Morocco introduces direct welfare payment for 1 million disadvantaged families

Morocco announced on Monday that almost a million disadvantaged families would receive direct monthly assistance for the first time as of Thursday, a system unheard of in the kingdom for many years.

In all, nearly a million families are expected to benefit. These targeted family allowances are part of a vast social reform initiated by King Mohammed VI in 2020.

Beneficiaries will receive at least 500 dirhams (just over $51) a month regardless of family composition, according to Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.

This project also includes the generalization of social security coverage for all Moroccans, scheduled to begin in 2021.

Medical coverage has also been extended free of charge to over 10 million disadvantaged people, with the State covering the cost of their contributions.