Social support ‘top priority’

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The government says its current support programmes for citizens and Bahraini families already achieve the aim of improving living standards, making a new allowance for private-sector workers and the self-employed earning BD1,500 a month or less unnecessary.

In a written reply to Parliament, it said social support remains a top priority, with help for low-income families and their basic needs placed at the centre of development plans.

Bahrain, it added, has long run schemes aimed at strengthening the role of the Bahraini head of household and providing a range of assistance and services to those eligible.

Existing aid covers widows, orphans, divorcees, people with disabilities and those unable to work, abandoned wives, the elderly, prisoners’ families, sons and unmarried daughters.

Households

For low-income households, the cost-of-living allowance is paid in three bands: BD55, BD77 and BD110 a month, depending on the total income of the head of household.

Those under the social security scheme receive additional cash support paid automatically to both individuals and families to help with daily needs.

Other schemes include cash paid in place of the former meat subsidy and a disability allowance of BD100 a month for all disability cases, rising to BD200 for severe cases.

Discounts

Social security beneficiaries also receive a monthly reduction on electricity and water bills, with discounts ranging from BD10 to BD20.

The government concluded its response by saying it continues to provide the highest possible level of financial help to individuals and families struggling to meet living costs, adding that the objectives of the MPs’ recommendation are already being met through existing support programmes.