Process evaluation of the Disability Allowance programme in the Maldives

Limited evidence on the design and implementation of social protection programmes for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries constrains understanding of how their impacts could be improved. The Disability Allowance programme in the Maldives is a non means-tested, monthly cash transfer targeting people with disabilities. Using qualitative methods, process evaluation was used to examine the intervention design, implementation, and likelihood of achieving its intended objectives. There were important strengths of the programme, including the broad definition of disability. We find that delivery could be strengthened through providing greater clarity on eligibility criteria and strengthening human resources to widen the programme’s reach. Intervention fidelity was challenged by inconsistent practice among implementers and lack of established protocols. Most importantly, the absence of linkages with the Medical Welfare scheme that provides assistive devices potentially limits the likelihood of the programme achieving intended objectives.