Citizen Account Program in Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday the deposit of 3 billion riyals in support payments for January to eligible beneficiaries whose applications were complete, as part of the program's 98th payment cycle. This support covered a wide segment of the population, with over 9.8 million beneficiaries and dependents meeting the eligibility criteria in this payment cycle, reflecting the program's continued vital role in supporting Saudi families.
Details of the 98th batch and record numbers
In official statements, Abdullah Al-Hajri, Director General of Communications for the Citizen Account Program, explained that the total amount deposited into citizens' accounts since the program's inception until this payment has exceeded 265 billion Saudi riyals. He pointed out that this substantial sum includes 2.8 billion riyals disbursed as compensation for previous payments, which underscores the program's commitment to delivering entitlements retroactively to eligible recipients upon verification of their eligibility.
Statistical data for the current payment cycle revealed that 72% of eligible beneficiaries received support, with an average support payment of 1,474 riyals per family. Regarding the distribution of beneficiaries, Al-Hajri indicated that the number of heads of households benefiting exceeded 2 million, representing 87% of the total primary beneficiaries, while the number of dependents exceeded 7.4 million.
Economic context and program objectives
The continued regular disbursement of Citizen Account payments is part of the Saudi government's commitment to protecting Saudi families from the direct and indirect impacts of various economic reforms. Established in December 2017 as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , the program aims to redirect government benefits to those truly in need, rather than providing direct subsidies for products, thereby ensuring efficient government spending and achieving social justice.
Local impact and financial stability
The monthly injection of 3 billion riyals into citizens' bank accounts is a significant driver of the local economy. This direct cash support enhances the purchasing power of low- and middle-income families. This financial influx helps families cope with the cost of living, energy expenses, and value-added tax, thereby strengthening social and economic stability in the Kingdom.
The program is characterized by its flexibility and ability to adapt to changes, as it has witnessed, during the past periods, an extension of additional support by generous royal directives, to confront the repercussions of rising global prices, which highlights the importance of the program as a flexible and effective social safety net that responds to global and local economic changes.
