Are cash transfers enough to reduce poverty and inequalities for people with disabilities?: a qualitative study on factors affecting the impact of the disability allowance in the Maldives

Cash transfers are frequently used as a policy instrument to reduce poverty and address disability-related costs amongst people with disabilities. Recent evaluations, however, have found that these programmes often only have modest impacts. This study presents qualitative research linked to an impact evaluation in the Maldives, involving interviews with 43 people with disabilities. It highlighted factors that could affect the effectiveness of the Disability Allowance: the value of the cash transfer was insufficient to cover both basic needs and disability-related goods and services; many adult recipients lacked control over the allowance and how it was spent; many recipients were not referred to complementary programmes that could cover some extra costs; poor availability and quality of needed goods and services; and the broader lack of adequate disability-inclusive planning. These findings carry implications for the 170+ countries implementing disability-targeted programmes, indicating areas for improvement in the design and delivery of social protection.