The Citizen Account Program announced the commencement of depositing the February support payments into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries whose applications were complete and met the eligibility requirements. This month's payment includes the additional support recently extended by royal decree, which aims to strengthen social protection for citizens in the face of global economic challenges.
Background and objectives of the Citizen Account Program
The Citizen Account Program was launched in December 2017 as one of the key initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030. Its primary aim is to protect low- and middle-income Saudi families from the direct and indirect effects of the Kingdom's structural economic reforms, such as adjustments to energy and water prices. The program seeks to redirect government subsidies to reach those most in need, enhance spending efficiency, and encourage responsible consumption. The amount of support provided to each family is determined based on precise criteria, including total family income, the number of family members, and their ages, to ensure that financial assistance reaches those who truly need it.
The importance of support and its economic and social impact
The Citizen Account Program plays a pivotal role in achieving social stability and strengthening the financial safety net for citizens. By providing monthly cash support, the program helps alleviate the financial burden on families, enabling them to meet their basic needs and cope with any increase in the cost of living. Economically, this support helps maintain citizens' purchasing power, which positively impacts domestic demand and supports the growth of various economic sectors. Furthermore, the continued disbursement of this additional support reflects the leadership's commitment to supporting citizens and ensuring a decent standard of living for them, thus reinforcing confidence in the government's economic policies.
Key eligibility and entitlement requirements
To ensure that support reaches those who deserve it, the program has set a number of basic eligibility requirements that applicants must meet, including the following:
- Saudi nationality: The main beneficiary must be a Saudi national, with the exception of holders of mobility cards, the spouse of a female citizen and her children, and the wife of a male citizen.
- Residency within the Kingdom: The beneficiary must be a permanent resident within the borders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and must not be a prisoner or a resident in one of the government shelters.
- Data consistency: The data disclosed on the program's electronic portal must match the official data registered with the relevant authorities.
- Income criterion: A family's eligibility is assessed based on its total income, which must not exceed the limit set by the program.
The program indicated that the deposit process will continue until the end of Tuesday, and beneficiaries can check the amount of the entitlement and full details by logging into their accounts in the “Citizen Account” application or through the official electronic portal.
