Allowances Could Be Dropped from Housing Income Calculations

TDT | Manama

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Tuesday’s vote in Parliament could bring much-needed help to low-income Bahraini families by keeping everyday allowances out of income assessments for housing support—ensuring those most in need aren’t left behind.

The proposal, fully backed by Parliament’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee, aims to ensure that allowances like the cost-of-living and travel bonuses aren’t counted as income when deciding who qualifies for housing support or setting monthly payments. The idea is to base these decisions on basic pay alone, allowing these allowances, which cover day-to-day costs, to serve their purpose.

This push follows talks between MPs, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and legal advisers, who looked closely at how this would work. At present, all regular earnings, including allowances, are included in income checks for housing. However, the ministry is weighing a change that would leave these allowances out, allowing families to keep them for daily needs.

Committee chair MP Hisham Abdulaziz Al Awadi backs the proposal, pointing out that it’s only fair to leave these allowances for everyday costs rather than housing payments. MPs who introduced the idea, including Dr Hisham Al Ashiri and Bader Saleh Al Tamimi, see it as a step in line with Bahrain’s long-held aim of supporting those who need it most.

If approved, this change would allow more Bahrainis to qualify for housing help without giving up funds meant for daily living. It’s a grounded approach, showing Parliament and the government’s shared goal of addressing housing needs in ways that truly work for people.