All About Temporary Housing Benefit in Dubai
The temporary housing benefit in Dubai is an essential service to support individuals and families who meet specific conditions but do not own a home. Governed under Law No. 7 of 2012 regarding social financial benefits in Dubai, the provision ensures that beneficiaries receive financial assistance for housing when they are unable to secure social welfare homes. Let’s find out how the service works, the eligibility criteria, required documents, service channels, and the process for accessing this benefit.
Service Channels for Applying
There are multiple ways to access and apply for the temporary housing benefit in Dubai, ensuring convenience for the residents:
- Customer Happiness Centres: Visit customer happiness centres where applicants can directly submit their requests.
- Website: Applicants can visit the Community Development Authority in Dubai website at www.cda.gov.ae to apply online.
- Mobile Applications: Applications can be submitted via the CDA Dubai app or the DubaiNow application.
Documents For Temporary Housing Benefit in Dubai

Beneficiaries are required to provide documentation based on their circumstances to qualify for the temporary housing benefit. Below are the key categories and the required documents for each:
Householder and Dependents
- Valid Emirates ID (Original)
- Electronic salary certificate showing retirement deductions (for employed individuals)
- Issuing authorities: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and Employer
Unmarried, Unemployed Children (Over 18)
- Certificate of continued study and academic schedule (for students in public universities)
Divorced Individuals
- An electronic copy of support proof from UAE courts
Widows
- Inheritance inventory or death certificate
- Electronic proof of support from UAE courts
Abandoned Children (Under 18)
- Proof of sponsorship
- Salary certificate of the head of the family and the sponsor
- Issuing authorities: UAE Courts and Employer
Housing Registration
- Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme letter (detailing registration, grant/loan amount, monthly instalments)
- Maintenance period documentation (from Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) or Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme). They also provide other housing grants in Dubai such as the Government House Ownership Request, Replacement Grant and Ready House Grant among others.
Counsellor
- Quotation for the residence
- Ejari contract
- Beneficiary’s ID (for individual cases)
- Issuing authority: Real Estate Company or Lessor
Bank Details
- Official bank letter confirming the account and IBAN
- Issuing authority: Approved Banks in the UAE
How to Apply for Temporary Housing in Dubai

The process for receiving the temporary housing benefit in Dubai is straightforward, with a clear timeline:
- Submit Service Request: Register for the service and receive a confirmation text message (11 minutes).
- Application Review: The application is reviewed and studied (7 working days).
- Final Approval or Rejection: The application is either approved or rejected (2 working days).
- Notification: The applicant is notified of the outcome via text message (1 working day).
- Disbursement: Upon approval, the benefit is disbursed to the applicant’s bank account (1 working day).
The entire process from application submission to benefit disbursement takes approximately 11 working days. Moreover, you can also prepare for housing benefits in Dubai and get one-time financial assistance to equip your homes with items like appliances and furniture.
Service Timings
You can access the service at the following times:
- Customer Happiness Centres: Monday to Thursday: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm | Friday: 7:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Website & CDA Dubai Application: Available 24/7
Eligibility for Temporary Housing Benefit in Dubai
Permanent Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Dubai.
Income Threshold:
- For a single person, the monthly income must be less than AED 10,700.
- For a family of two, the threshold is AED 13,700.
- For larger families, an additional AED 1,000 is added for each person after the second.
The housing benefit may be restricted if the head of the family does not meet the conditions outlined in Law No. 7 of 2012. Additionally, the benefit is linked to the Gregorian rental year as specified in the lease contract.
FAQs
How can I apply for the temporary housing benefit in Dubai?
Applications can be submitted through Customer Happiness Centres, the CDA website or the CDA Dubai and Dubai Now mobile applications.
What documents are required to get Dubai temporary housing grants?
Documents vary based on personal circumstances but generally include a valid UAE ID, salary certificates, proof of support and housing registration details.
How long does the application process take to get temporary housing support for residents in Dubai?
The entire process typically takes about 11 working days from application submission to disbursement of funds.
Where can I get more information about the temporary housing benefit in Dubai?
For more information, you can visit the CDA website or contact a Customer Happiness Centre.
This housing benefit is a critical support for those who find themselves without a home in Dubai. By understanding the requirements and procedures, eligible residents can access this vital service.
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