Direct cash support to 10 million Saudis

Before

When the government began rolling back energy subsidies and introduced VAT in 2017–2018, the cost of living rose for ordinary Saudi families. Without a buffer, the burden would fall hardest on low- and middle-income households — exactly the group the reforms were meant to ultimately serve.

Initiative

The Citizen's Account Program (launched December 2017) makes direct monthly cash transfers — calculated on household size, age of dependents, and income — to eligible Saudi families. Disbursements arrive on the 10th of each month via the Citizen Account e-platform and mobile app. Eligibility is regularly tightened using financial-capacity criteria (gross income + assets) and field verification.

Outcome

By early 2025, the program had reached over 10 million beneficiaries (including dependents) and distributed SAR 229 billion cumulatively since inception. Monthly batches typically run SAR 3+ billion. A Royal Order in December 2025 extended the program through end-2026.

For citizens

For millions of Saudi families, the 10th of every month brings an SMS — and a deposit. The program made the difficult fiscal reforms of 2017–2018 socially survivable, and it continues to cushion lower- and middle-income households against price shocks today.