Social Security: Enabling 100,000 beneficiaries and eligibility requirements
The social protection sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a radical transformation in line with the goals of Vision 2030. The social security system has shifted from a traditional welfare model focused on direct cash assistance to one of sustainable development and empowerment. This strategy aims to transform beneficiary families from recipients of aid to productive members of society, thereby enhancing their financial independence and improving their quality of life.
A leap in economic empowerment figures
In the context of this strategic transformation, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s empowerment system has achieved tangible accomplishments; recent statistics revealed that the number of beneficiaries of the various empowerment tracks reached nearly 100,000 by the end of November 2025. These tracks varied to include direct employment, support for small projects, and vocational training.
The detailed data indicates the magnitude of the efforts made, as more than 95,000 people benefited from the economic track that provides job opportunities and financial advice, while more than 83,000 beneficiaries joined training programs and rehabilitation workshops, reflecting the focus on building human capacities as a fundamental pillar for getting out of the cycle of need.
Inclusiveness of categories and digital transformation
The development wasn't limited to empowerment programs; it extended to expanding the social protection umbrella to cover new categories not previously included, such as low-income employees (including security guards) whose salaries don't exceed the eligibility threshold. This is supported by a sophisticated digital infrastructure through the "Social Support and Protection Platform," which has automated all services, from registration and the estimated support calculator to submitting appeals. This has facilitated access to services without the need to visit branches, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Strategic partnerships to enhance quality of life
To ensure the integration of services, the Ministry has established a series of strategic partnerships with the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Among the most prominent of these partnerships are collaboration with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) for training and employment, and with the Social Development Bank for financing productive projects without administrative fees.
Partnerships also extended to address families' daily needs, such as the discounted milk initiative for children in collaboration with Almarai Company, exemptions from Qiyas (National Center for Assessment) fees and court fees, and the provision of developmental housing in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. To enhance emergency response, the "Relief from Distress" initiative was activated in partnership with charitable organizations.
Eligibility and transparency standards
The improved system is based on precise and transparent criteria to ensure that support reaches those who truly deserve it. The family's monthly income is the primary criterion, regardless of marital or employment status. The income threshold for eligibility has been set at 1,320 riyals for the head of household and 660 riyals for each dependent. The system requires permanent residency in the Kingdom, with exceptions that take into account humanitarian considerations for non-Saudi women married to Saudi men, widows with orphans, and people with disabilities, thus reinforcing the principles of social justice and solidarity in Saudi society.
