Developed Social Security in Saudi Arabia: Eligibility, Married Women and How the Pension Is Calculated

The developed social security programme (الضمان الاجتماعي المطور) of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development pays a monthly pension to the individuals and families most in need, and trains those able to work. Here are the conditions as the Ministry published them, how the pension is calculated, the rules for married, divorced and non-Saudi women, and when payment stops.

Reviewed by: Khaled ElnaggarDirector of USUS Law FirmLast updated: 25 October 2026

Eligibility conditions

• Nationality and residence: a Saudi permanently resident in the Kingdom, with exceptions listed below.
• Income: the family's calculated income must be below the minimum calculated pension. At launch the Ministry set it at SAR 1,100 for the head of family and SAR 550 for each family member; it may be updated, so check the current figure on the Social Support and Protection platform.
• Obligations: meeting the Ministry's health and education requirements for children, and training and employment programmes for those able to work.
• Not living in a state-run shelter, and not owning high-value assets.

Exceptions to the nationality condition

• A non-Saudi woman married to a Saudi.
• A non-Saudi widow or divorcee with Saudi children.
• Children of a Saudi widow or divorcee from a non-Saudi husband.
• Persons with disabilities, orphans, and widows with orphans who hold mobility cards.

How the pension is calculated

1. Add the earned income of all family members (such as salaries) and deduct 50%.
2. Add unearned income from government support, except supporting programmes and disability support.
3. Compare the total with the minimum for the family size; the difference is paid.

The Ministry must decide within twenty days of the application, and payment starts the month after the decision. Changes in circumstances must be reported within fifteen days.

When payment stops

When a condition is no longer met, data proves incorrect, data is not updated within thirty days of a request, a beneficiary able to work does not look for work or refuses suitable offers, or on permanent residence in a care centre, waiver or death. See social security suspension and appeal.

Penalties

A head of family who does not spend the pension on the family: a fine of up to SAR 5,000, up to three months' prison, or both. Anyone who obtains social security money without right: a fine of up to SAR 10,000, up to one year, or both.

Frequently asked questions

What are the conditions for a married woman?

Eligibility is assessed for the whole family, so the husband's income counts. A non-Saudi woman married to a Saudi is exempt from the nationality condition.

What is the income limit?

At launch, SAR 1,100 for the head of family and SAR 550 per member; check the current figure on the official platform.

If your application was refused or your pension stopped and you think the decision is wrong, Usus Law Firm handles grievances and administrative cases from Riyadh and Tabuk.

This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.