The Saudi government says that its Saudi Citizen Account Program (SCAP) has handled “nearly 145,000 documents proving applicants eligibility for payments since its launch in February 2017,” according to the Saudi Press Agency and Arab News.
SCAP is a welfare program that helps low- and middle-income families cope with the changes happening as a result of Vision 2030’s economic reforms aimed at long-term prosperity and a diverse economy. The handouts hope to offset an increase in prices in power bills and gasoline prices in addition to the application of value-added taxes on food and drink.
Recipients receive support through direct cash transfers. According to Arab News, the allowances will be reviewed every three months, ensuring that households receive payments that meets their changing requirements.
The Saudi government made its first installment of 2 billion riyals ($533.33 million) into the SCAP’s coffers in December, and the next installment will be paid on January 10.
In a presentation of the program in December, labor ministry officials said “about 3.7 million households signed up, representing some 13 million total beneficiaries, but that not all would be approved for eligibility,” according to Reuters.
