The UAE government has taken multiple initiatives to support the lower-income tier of society. The core aim of these initiatives is to ensure a balanced lifestyle for all socioeconomic classes. The Social Support Program is also an important initiative that provides subsidies to Emiratis in different life sectors. Recently, the President of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced a budget increase for the Social Program in order to ensure more benefits to the people.
Let’s take a closer look at the fuel subsidy through the Social Support Program in more detail.
Fuel Subsidy for Low-Income Households in the UAE
A significant budget increase in the Social Support Program managed by the Department of Community and Development was announced in 2022. Previously, the total budget of the program was AED 14 billion, which increased to AED 28 billion.
Although there are multiple programs running in the Emirates, this one secures a significant position due to the fuel subsidiary it will provide. Following the increasing fuel prices in the UAE, this program will be a help for low-income families in the UAE.
After recent developments, the Social Support Program will provide 85% fuel subsidy for lower-income individuals in the UAE on fuel pricing of more than AED 2.1/litre. The family head will be able to avail 300 litres of subsidised fuel. Whereas, working women can avail 200 litres of subsidised fuel.
| Fuel price (AED) | Maximum amount of allowance (AED) |
| <2.1 | 0 |
| 2.1-2.85 | AED 300 for each spouse |
| 2.86-3.6 | AED 600 for each spouse |
| >3.6 | AED 900 for each spouse |
Other Subsidies
Aside from fuel, the program also provides subsidies for housing, food, water, electricity and education.
- The program will provide a subsidy on food equal to 75% of the value of food inflation.
- 50% subsidy on electricity and water is consumed less than 4000 kW and 26,000 gallons.
- Excelling students can avail AED 3,200/month.
- Unemployed individuals over the age of 45 and jobless individuals (more than 6 months) will get AED 5,000/month.
- The living allowance ranges between AED 1,500 to AED 2,500 monthly.
Who Can Avail from Social Welfare Programs
The social welfare programs of the UAE are governed under the Federal Law No.2 of 2001. According to the law, the services can be availed by widows, people of determination, women (divorced or abandoned), orphans, elderly Emiratis, families of prisoners, people with medical issues, women married to an expat who can not earn due to uncontrolled reasons and financially unfit Emiratis.
Other categories of individuals can be added or subtracted from the service, as per the Parliament’s approval. The current benefits of the Social Support Program are for Emirati families with a household income up to AED 25,000.
How to Apply
Emiratis can apply for the financial assistance service through the official website of the Ministry of Community Development. For further information contact on the following numbers:
- 800 623 for the Ministry of Community Development Dubai
- 800 623 for the Ministry of Community Development Abu Dhabi
- 800 700 for the Ministry of Community Development Sharjah
This was all about the fuel subsidy through the Social Support Program. The increase in subsidy will ease the financial strain caused by the recent hike in petrol prices around the world.
If you are looking for ways to further reduce fuel expense, you can consider hybrid or electric vehicles.. You can browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and upgrade your conventional vehicle to an electric one.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on help for low-income families in the UAE.
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