Housing scheme introduces separate category for persons with disabilities

The Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development has announced a separate category for persons with disabilities to apply for flats under the government’s “Housing for All” policy.

According to the ministry, the category has been created under the “Family Housing” programme.

The ministry on Wednesday released the eligibility requirements, application form and the scoring rules for applicants under the category.

Applications will open on the 24th of this month and remain open until the end of next month.

Under the policy, applications must be submitted through the Housing Portal operated by the ministry. A total of 100 flats have been reserved for persons with disabilities under this category.

Previously, persons with disabilities were included within the priority categories for housing. The new arrangement establishes a separate category for them.

Applicants under the category must submit documents confirming their registration in the national disability registry. Alternatively, applicants may submit certification from a health care provider or licensed practitioner confirming the disability in accordance with the Disability Rights Protection and Financial Assistance Act.

According to the ministry, the category is open to persons with disabilities whose financial situation prevents them from living in the Greater Malé area and whose disability-related treatment or services are not available in the island or region where they currently live.

Applicants may also qualify if they are residents of the Malé area and have received treatment there for at least the past year.

The government plans to allocate a total of 7,900 flats in the Malé area under the Housing for All policy.