A total of BD215.4 million was pumped into social welfare programmes last year, benefiting more than 363,000 Bahrainis, it has been revealed.
The comprehensive support package included BD134.4m in cost-of-living allowances and BD31.8m in meat subsidies, alongside BD25.3m dedicated to disability grants and BD23.9m for social security assistance, according to figures released by the Social Development Ministry.
The statistics as of January this year – revealed in a written response to a question by Shura Council’s legislative and legal affairs committee vice-chairman Dr Shaikh Adel Al Maawda – also show that 17,725 people receive social security assistance, while 15,535 benefit from disability allowances.
According to the data, 192,530 citizens currently receive cash compensation following the lifting of meat subsidies, while 137,481 benefit from monthly living allowances.
Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi said the figures reflect the scale and depth of Bahrain’s social protection system.
“These numbers demonstrate the government’s firm commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring social stability,” he said. “Our programmes are not limited to direct cash assistance, but form part of an integrated protection and empowerment system.”
Under the Social Security Law No (18) of 2006 and its amendments, eligible categories include widows, orphans, divorced and abandoned women, people with disabilities, those unable to work, elderly citizens over 60, families of imprisoned individuals, and unmarried women without providers.
Minimum monthly social assistance payments stand at BD77 for a single individual and BD132 for two individuals, with BD28 added for each additional family member.
“These are statutory minimums that cannot be reduced,” Mr Al Alawi explained. “Beneficiaries are also entitled to electricity and water bill discounts ranging between BD10 and BD20.”
In addition to social security, the cost of living allowance was increased in January 2026 by BD20 across all income brackets. Households earning up to BD300 now receive BD130 per month as allowance, those earning BD301 to BD700 receive BD97, while those with incomes between BD701 and BD1,000 receive BD75.
“Financial support is automatically disbursed to all social security beneficiaries without the need for a separate application,” the minister noted. “The majority fall within the highest bracket.”
Disability allowances are provided under Law No (74) of 2006, with payments of BD200 for severe cases, including total paralysis, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, severe intellectual disability and multiple disabilities, and BD100 for other disabilities.
Importantly, the disability allowance does not count as income when assessing eligibility for other forms of support and may be combined with social security and financial support.
Beyond financial aid, the ministry provides rehabilitation services, prosthetic devices, physiotherapy, and free driving training for eligible people of determination, and discounts of up to 50 per cent through the integrated disability ID card in partnership with the private sector.
Annual support of BD1.2m is allocated to community centres working in disability rehabilitation, while BD71,124 is dedicated to mobile home-care and home-rehabilitation units run in partnership with the non-profit sector.
On empowerment, Mr Al Alawi highlighted the ministry’s productive families programme between 2023 and 2025, during which 7,980 beneficiaries took part in 321 training courses. A total of 444 citizens utilised 45 production units at the Mubarak Jassim Kanoo Comprehensive Social Centre.
“These initiatives aim to transform beneficiaries from recipients of aid into productive contributors to the economy,” he said. “Economic empowerment and self-reliance are central pillars of our strategy.”
He added that the ministry also supports more than 90 productive families at the Capital Complex for Bahraini Handicrafts, 29 families at the handicrafts store within the Kanoo centre, and 20 families showcasing products at Bahrain International Airport’s duty free market.
“Twenty-four seasonal exhibitions were organised in 2025,” he added.
Mr Al Alawi added that a comprehensive national social survey is underway to reassess minimum living requirements in light of economic conditions.
“Our approach is evidence-based and fiscally sustainable,” he said. “We remain committed to continuously reviewing programmes to ensure that support reaches those most in need while maintaining long-term financial stability.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
Read more:
King commends US friendship
Path to Peace
ENT conference to showcase latest advances and research
&uuid=(email))