Suspension of social security benefits: 8 cases where support is stopped immediately

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has outlined the precise regulations governing the disbursement of social security pensions, announcing eight specific cases that directly lead to the suspension of payments to beneficiaries. This comes as part of the Ministry's efforts to ensure that support reaches those who are truly entitled to it and to achieve social justice.

Cases of suspension of social security pension

The ministry clarified that pension payments will be immediately suspended if any of the following conditions are met:

• Violation of one of the basic eligibility conditions upon which acceptance into the program was based.
• The data submitted to the ministry about the independent beneficiary or family has been proven to be incorrect.
• The beneficiary has been late in updating his personal data for more than 30 days from the date he was notified of the need to update.
• The eligible beneficiary's failure to adhere to the rehabilitation plan set for him.
• The beneficiary who is able to work fails to look for a job, or fails to register on approved employment platforms, or refuses suitable job and training opportunities.
• The beneficiary's permanent residence is in one of the government-run residential or treatment centers.
• The beneficiary voluntarily waived his right to the pension.
• Death of the beneficiary.

Context and objectives of the improved social security system

The enhanced social security system is part of the strategic transformations underway in the Kingdom within Vision 2030, shifting the concept from mere "care" and direct cash assistance to one of "development and empowerment." The new system primarily aims to transform beneficiaries from recipients of aid to productive members of society through training, rehabilitation, and employment programs. This explains why pensions are discontinued for those capable of working who are not actively seeking employment.

The importance of auditing and its economic and social impact

These rigorous procedures for verifying and updating data are essential for several reasons:

• Locally: It ensures that Zakat and Sadaqah funds (the main source of social security) are directed to the most needy groups, thus promoting social solidarity.
• Economically: Linking pensions to job searching contributes to reducing unemployment rates and supplying the labor market with national talent, instead of relying entirely on government support.

The journey to becoming eligible for digital support and services

The journey to obtain support begins with submitting an application through the social support and protection platform, followed by a monthly verification and assessment phase, culminating in the deposit of the pension into bank accounts on the first day of each month. To facilitate these procedures, the Ministry launched a unified social security application aimed at:

• Improving user experience and facilitating communication.
• Compliance with digital government standards.
• Enabling beneficiaries to easily track their cases and update their data to ensure continued disbursement.