Citizens including widows, the elderly and divorcees are calling on the government to increase social security benefits, which they say are currently not sufficient to meet the rising cost of living in the Kingdom.

They said that the government should consider providing them with pre-paid debit cards to use at shopping centers, medical insurance that covers treatment at private hospitals, school bags for their children, and an increase in benefits for productive families.

Several citizens told Arab News here recently there should be expanded support for orphans and people with disabilities. The General Organization for Social Insurance should also link its database with various charities to share information, and ensure wider coverage.

They said the government should allow charities to provide greater support than just food baskets, to include religious guidance, education and health provision. In addition, research should be conducted to determine and meet the needs of young people.

Jamila Hussain said the rising cost of living is a growing burden for her family, which relies on social security payments. They are unable to cover rent, food, education, and daily needs, she said.

Abu Mohammed, another citizen, said: “I urge the minister to replace food subsidies with cards that families can use to buy food at shopping centers.” He said this would make it easier for families to buy what they need.

Umm Asrar, a widow and mother of two girls, said the government’s monthly payment of SR1,400 is not enough to cover her family’s living costs. She lives in her father’s house and is forced to borrow money from her sisters every month to cover additional expenses for food, clothing and medicine, she said.

She urged the government to provide every needy family with food coupons worth at least SR500 every month. This is because charities do not consistently provide food parcels for them on a monthly basis, she said.

As for medical insurance, Khaled Mutaa said members of her family are often unable to get treatment at private hospitals due to lack of coverage, and complained that there are long queues at public hospitals.

Other citizens said the government should provide more support for young people wanting to get married. There should also be more awareness created about how volunteering can help improve the skills of the younger generation.

They said charities and other welfare organizations should expand their aid to remote villages and small towns, rather than focusing only on the big cities; and establish centers to resolve family and other social problems.