Over MVR 17 Million Paid Out to Single Parents in Poverty Last Month

More than MVR 17 million was distributed to single parents living in poverty across the Maldives last month, new figures from the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) show.

According to NSPA’s monthly statistics, financial support reached 3,313 single mothers and fathers caring for 5,687 children. The agency also registered 112 new parents and 207 children needing assistance over the same period, bringing the total spending for the month to MVR 17,061,000.

Under current guidelines updated in 2025, eligible single parents receive MVR 3,000 per month for each child, up to a maximum of four children. This caps the monthly payout at MVR 12,000 per household, allowing a family with four children to collect up to MVR 144,000 a year in state aid.

The data also reveals additional spending aimed at vulnerable families and children lacking parental support:

• Food Subsidies: MVR 26,360 was distributed to 659 individuals living in poverty to help cover basic food expenses.
• Foster & Guardian Support: MVR 181,000 was paid out to 98 guardians looking after 132 children living without parental care.