UAE launches welfare programme for low-income families

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UAE launches welfare programme for low-income families

Abu Dhabi - The programme will begin accepting applications gradually starting from next year.

By Wam

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Published: Fri 28 Dec 2018, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 30 Dec 2018, 5:06 PM

The Department of Community Development has launched Abu Dhabi's Social Support Programme, as part of the Emirate's developmental accelerator initiative "Ghadan 21" and overall social development framework. The initiative aims to support Abu Dhabi's limited income Emirati households and help them achieve financial independence.
The programme provides financial support to limited income Emirati families and aims to activate individuals who can work and enable them to secure jobs more easily, in line with their abilities and skillsets. The activation programme is developed in partnership with several government entities.
It complements the existing programmes in Abu Dhabi, such as the housing programmes, free healthcare in the public and private sectors, food subsidies, as well as many other subsidised services.
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, said: "The UAE's wise leadership continuously strives to improve and enhance living standards for every Emirati family in Abu Dhabi, and this programme has been specifically designed to improve the overall well-being of limited income families."
Al Khaili thanked President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for their steadfast directives to launch the programme that will benefit limited income families. He added that this programme reflects the approach adopted by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan which ensures that citizens live happy and fulfilled lives.
In line with the Department's commitment to providing high-quality services, the programme will begin accepting applications gradually, with the first phase of the programme set to commence in Al Dhafrah (formerly Al Gharbia) on January 6. The second phase will begin in Al Ain on January 20, followed by Abu Dhabi city on February 24.
Those applicants who meet the programme's terms and criteria will begin receiving support starting in April 2019.
To assist those who require logistical support, such as people of determination and senior citizens, an agreement has been reached with the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities to also receive applications through a number of Tamm Services Centres in Al Dhafrah, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi city.
Having assessed similar international programmes the department designed a support plan that considers the family's size, structure, and total income. Emirati families will receive social support only if their family's total income is lower than the threshold calculated based on the family size and structure.
The department also stated that on providing financial support to the programme's recipients, it will partner with the appropriate institutions to establish training programmes that will help family members who are able to work to find a job in line with their qualifications and abilities. Training programmes will take into account a number of key factors such as age, skills and health condition with the aim of helping recipients of support to achieve stability and financial independence.


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