JEDDAH: The number of Saudis claiming social welfare benefit rose this month according to figures released by the Ministry of Social Affairs which show a 1.31 percent rise in the number of people applying.
“The ministry added 8,891 eligible families who will be able to receive social security money this month,” said Minister of Social Affairs Yousef Al-Othaimeen.
According to the figures, there are 692,508 social security beneficiaries currently receiving financial support each month. A total SR932,894,827 is handed out to needy family across the Kingdom each month. Recipients are able to withdraw their funds via ATMs.
New recipients include orphans, disabled people and widows. Al-Othaimeen said beneficiaries come from across the Kingdom through the ministry’s 91 social security offices.
“Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has a keen interest in providing the best care to people who receive social security benefits,” said Al-Othaimeen. He added that since most of the cash that is distributed is Zakah, monthly studies are carried out to ensure the money is well spent.
The studies help identify individuals who may no longer be eligible to receive benefits due to change of situation such as death and marriage.
The Kingdom’s welfare system was founded by royal decree in 1963. Recipients also include families of people in prison, and the families of men who are missing.
