The Citizen Account Program has successfully deposited SAR 3.1 billion to support beneficiaries for January 2025. This financial assistance was distributed to recipients whose applications were completed and who met the program’s eligibility criteria. The payment, part of the 86th batch, has reached a total of 10 million beneficiaries, including dependents, marking another significant step in the program’s ongoing efforts to provide financial assistance to Saudi citizens.
Abdullah Al-Hajri, Director General of Communications for the Citizen Account Program, confirmed that since its inception, the program has disbursed a total of SAR 229 billion to eligible beneficiaries. This includes SAR 2.6 billion paid as compensation for previous payments. According to the official website of the program, this demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting citizens as part of broader socio-economic reforms in line with Vision 2030.
Al-Hajri further noted that this payment supports more than 2 million heads of households, with 7.5 million dependents also benefiting from the program’s support. This highlights the program’s extensive reach and its impact on families across the country. Approximately 73% of the beneficiaries received the January payment, with the average support per family reaching SAR 1,476. The distribution of funds aims to ease the financial burden on families and help cover daily living expenses.
New Eligibility Criteria to Improve Fairness and Efficiency
A notable aspect of this payment cycle is the implementation of new eligibility criteria that assess the financial capacity of beneficiaries. These updated standards focus on evaluating monthly income and assets to ensure that only those truly in need receive support. This initiative is part of the ongoing reform to improve the efficiency and fairness of the Citizen Account Program.
Additionally, the program has adopted a more robust verification process for the independence of individual applicants. This includes field visits to confirm that independent individuals meet the program’s criteria for housing independence. These measures help ensure that the program delivers financial support to the most deserving citizens and aligns with the program’s established guidelines.
The Citizen Account Program aims to reduce the effects of the recent economic reforms on citizens, including adjustments to energy prices, water tariffs, and the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) on food products. These changes have impacted household finances, and the program’s goal is to soften the financial strain on families while encouraging responsible consumption of resources.
Program’s Broader Objectives and Financial Support Mechanism
The Citizen Account Program plays a pivotal role in improving the efficiency of government subsidies by ensuring that support is directed to those who need it the most. It provides a direct cash transfer to households, with a focus on low- and middle-income families, to offset the impact of the economic reforms.
One of the central objectives of the program is to promote responsible resource consumption, encouraging beneficiaries to make informed decisions about spending. The program also aims to enhance the living standards of Saudi citizens by providing a steady stream of financial support that helps alleviate economic pressures.
The program’s comprehensive approach includes assessing the financial capacity of beneficiaries, implementing new eligibility criteria, and conducting field visits to verify applicants’ independence and residence status. These measures ensure that the program is fair, transparent, and aligned with the government’s overall social welfare strategy.
In addition, the program offers beneficiaries the opportunity to submit objections or provide additional documentation that supports their eligibility. These can be submitted through the Citizen Account Program’s online portal or mobile application. This ensures that applicants have a clear avenue for addressing concerns or providing additional evidence to verify their eligibility status.
Future Outlook: Continued Efforts to Improve Distribution and Impact
Looking forward, the Citizen Account Program will continue to focus on enhancing the distribution of financial support. By refining eligibility criteria and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively, the program aims to mitigate the financial effects of economic reforms on vulnerable populations. The program’s broader goal is to support Saudi Arabia’s vision of a thriving, equitable economy where all citizens can access the financial assistance they need to lead stable, secure lives.
With continued improvements to its operational procedures and increased outreach to eligible citizens, the program remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s social welfare system, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting its citizens through times of economic change.
Beneficiaries are reminded to stay informed about their eligibility status and updates on the program by visiting the official Citizen Account Program website or using the mobile application. The program continues to provide vital support to millions of families, reinforcing its role as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing economic transformation.
