“This month the ministry added 13,295 more eligible families who will be able to receive social security money in the upcoming months,” said Minister of Social Affairs Yousef Al-Othaimeen.

New recipients include orphans, disabled people and widows. Al-Othaimeen said beneficiaries are spread throughout the Kingdom, claiming benefits through the ministry’s 91 social security offices.

According to the latest ministry figures, there are now 692,734 people currently receiving financial support each month. Over SR930 million is handed out to needy families across the Kingdom. Recipients are able to withdraw their funds via ATMs. “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 a change in personal circumstances such as death and marriage.