Impact of Disabled Allowance as Social Safety Net: A Study on Shibchar Upazila in Bangladesh

This present study explores the socio-economic impact of the financially insolvent disabled allowance as a social safety net program with reference to beneficiaries living in Shibchar Upazila of Madaripur District in Bangladesh. Data have been collected from the respondents who get disability allowance from Upazila social services office. The study also takes into account the social security concerned ‘key informant interviews’ for its analysis. The study finds that though the allowance money has increased the purchasing capability of the disabled people but it does not change their status in the households or in the society. But unlike before the disabled people are not thought to be burden in their families. Timely and regular distribution of the allowances by the Upazila social services office satisfies beneficiaries. The respondents recommend to increase the amount of allowance money. Mobile fund transfer system and introducing disability density map could enhance the credibility of the program. If the disabled people are given proper training along with allowance, they will be able to involve themselves in income generating activities and that would be an appropriate initiative for the socio-economic progress of the disabled people.