Lebanon’s Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) announced today the allocation of LBP 4.5 billion (approximately $5M) for social assistance from the 2024 national budget. These funds will provide a one-off cash transfer of US$100 to people with disabilities holding a valid Personal Disability Card (PDC). This initiative aims to respond to the specific needs of people with disabilities during the massive displacement crisis and humanitarian needs caused by the armed conflict. This initiative falls under the implementation of the national social protection strategy, which is funded by the European Union, the Kingdom of Netherlands, the United Kingdom and other donors, and supported by UNICEF and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

During the conference, Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Hector Hajjar announced that "450 billion Lebanese pounds (equivalent to approximately $5 million) will be allocated for the first time, to be disbursed for emergency social assistance from the budget allocated to the Ministry of Social Affairs for the year 2024." He explained that "this amount will provide a one-time cash transfer, worth the equivalent of USD 100, to all persons with disabilities who hold an unexpired personal disability card. This initiative is an expression of the commitment of the Lebanese government to provide social protection for its citizens."

The ministry also announced that the National Disability Allowance (NDA) will be renewed until September 2025 in partnership with UNICEF and the ILO with additional funding from the European Union and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This will ensure that people with disabilities (born between 1994 and 2009) will continue receiving their $40 monthly allowance, especially in times of crisis where a growing number of individuals are unable to afford basic services and commodities.

© European Union, 2024

The European Union Ambassador confirmed that "the European Union is providing 37 million Euros to support vulnerable people in Lebanon in this challenging context. 20 million Euros will be provided to the Ministry of Social Affairs for the distribution of emergency cash assistance to up to 80,000 households across the country. 17 million Euros will help push forward key reforms and continue for the next 3 years our support for the National Disability Allowance, reaching a total of 27,500 people with disabilities. She noted that "this will help the Ministry of Social Affairs not only respond to the crisis but also continue providing a lifeline for all vulnerable groups in the country."

Netherlands Ambassador Frank Mollen said: ‘Supporting social protection in Lebanon for everyone living there, especially those with a disability, isn’t charity, it is very necessary. It removes barriers and enables much stronger participation in society. It is the foundation for more equality. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is committed, through its Prospects Partnership, to further supporting inclusive strategies for the benefit of the people of Lebanon."

In parallel, as part of the ongoing effort to increase the reach of the NDA, the minister announced UNICEF’s commitment to fund a 6-month expansion to families with children with disabilities up until the age of fourteen. This 6-month expansion will complement the regular NDA which now covers persons with disability between 15 and 30 years of age. 

UNICEF Representative Edouard Beigbeder confirmed that "UNICEF allocated additional funding for this emergency to cover for 6 months the age bracket of newly born children with disabilities up until 14 years of age to support the families of these children in meeting some of their most urgent and immediate needs." He also said, "today’s announcements are mainly about building a more inclusive, resilient, and shock-responsive social protection system for Lebanon that can swiftly adapt to protect and uplift the most vulnerable as they are disproportionately affected by this or any other crisis."

These different announcements are part of a broader effort to ensure continuous support for people with disabilities who are disproportionately affected by the ongoing crises, and to strengthen the social protection system in Lebanon by embedding responsiveness and adaptability in it.

ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States Peter Rademaker said: “Utilizing national systems and frameworks is at the heart of the ILO emergency response. By leveraging national programs, such as the National Disability Allowance, and supporting the execution of domestic budget allocations, our goal is to respond to the emergency while fortifying national institutional capacities, pursuing the country’s developmental goals within the framework of the National Social Protection.”

So far, and through the framework of the National Disability Allowance, and with funding from UNICEF, ILO and the Netherlands, a one-time US$100 emergency top-up is being rolled out to an approximate 10,000 NDA beneficiaries of all nationalities, residing in the affected southern and eastern parts of the country.