SPF confirms childhood allowance unchanged amid public confusion

2026-02-11 - 17:58

Muscat – Social Protection Fund (SPF) affirmed on Tuesday that the childhood allowance remains in effect and unchanged, moving to dispel public confusion following recent amendments related to benefits for senior citizens. The clarification comes amid public discussion on revisions to certain social benefits, which SPF said have been wrongly associated with the childhood allowance. The fund stressed that the debate relates only to measures concerning senior citizens and does not affect children’s entitlements. Introduced under the Social Protection Law that took effect on January 1, 2024, the allowance forms part of a broader system of direct cash benefits delivered by SPF to eligible segments of society. The law established a comprehensive social safety net for citizens at different stages of life. State-funded through the public treasury, the system provides support to children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, orphans and widows, with the aim of ensuring decent living standards and sustainable well-being in line with Oman Vision 2040. According to SPF, the childhood benefit had supported about 1.237mn Omanis from birth to 18 years of age by January 2025. In its statement, the fund highlighted the fact that the childhood allowance is a permanent benefit and a core pillar of the sultanate’s social welfare framework, designed to support children and their families. It added that there are no plans under review to cancel, suspend or modify the benefit. SPF urged beneficiaries seeking clarification to contact its customer service centre on 80077600, communicate through beneficiary care accounts or submit enquiries via the Tajawob platform.