Social Security penalties and resolving the rejected payment problem
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of accuracy and credibility when submitting data for registration in the enhanced social security system. The Ministry clarified that strict penalties await anyone found to have intentionally provided false or misleading information, whether during the initial application process or while receiving monthly benefits. This is to safeguard public funds and ensure that support reaches those who are truly entitled to it.
Details of the legal penalties for violators
The Ministry confirmed through its official platforms and FAQ guide that obtaining Zakat or social security funds unlawfully is a clear violation of regulations and an infringement on the rights of others. Accordingly, the regulations stipulate deterrent penalties for violators, including:
- Financial penalty: Payment of an amount not exceeding ten thousand Saudi Riyals.
- Imprisonment: A term not exceeding one year.
- Combining the two penalties: Judicial rulings may be issued combining imprisonment and a fine, depending on the severity of the violation.
These measures come in the context of the state’s keenness to apply the principles of social justice, as providing any information with the intention of deception or misleading is considered a crime punishable by law, and the funds that were spent unlawfully are recovered.
Objectives of the developed social security system
The increased penalties are consistent with the strategic objectives of the enhanced social security system, which seeks to achieve financial stability for the most vulnerable segments of society. The system primarily aims to shift from a traditional welfare model to one of empowerment, not only providing financial support but also offering training and skills development opportunities for beneficiaries capable of working. This aims to integrate them into the labor market and transform them into productive contributors to the national economy, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Solutions for the problem of rejected or pending payments
In a related matter, some beneficiaries are experiencing technical issues where their payment status appears as "rejected" or "pending," despite verifying the accuracy of their bank IBAN. The program has outlined the official steps to follow to resolve this issue and prevent the suspension of support
- Avoid deleting the account or withdrawing the order permanently, as this complicates the disbursement process.
- Verify that the IBAN number registered on the platform is linked to the beneficiary’s national ID, and that it is an active and effective account and not frozen by the bank.
- Perform the (payment resumption) process directly through the electronic guarantee platform.
- If the problem persists after implementing the previous steps, the beneficiary must file a financial complaint through the official channels of the ministry to have the case reviewed manually.
Empowerment and job opportunities
It is worth noting that a family's eligibility for social security benefits is closely linked to their total income and its comparison to the eligibility threshold. Through its empowerment programs, the Ministry aims to support entrepreneurial projects and employment opportunities for eligible individuals, thereby enhancing their financial independence and reducing their overall dependence on direct support. This reflects the new philosophy of the social protection system in the Kingdom.
