safety nets. The agency spent USD 11,738 to assist 98 caregivers and 132 children who are under guardianship without parental support. Additionally, 659 individuals received food assistance totaling USD 1,709, highlighting the agency's role in addressing immediate food insecurity across the islands. These efforts are bolstered by the 2025 amendment to the Social Protection Act, which was specifically designed to increase the financial ceiling for single parents. Under the current regulations, eligible parents can receive USD 195 per child for up to four children. This means a parent with four qualifying children can receive up to USD 780 per month, totaling USD 9,340 annually. The legislative amendment reflects a policy shift toward providing more substantial, tangible support for those raising children alone, recognizing the unique economic pressures faced by single-parent households in the Maldives.