133,000 families benefit from Cost-ofLiving allowance

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsobahrain.com

The number of families benefiting from the “cost of living allowance,” designed to support low-income households, has risen to 133,000 between May and August 2024, up from 130,000 at the end of last year.

A recent report from the Ministry of Social Development indicates that 185,807 families are now receiving cash compensation due to the removal of subsidies on meat, marking an increase of 5,000 from last year’s total of 180,000.

Additionally, 17,694 individuals are benefiting from social security, while 14,466 receive disability allowances, and there are 19 beneficiaries of fire compensation.

The cash compensation for meat subsidy removal is based on the applicant’s registration, as defined by the head of the household in the Information and eGovernment Authority.

This support is available to both men and women of all ages, regardless of employment status, income level, property ownership, or business records.

Since the Cabinet’s decision in 2015, the number of families benefiting from meat subsidies has increased by 22%. Initially, 147,971 families were supported, which has now grown to 185,807, according to the latest statistics.

Cash compensation is disbursed every three months, coordinated with the Information and eGovernment Authority and the Ministry of Finance and National Economy.

Citizens can register directly through the electronic system, with assistance available from social services staff at community centres for those who face challenges registering online.

To qualify for meat subsidies, applicants must be Bahraini nationals registered as the head of a household in the Information and eGovernment Authority and must hold permanent residency in Bahrain.

Monthly income, including salary, property ownership, and business records, does not impact eligibility for this support.