MPs to Debate Extra Social Support for Widows and Divorcees

TDT | Manama

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A BD110 monthly cost-of-living allowance is already paid to eligible widows and divorcees under social security, but MPs will take up on Tuesday a call to raise support further for widows, orphans and divorcees. The amended motion was submitted by MP Dr Ali Al Nuaimi and has won the backing of the Services Committee.

The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee said extra help would lift incomes for low-income women in particular, and said the motion sits within wider talks between Parliament and the government on how state support is put together.

It noted that the groups named in the motion are already covered by the Social Security Service. Payments are set at BD77 for a single person, BD132 for a two-person household and BD28 for each extra family member beyond that.

In its written view, the Ministry of Social Development said the purpose of the motion is already met through existing schemes. It said it oversees several forms of support, including direct payments for low-income households under set income rules, and assistance provided under Law No. 18 of 2006 on Social Security for people and families who do not have enough means, including widows and divorcees.

The ministry said the BD110 cost-of-living allowance is paid automatically to widows and divorcees covered by social security when there are no other income sources. It added that social security beneficiaries also receive reductions on electricity and water bills, with a monthly discount ranging from BD10 to BD20, and that an extra payment is made each year during Ramadan to all recipients of social security assistance.

It also pointed to a 10 per cent rise in the value of social assistance and low-income support from January 2022. That included setting the minimum social assistance at BD77 for an individual, BD132 for a two-person household and BD28 for each additional person, and raising monthly support for three eligibility categories to BD110, BD77 and BD55, from BD100, BD70 and BD50.

The Services Committee recommended approval of the amended motion when it is put to the Council.