UAE Relieves Families: Inflation Support Initiative

Support against Inflation: How UAE Helps Needy Families

The inflation support program introduced in the United Arab Emirates aims to mitigate the effects of rising living costs among lower-income Emirati families. Launched in 2022 and extended until 2025, the system provides financial assistance specifically to those whose monthly total income does not exceed 25,000 dirhams. As part of the program, beneficiaries receive monthly subsidies for fuel, food, water, and electricity bills, and in certain cases, they may also be eligible for additional grants.

The Aim of the Inflation Support

The primary goal of the program is to provide protection to the social groups most affected by inflation. The rise in fuel prices, food costs, and utility fees places a significant burden on families in the middle and lower income brackets - especially those raising children or struggling as single parents.

To achieve this objective, the UAE government has allocated a budget of 3.5 billion dirhams until 2025. The system is flexible: the amount of support is updated periodically based on the economic situation, inflationary pressures, and current national priorities.

Who is Eligible for the Support?

The program is not universal; instead, it is subject to strictly regulated eligibility conditions. The basic requirement is that the household's monthly income must not exceed 25,000 dirhams. Other conditions include:

The main beneficiary (or spouse) must be working, retired, or insured.

The main beneficiary must be at least 21 years old.

Children considered must be under 21 years of age.

Exceptions include:

Citizens over 60.

Women over 45 who are widowed or divorced.

Divorced or widowed women under 45 but with child custody.

What Support Amounts Can Beneficiaries Expect?

The support is composed of various elements that are credited or deducted individually for the beneficiaries.

Fuel support (for 95 octane gasoline):

If the price is between 2.10 and 2.85 dirhams/liter: 300 dirhams monthly

If between 2.86 and 3.60 dirhams/liter: 600 dirhams

If 3.61 dirhams or higher: 900 dirhams

Food support:

500 dirhams for the main beneficiary

500 dirhams for an Emirati wife

250 dirhams per child under 21 (up to 4 children)

Special provisions apply to orphans and children of imprisoned individuals.

Electricity and water support:

Up to 400 dirhams, or the actual consumption (whichever is lower), per housing unit.

How Do Families Receive the Support?

Fuel and food support is credited monthly to the beneficiaries' Emirates ID cards. Electricity and water bill support is automatically deducted from the monthly bill issued by providers. The supports are not cumulative, and the unused amount cannot be carried over to the next month.

Application Process

To apply for support, families must register through the Ministry of Community Empowerment's website using UAE Pass or a digital ID. The application process involves the following steps:

1. Registration on the online platform.

2. Submission of the application with the required documents.

3. Processing time is a maximum of 10 working days.

Required Documents:

Emirates ID

Income proof of the household head and spouse(s)

Rental contract or property ownership document

Income proof from businesses (if applicable)

Child custody order for divorced parents

Identification documents if family members are not listed in the same family record

Who is Considered the "Main Beneficiary"?

Typically, the father is considered the main beneficiary, with the wife(s) and children registered under him. If the father is ineligible, the role passes to the mother. If neither parent is eligible, the eldest sibling may apply on behalf of the family.

Why is this Support System Important?

The inflation support serves to maintain social stability, especially during a time of significant global price increases. The UAE leadership has recognized that alleviating financial burdens on families contributes to preserving social trust, purchasing power, and quality of life.

The program is also not just a social measure but an economic policy tool: the targeted supports can reduce the impact of inflation on consumer habits, while the government regulates aid for the most affected groups transparently.

Expected Developments

The ministry announced that the structure and benefits of the program will be regularly reviewed. The aim is for the inflation support system to keep pace with changes in living costs and align with the country's strategic goals, including strengthening social cohesion and promoting equality.

Summary

The inflation support program is a key element of the UAE's social safety net. Thanks to strict eligibility criteria, help reaches those truly in need, providing tangible relief for everyday expenses for affected families. The system is easy to apply for, transparent, and manageable through the Emirates ID card.

This example demonstrates that the UAE not only focuses on economic growth and development but also actively works to maintain social balance and citizens' well-being.

(Source: Based on Ministry's program.)