The Social Security Agency of the Ministry of Social Affairs has deposited SR1,074,106,062 ($286,428,283) in the accounts of beneficiaries for the current Hijri month of Rajab, according to the ministry's spokesman.
"This amount has been deposited in the accounts of the beneficiaries to enable them to withdraw funds from the beginning of the month using their ATM cards," Mohammed Al-Asemi, spokesman of the ministry and director general of the ministry's public relations department, said in a statement.
He said the Social Security Agency had added approximately 12,846 new cases, which have received their financial benefits for the first time this month. Al-Asemi added that the agency utilized zakat revenues, distributing them to needy recipients in the community.
"This is accomplished through the use of automated search technology and monitoring of electronic transactions," Al-Asemi said.
He also pointed out that 5,611 registered beneficiaries did not receive benefits this month due to disqualification stipulations such as death, marriage, increase in income, no proof of divorce, and 542 newly added beneficiaries that did not receive benefits due to an error in the registration process.
"The main beneficiaries of the social security program include orphans, widows and the disabled. Benefits are provided through bank deposit and available through ATM deposit in efforts to assist beneficiaries in remote areas and villages that may find it difficult to travel to an office to receive their benefits unless deposited," Al-Asemi said.
The spokesman pointed out that there are currently 96 social security offices and five social service units in various regions of the Kingdom.
SR 1 bn given to needy by Social Security Agency
