Rabat – Morocco adopted today a new decree that sets the eligibility criteria and conditions for granting special financial aid to orphaned and abandoned children supported by accredited social protection institutions.
The measure is part of the implementation of Article 16 of Law 58-23 on direct social aid, which aims to provide structured and equitable support to children without parental care.
In a statement announcing the adoption of the decree, the government said the move is part of the implementation of legislative texts relating to the royal program of direct social aid
The decree also defines the amounts and procedures for granting the special aid to orphaned or abandoned children hosted by accredited social protection institutions
The monthly aid amount has been set at MAD 500, which will be deposited into beneficiaries’ accounts, it explains.
If the allowance is granted over a 15-year period for an orphaned or abandoned child, the accumulated capital by the time they reach adulthood would exceed MAD 100,000.
Beneficiaries will be able to withdraw the full amount accumulated, with MAD 10,000 guaranteed minimum.
The decree “aims to respect the specific needs of these children while ensuring equal treatment with other beneficiaries of direct social aid,” noted the government’s statement
Under Article 16, orphaned or abandoned children will receive monthly allowances deposited into bank accounts opened in their names.
The beneficiaries will have access to their accumulated capital upon reaching the legal age.
The aid management will be tackled by the National Agency for Social Support in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Solidarity.
“The agency set up a digital platform to process aid applications and potential appeals, with he government pleading transparency and sound governance.
“Directions of social protection institutions will play a central role in submitting applications, monitoring files, and submitting appeals,” the government said.
With the direct aid program, the government seeks to contribute to financing children to face the crucial stage when entering social and professional life as legally autonomous citizens, concludes the government’s statement.
