Maldives Pension Administration Office (MPAO) has amended the basic pension regulation to allow backdated applications for basic pension during the State of Public Health Emergency declared in the Maldives.
MPAO stated the regulation was amended to allow basic old age pension to be disbursed starting from the date a person becomes eligible for the pension, even if the application for pension was submitted later. MPAO said the amendment applies for individuals who become eligible for pension within the duration of the State of Public Health Emergency, which was declared on March 12, 2020. Such individuals are required to submit the application latest within 3 months after the health emergency is lifted, in order to receive pension starting from the date of eligibility.
Under the previous regulation, pension is only disbursed starting from the date of application. However, several people have been facing difficulties in applying for pension due to the health emergency declared in the country.