BD26m annually allocated for social support services

Over 117, 000 Bahraini families are financially supported by the government, a recent report stated, adding that BD26 million is annually allocated for social support services.

“117, 132 Bahraini families received monthly social allowances until October 2015, while 15, 346 families benefit from social support,” said Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan in his reply to recent parliamentary queries.

The Minister explained in his reply to the questions of MP Jamal Buhassan that “BD26 million is allocated for social support services out of the State budget annually, out of which BD105m is going for direct financial support.”

Humaidan said, “The criteria of the beneficiaries of social financial support include that they must be Bahrainis, residing in Bahrain, breadwinners and that their monthly income is below BD1,000.”

He added, “Beneficiaries of social allowances are divided into three categories according to their monthly incomes. Families receiving BD300 or less a month are eligible of receiving BD100. Others who receive BD301 – 700 a month are eligible for a BD70 monthly allowance. Finally, families of monthly incomes ranging between BD701 – 1000 will receive BD50 per month.”

According to the Minister’s statements, “Bahraini families of six members, earning BD337 as a monthly income are considered as limited income families and are eligible of multiple social support services, including allowances.”

“Social allowances for limited income Bahraini families must not be below BD70 for the individual, BD120 for two-member families and BD25 for each family member if there are more than two members,” the Minister said.

These answers will be reviewed and discussed by the Council of Representatives in the presence of the Minister during their upcoming weekly meeting on Tuesday.