The government has disbursed income support allowances to over 10,500 individuals thus far.

Statistics publicized by the Ministry of Finance on Monday reveals that a total of MVR 116.1 million was disbursed to 10,538 individuals and households affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, by October 22.

27,374 individuals had applied for the income support allowances, by then.

Statistics of discount on utility bills remain unchanged from the previous week, as such, a total of MVR 10.2 million has been provided as discount on water bills to 46,392 households, a majority of which was covered by the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC), having contributed MVR 9.8 million for 33,198 households. Also unchanged from the previous statistics, MVR 48.2 million has been issued as discount on electricity bills, the top contributor remaining STELCO.

Introduced under the government’s economic relief package following the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the income support allowance is being issued since May 20 and a monthly income of MVR 5,000 is provided under specific conditions.

The goal of the economic relief package was to ensure job continuity for Maldivians, at a time large-scale terminations and wage cuts have taken place. Those who have been terminated, put on no-pay leave or suspended from their jobs are eligible for the allowance. This includes individuals in probation and temporary positions, these individuals will receive an allowance of MVR 5,000 for the six-month period.

Recently, authorities decided to continue issuing income support allowances until the end of the ongoing year.

A total of MVR 45,000 is awarded under the nine-month allowance, between April to December. It aims to provide financial assistance to those who have had their lives and income affected by the pandemic and are unable to meet essential needs such as settling rent payments and others. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 65 years and employed in the Maldives by December 1, 2019.

To apply, individuals have been urged to report their employment situation, if affected by Covid-19, on the online form found on the Job Center website. Users are required to sign up for an eFaas account.

Individuals may apply for income support allowances for the month of September, before October 30.