Casablanca – The Moroccan government has announced the allocation of $2.11 billion in 2024 to support more than 3.9 million families as part of its Direct Social Support Program. This initiative aims to improve the living conditions of families in vulnerable situations, particularly those with school-aged children, and bolster their purchasing power.

Since the program’s launch, over 4.9 million applications were submitted between December 2023 and September 2024. Of these, 60% requested child protection allowances, reflecting the widespread need for financial assistance in safeguarding children’s welfare.

A key element of the program is the provision of monthly financial aid to families that meet the eligibility criteria. The support is calculated based on family composition and individual circumstances, with a minimum payment of approximately $51 per month, subject to the conditions outlined by law. One of the primary eligibility requirements is achieving a specific threshold score in the Unified Social Registry (RSU).

In addition to direct support, the government is working to expand retirement plan coverage for those with stable employment and is enhancing unemployment benefits for individuals who have lost their jobs. This comprehensive approach is part of a broader effort to provide more extensive social security for Morocco’s population.

The Unified Social Registry now includes over 5.2 million families, accounting for 18.9 million people across the country. Rural families make up 56% of this total, with 10.5 million individuals coming from rural areas. By region, Marrakech-Safi leads with 15.5% of registered families, followed by Casablanca-Settat (15.3%), Fes-Meknes (14.8%), and Rabat-Sale-Kenitra (12.1%).

The number of children under the age of 21 registered in the RSU has reached 7.5 million, with 4.4 million of them from rural areas. By August 2024, approximately 11.3 million people were benefiting from the “AMO-Solidarity” health insurance system. Furthermore, 11 million more people gained access to health coverage through mandatory health insurance schemes for self-employed workers and the “AMO-Universal” program.

As of the end of September 2024, the government had transferred $1.6 billion to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), including $690 million during the first nine months of 2024, under the “AMO-Solidarity” system.

To ensure that independent workers benefit from these social services, the government has introduced several initiatives. These include prioritizing workers under the self-employed or unified professional contribution systems and offering a single payment option for workers with multiple professions. Additionally, there has been a waiver of all outstanding debts related to contributions, penalties, and collection fees for workers who have not paid their social security contributions for three months or more.

This ambitious program represents a significant step towards alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable families across Morocco, providing crucial financial aid to those who need it most.