UAE begins rolling out allowances for housing, academic excellence

Two key allowances will now be rolled out, the Ministry of Community Empowerment said in an announcement on Thursday.

This includes a housing allowance for families without government housing support, and an academic excellence allowance for higher education worth up to Dh3,200 monthly for outstanding students.

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The new allowances represent an integrated approach that combines direct family support with incentives that promote long-term independence and excellence, aligning with the programme’s objectives of empowering individuals and enhancing their active participation in society.

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The housing allowance supports families benefiting from the Social Support and Empowerment Programme who do not receive any form of government housing support. 

The allowance value is determined according to the number of family members and type of housing, with the ministry distinguishing between families residing in independent housing units and those sharing accommodation with other families in the same unit.

The system includes special provisions for orphans and children of convicted individuals, taking into account their exceptional circumstances and enabling them to benefit from the allowance through a flexible mechanism.

The academic excellence allowance for higher education has been raised to a maximum of Dh3,200 per month, granted to outstanding students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions within the UAE who achieve a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.3 out of 4.0.

Students who pursue distance learning at accredited Emirati institutions are also eligible to benefit from the academic excellence allowance, confirming the system’s comprehensiveness and flexibility.

Digital platform streamlines access

Beneficiaries can submit their applications through the “My Files” section in the social support service on the official website www.moce.gov.ae. The platform ensures that all applications are processed within 21 days of completing the required documents.

The allowances are part of the ministry’s comprehensive strategy for social empowerment, providing stability components that enable individuals and families to move confidently towards new stages of self-reliance and achieving aspirations.

Ruqayya Al Qaydi

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ralqaydi@khaleejtimes.com

Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.