Launch of Emirati housing and educational investments
UAE Announces Expanded Social Support Package for Citizens
In a significant move to bolster its social welfare programme, the UAE government has announced a Dh28 billion social support package for 2022, doubling the total social support budget from Dh14 billion. The announcement was made by President Sheikh Mohamed, and the initiative forms part of the nation's Social Support and Empowerment Programme, a federal initiative aimed at investing in human capital development as a pillar of national progress and social empowerment.
One of the key components of this programme is the education allowance, available to high-achieving students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions in the UAE, including those in distance learning programs. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0. The allowance offers up to Dh3,200 per month to support these students and encourage academic excellence.
Eligibility Criteria
The education allowance is designed to benefit eligible students from Emirati families with a monthly income less than Dh25,000. Applicants must be students enrolled in an accredited higher education institution within the UAE, and priority is given to low-income families. Special provisions exist for orphans and children of incarcerated individuals to ensure inclusive access.
Application Process
Applications for both the housing and education allowances can be submitted through the ministry's official digital platform via the social subsidy service. The process is designed to be user-centric and inclusive, aiming for efficient handling with a processing time of 21 days after submission. Complete documentation is required for evaluation, and the system includes special mechanisms to accommodate exceptional cases such as orphans or children of prisoners.
The housing allowance is for families enrolled in the programme who do not receive any form of government housing assistance. The amount is based on the family's size, living conditions, and whether they live independently or share accommodation.
The government also offers an inflation allowance to cover food, electricity, water, and fuel costs. Unemployed citizens receive Dh5,000 for six months, while citizens over the age of 45 receive Dh5,000 aid per month.
This expanded social support package reaffirms the UAE's commitment to its citizens, providing essential financial assistance to those in need and fostering a culture of academic excellence. For more information and to apply, visit the Ministry of Community Empowerment's official website and access the 'My Files' section.
- The UAE's expanded social support package for 2022, worth Dh28 billion, includes an education allowance for high-achieving students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions, offering up to Dh3,200 per month to support academic excellence in education and self-development.
- Eligibility for the education allowance is open to Emirati students from families with a monthly income less than Dh25,000, who are enrolled in accredited higher education institutions in the UAE, with priority given to low-income families, orphans, and children of incarcerated individuals.
- Applications for the education allowance, along with the housing allowance, can be submitted through the Ministry of Community Empowerment's official digital platform, aiming for an efficient handling and processing time of 21 days after submission, while providing personal-finance assistance as part of the nation's Social Support and Empowerment Programme.
