“Social Security”: Clear criteria and steps for eligibility and objection

As a part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the social protection system and dedicating justice and sustainability concepts, the HRSD is keen to develop the services of social security system as one of the national pillars that support living stability, improve the quality of beneficiaries’ lives, and enable beneficiaries to gradually turn from dependence on support to production and economic participation.

In its efforts, the HRSD relies on principles that ensure justice in directing support through making eligibility decisions based on accurate data and clear criteria that consider the level of income, family structure, and the ability to work, which ensures that support reaches its actual eligible persons.

Mechanism for Application and Eligibility Examination

The Social Security System allows individual and family beneficiaries to apply electronically via the support and social protection platform. Applications pass through several stages, starting from primary data entry and registration of all individuals residing in the same accommodation and linking them with the approved national address. Then, applications are subject to the eligibility examination stage and electronic verification of data. Eligibility results are announced on a monthly basis, on the 27^th day of each calendar month. A pension is disbursed to the eligible on the 1^st day of each calendar month on a regular basis.

Documents Required for Proving Accommodation:

For the purpose of ensuring the accuracy of eligibility examination and linking families to the actual accommodation, the HRSD is keen to unify the verification criteria for social security beneficiaries. Accommodation evidence is required by any approved documents, including: an electronic lease agreement authenticated via “Ejar” platform, an accommodation title deed, or an accommodation certificate issued by an approve government entity. 

Objection and Complaint Channels and Procedures

The HRSD has provided an organized mechanism for objections to eligibility results. A beneficiary is entitled to lodge an objection within a period not later than (30) days as of the date of the eligibility results, according to the approved legal periods. A beneficiary must attach all documents that support the application by logging in to the HRSD Portal, then select “Objection Service” from the available e-service list. Then, a beneficiary selects the appropriate type of objection based on the reason for suspension. After that, a beneficiary must enter the required data accurately and attach the required documents, such as medical reports or income certificates, and officially submit the application. Then a beneficiary follows up the application later via “My Applications” section on the Portal.

The HRSD also distinguishes between an objection, which is related to the eligibility result (Non-eligible) and requires corrective documents, and a financial complaint which is related to disbursement issues, such as the pension amount cut, deposit failure, or deposit delay. Complaints and objections are lodged via the social protection and support platform, by visiting any of the HRSD branches, or via the unified number (19911).

Dealing with Suspended or Rejected Financial Payments

For the purpose of processing bank deposit failures, the Social Security System specifies clear procedures for beneficiaries, including checking that the IBAN number is linked to the national ID, updated and active, and that the bank account is not deleted or the application has not been withdrawn during processing. If the issue is not solved, a financial complaint must be lodged via the Platform for completing procedures.

Comprehensive System towards Empowerment

The Social Security System’s role is not limited to disbursing financial support, but it exceeds that to empowerment programs, including provision of job opportunities, and supporting programs, such as training and rehabilitation of beneficiaries, in addition entrepreneurial projects in partnership with the competent entities). This comes in harmony with the KSA Vision 2030 objectives for building a productive and sustainable society and enhancing self-dependency.

Integrated Journey, Clear Path, and Ongoing Support

Through such procedures, the HRSD strives to improve the efficiency of support and ensure that support is given to the true eligible. Social security beneficiaries’ journey is electronically integrated. It starts from registration, after examining eligibility; then, the regular disbursement with providing effective communication channels for following up applications, updating data, and processing objections and complaints, which enhances transparency and confidence in the provided services. By such methodology, the Social Security System proceeds with playing its developmental role, based on justice, accuracy, sustainability and long-term empowerment for achieving the KSA Vision 2030 objectives in improving the quality of life of the neediest classes.