The Impact of the Disability Allowance on Financial Well-Being in the Maldives: Quasi-experimental Study

Lena Morgon Banks (), Shaffa Hameed, Sofoora Kawsar Usman, Calum Davey and Hannah Kuper
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Lena Morgon Banks: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Shaffa Hameed: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Sofoora Kawsar Usman: Es-Key
Calum Davey: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Hannah Kuper: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The European Journal of Development Research, 2024, vol. 36, issue 2, No 6, 427 pages

Abstract: Abstract There are few impact evaluations of social assistance programmes amongst people with disabilities, despite the increasing popularity of disability-targeted programmes. The Disability Allowance in the Maldives is a non-contributory, non-means-tested and unconditional cash transfer of MVR 2000 (US$130) per month. This study explores the impact of the Disability Allowance on financial well-being using a quasi-experimental study design with difference-in-difference analysis conducted between 2017 and 2019. Overall, this study found a modest impact of the Disability Allowance, mainly in food security. Receipt of the Disability Allowance was attributable to a decrease in the use of negative coping mechanisms in response to food insecurity and an increase in the food proportion of household consumption expenditures. There was a non-significant trend towards reduced poverty headcount and gap, and the likelihood of moderate/severe food insecurity. These findings carry implications for the design of social protection in the Maldives and globally, indicating possible improvements in programme design (e.g., increased amount) and for complementary interventions (e.g., improving access to disability-inclusive livelihood development programmes) to maximise impact.

Keywords: Disability; Social protection; Poverty; Food security; Cash transfer; Maldives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1057/s41287-023-00607-8

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