As of 2015, there were 48,243 persons living with disabilities in Timor-Leste, making up 4.6 per cent of the population. In order to provide basic income security for this vulnerable group, the Government of Timor-Leste introduced the Support Allowance for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities in 2008. The allowance is managed by the Ministry of Social Solidarity and administered by the National Directorate for Social Security with assistance from authorities at the national, district and sub district levels.
Timor-Leste's support allowance is non-contributory and universal for all older persons and persons with disabilities regardless of age. In order to be eligible for the scheme claimants must be citizens of Timor-Leste, have resided in Timor-Leste for two years before filing their claim, must not be in receipt of other benefits and be unable to work due to disability. Claimants are entitled to receive a monthly cash payment of USD30. In 2011 more than 20,000 persons with disabilities received the support allowance. Further, the support allowance reaches more than 50,000 older persons, or almost 100 per cent of persons over 60 years of age. Before the introduction of Timor-Leste's support allowance there was no universal income guarantee for persons with disabilities or older persons.
Timor-Leste's Support Allowance for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities is part of a rapid introduction of social assistance programmes that contribute to the country's transition from conflict to recovery. While the support allowance has been successful in reaching a high extent of coverage among older persons the scheme faces challenges in realising full coverage of persons with disabilities. Policy makers may also consider revising the level of coverage to meet the nationally defined minimum income threshold. Nonetheless, investments in income security, such as the support allowance, form an essential part of Timor-Leste's social protection floor.
Further reading:
- Government of Timor Leste (2015). Programme of the Sixth Constitutional Government. Accessed from: http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?cat=39&lang=en#prog1.4.5 on December 2016.