The Social Protection Fund (SPF) issued a clarification regarding what was circulated on social media platforms regarding the previous rejection of social security pensions, stating that the difference between the security pension due to the head of a family and the social protection benefits disbursed to all family members was disbursed as a first stage.
After what was observed of the decline in social security pensions, the SPF made observations related to it, stating that the difference between the security pension due to the head of the family and the social protection benefits disbursed to all family members was disbursed as a first stage, which represented part of the value of the benefit due.
Previously, the social security pension disbursed to a deserving family of six members stood at RO 208, but currently, in order to ensure that families are not affected by social security, the disbursement of the difference between the social security pension and the total benefits included in calculating the income. Registration for the family income support benefit has been opened for all social security cases, which will determine the total value of the family income support benefit due in accordance with the provisions of the Social Protection Law and its executive regulations.
The “Family Income Support Benefit” programme provides monthly financial support to families with the lowest income and least earning opportunities. Eligibility for this benefit depends on the level of the family’s income and the ability of its members to earn. The value of the targeted benefit is linked to the number of family members and the total income of the family. The benefit aims to improve the living conditions of these families.
The benefit is valued at an amount disbursed monthly by calculating the difference between the target level (the square root of the number of family members x RO 115) and the total family income. The family includes the husband, wife and non-working sons up to the age of 26, and non-working daughters who have not reached the age of 40 if she is unmarried or divorced and has no children. Even foster children are considered as sons of the family. Some categories are considered family members that will be detailed in the executive regulations of the Social Protection Law.
The conditions for obtaining the family income support benefit include one of the applicant’s family members must be an Omani. The non-Omani widow of an Omani who has no children can submit an application provided that she resides in the Sultanate of Oman after the death of her Omani husband. The total family income, including the equivalent income, must be for the ability to earn less than the target level, disclosure of income and assets in the form designated for that purpose when submitting the application and cooperation with the social researcher if entitlement to the benefit requires conducting social research.
While the fund will decide on the application, within a maximum period of 30 days from the date of submitting the application, fulfilling the required conditions and data, and for this purpose, it may coordinate with the Ministry of Social Development and other parties for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the data and the benefit will be payable as of the date of submission. The request is made if the Fund confirms that the eligibility conditions are met. The value of the benefit after calculating it and proving its entitlement must not be less than RO 25 for a family consisting of two individuals or more and RO 15 for a family consisting of one person.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
