Rabat – In response to a parliamentary question from MP Sakina Lahmouch, the Moroccan government has outlined its long-term vision for ensuring the sustainability and developmental impact of the Direct Social Support program, one of the country’s most ambitious social reforms.

Lahmouch submitted her question to the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, raising concerns about how the program will move beyond short-term financial aid to become a genuine engine for economic and social empowerment, especially for women and youth, while also ensuring steady funding over time. 

In its written reply, the government sought to reassure parliament that the program is not just a welfare measure but a foundation for structural social change.

From cash aid to empowerment

According to the ministry’s response, the National Agency for Social Support (ANSS) is committed to translating royal directives into tangible, lasting progress for Morocco’s vulnerable populations. 

The agency’s approach, the ministry argues, is built around “human and territorial proximity,” meaning that support is to be delivered not only through financial transfers but also through personal accompaniment, social inclusion, and local development.

It added that the government’s ambition is to shift from emergency assistance to long-term empowerment. Each household receiving monthly support will be accompanied by territorial representatives of the ANSS, who will monitor school attendance, maternal and child health, and help connect families with training and employment opportunities. The goal is to help beneficiaries “exit the cycle of poverty and fragility” and secure their integration into economic and social life, reads the written answer.

It also highlights the financial structure underpinning this reform. By the end of September 2025, around MAD 44.6 billion had been disbursed to beneficiary families. These funds come primarily from the Social Protection and Social Cohesion Support Fund, which consolidates several innovative revenue streams, including solidarity contributions on gambling profits, a one-time contribution on foreign-held assets, and a solidarity tax on company profits and incomes.

An additional MAD 15 billion was reallocated from other social programs following a rationalization process designed to improve efficiency and transparency. The government insists that the program’s sustainability is secured through diversified funding and continuous evaluation, with an emphasis on innovative financing tools and better coordination between existing programs.

Officials maintain that this reform forms part of the broader social protection overhaul launched in 2021, aligning with the King’s vision of inclusive development and equitable growth.

Regional approach and local implementation

One of the most notable aspects of the government’s plan is its regional focus, the ministry says. It confirmed the establishment of pilot territorial offices for the ANSS, which will work with local authorities and social actors to tailor support according to each region’s socio-economic realities. 

These offices will be responsible for ensuring that families meet program commitments, such as keeping children in school and attending health check-ups, and for facilitating their gradual transition toward self-sufficiency.

The program currently provides monthly allowances to over four million households, benefiting nearly 12 million citizens. The amount varies depending on family size and the presence of children, with a minimum of MAD 500 per month for households without dependents. The government has announced its intention to gradually increase these amounts in 2025, particularly for families with young children or members with disabilities.

Persistent challenges 

Despite its promise, the Direct Social Support program faces ongoing challenges. Civil society organizations and Moroccan media have reported mixed feedback from beneficiaries. Some households celebrate the initiative’s impact on food security and children’s schooling, while others complain about the complex registration process and inaccuracies in targeting.

A recent study by the National Observatory for Human Development found that although 89% of surveyed families said their living conditions improved thanks to the program, only 5% described registration as “easy,” and many felt that certain eligible households were unfairly excluded. 

Some families said they genuinely needed the assistance but have lost it because of strict eligibility rules. For example, having something as simple as internet access or a small household item can disqualify a family, even if they are still struggling to make ends meet, these families say. Many argue that these rules are too rigid and do not accurately reflect the real living conditions of the households.

Regional disparities also persist, as families in remote provinces face limited access to administrative assistance, economic opportunities, and digital tools needed for enrollment.

Financing sustainability is also another concern. While the government has created new revenue channels, maintaining funding at the current scale will require continued economic growth and careful fiscal management, especially amid inflation and global economic uncertainty.