Gov’t Opens Housing Applications for Guardians of PWDs

The Ministry of Housing has opened the opportunity for parents and guardians to apply for housing on behalf of persons with disabilities under the government’s “Housing for All” policy.

In a statement, the ministry said applications under the category for persons with disabilities will remain open until 15 June. Applications for all other categories and schemes are scheduled to close at the end of this month.

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According to the ministry, parents and guardians registered with the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) can apply on behalf of individuals who face difficulties completing the forms themselves, as well as those under the age of 18.

The opportunity for persons with disabilities to submit separate applications under the government’s “Family Housing” programme was first opened on 1 April. Applicants under the special category can submit a copy of the disability card issued by the NSPA as proof of registration.

Changes to Eligibility Criteria

Under the policy initially published by the ministry, applicants were only required to indicate their disability status by selecting the relevant section on the application form.

However, amendments introduced in February changed the eligibility criteria for persons with disabilities. Under the revised policy, applicants in this category are eligible to apply for housing if they have continuously resided in the Greater Malé area for five years.

The revised policy also allows individuals who do not currently live in the Greater Malé area due to the financial circumstances of the person with a disability or their family to apply under the category, provided they routinely travel to the area for medical treatment unavailable in their home island or atoll.

Applicants in this category must show that treatment was sought in the Greater Malé area within the past year.