Conditions for receiving special education allowance and eligibility percentages in the Fares system
In a regulatory move aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring fairness within educational institutions, the Saudi Ministry of Education has emphasized the need to adhere to the updated regulations for disbursing the "Special Education Allowance" to teaching and administrative staff. This step aims to regulate financial disbursements and restrict them to those who are actually eligible and directly involved in working with students with disabilities, thus putting an end to individual discretion or disbursements based on job titles without actual work being performed.
These measures are part of the Ministry's broader efforts to automate administrative and financial processes. The Ministry emphasized that applications and disbursements for allowances are now processed exclusively through the "Faris" electronic system. This step is part of the digital transformation underway across various government sectors, aimed at increasing spending efficiency and ensuring that entitlements reach their rightful recipients accurately. The new mechanism requires the entry of accurate data, including the eligibility date and job category, along with the submission of supporting documents, most importantly an official assignment letter approved by the authorized official. Verbal or undocumented assignments will not be accepted.
In detailing the eligible categories, the Ministry clarified precise criteria that differentiate between administrative and field work. Special education teachers are entitled to a 20% allowance when they are actively teaching in classrooms or resource rooms. As for educational supervisors and department heads, the Ministry stipulated that their eligibility for the allowance is contingent upon having an official assignment for regular field visits to monitor educational programs for people with disabilities, emphasizing that academic qualifications alone are insufficient for payment if not accompanied by direct fieldwork.
The regulations also addressed the cases of non-specialist teachers who teach general subjects (such as mathematics, science, English, and computer science) to special education students. These teachers are permitted to receive an allowance, provided that these subjects fall outside the special education teacher's area of specialization and that the assignment occurs after the specialized teacher has fulfilled their teaching load. This ensures the continuity of the educational process without violating regulations.
It is worth noting that the regulations grant specialized behavioral training teachers a 30% allowance, given the sensitive and impactful nature of their work, provided they possess the required qualifications and are actively employed. This differentiation in allowances reflects the Ministry's commitment to recognizing the effort exerted and motivating staff who deal with cases requiring special and intensive care.
This regulation is of paramount importance, extending beyond the financial aspect; it directly benefits students with disabilities. By limiting the allowance to field practitioners, the Ministry ensures the presence of qualified and motivated staff working alongside students, which positively impacts the quality of educational services provided to this valued group and aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to provide equal and high-quality educational opportunities for all.
