A total of 23,499 living pensioners and 1,128 beneficiaries of deceased pensioners are currently receiving monthly pensions of BD1,000 and above under Bahrain’s social insurance system, it has been revealed.
Among living pensioners, 19,346 individuals receive between BD1,000 and BD1,999, 2,851 take home between BD2,000 and BD2,999, 1,002 individuals between BD3,000 and BD3,999, 192 individuals between BD4,000 and BD4,999, and 108 individuals above BD5,000.
For beneficiaries of family members, 1,008 individuals receive between BD1,000 and BD1,999, 87 take home amounts ranging from BD2,000 to BD2,999, 28 individuals earn between BD3,000 and BD3,999, four individuals between BD4,000 and BD4,999, and one gets above BD5,000.
The beneficiaries category costs around BD1.6 million monthly and around BD19.2m annually.
The figures were disclosed by Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa in written responses to parliamentary questions.
Shaikh Salman said the data reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring income security for pensioners and their families through a legally regulated and transparent system.
“Supporting thousands of pensioners on a monthly basis is a core national responsibility,” the minister said. “The social insurance system is designed to protect beneficiaries’ rights while maintaining financial sustainability and accuracy in payments.”
Within the broader pension framework, the minister revealed that 162 female beneficiaries, aged between 20 and 40, receive pensions exceeding BD1,000 per month on behalf of their dependents. Their combined monthly pensions total approximately BD226,400, amounting to around BD2.717m annually.
Out of them, 146 females receive between BD1,000 and BD1,999, 13 females between BD2,000 and BD2,999, and three receive between BD3,000 and BD3,999.
Additionally, there are 49 male beneficiaries between the ages of 20 and 40 who receive pension disbursements on behalf of their dependents. Supporting this specific group requires a monthly expenditure of approximately BD66,300, which translates to an annual commitment of BD795,600.
Of these, 46 individuals receive between BD1,000 and BD1,999. This is followed by two individuals who fall within the BD2,000 to BD2,999 bracket, and a single recipient who receives a monthly pension between BD3,000 and BD3,999.
“These figures demonstrate how pensions are tailored to individual entitlement levels rather than uniform payments,” Shaikh Salman said. “They are calculated strictly in line with legal provisions and contribution records.”
The minister responded to concerns raised by Parliament’s legislative and legal affairs committee chairman Mahmood Fardan regarding delays in pension payments for beneficiaries of deceased pensioners.
He explained that pension disbursement requires the submission of essential documents, including proof of eligibility, identification of beneficiaries, allocation of shares and verified international bank account details.
“When all required documents are completed, pensions are deposited directly into beneficiaries’ accounts,” Shaikh Salman said. “If documentation is incomplete, payments cannot legally be finalised, and the unpaid share is held until requirements are met.”
He stressed that this process protects beneficiaries and prevents errors or disputes.
“The objective is fairness and legal certainty, not delay,” he said. “Every step safeguards the rights of entitled family members.”
Shaikh Salman acknowledged that missing documentation remains a challenge, particularly in cases involving multiple heirs. To address this, the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) has expanded its digital services, allowing pensioners and beneficiaries to submit and complete requests online.
“Electronic channels reduce the need for in-person visits and significantly improve service efficiency,” he said. “They are a key part of modernising government services.”
Responding to a separate question by MP Ali Al Dossary, the minister said publishing pension data supports transparency and parliamentary oversight.
“Clear statistics help legislators assess policy impact and ensure informed decision-making,” he said.
Shaikh Salman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued co-operation with Parliament, stressing that maintaining trust in the pension system remains a top priority.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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