On Sunday, Egypt’s House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament, approved the government-drafted Social Solidarity bill in principle. The new law is designed to unify various financial support programs, regulate government grants, and empower the most vulnerable members of society to ensure a dignified life for all Egyptians.
The bill outlines eligibility for conditional cash support under the “Takaful” program, which is tied to health and education requirements. It specifies the procedures to be followed if a family fails to meet these conditions. Additionally, the law details the “Karama” program, which provides unconditional cash support to eligible individuals, and defines the criteria for both aid programs.
The draft law also expands the scope of social security, offering enhanced protections for priority groups such as senior citizens and orphans. These groups will benefit from additional provisions aimed at ensuring their rights and well-being.
A key aspect of the law is its focus on conditional support, with the aim of investing in human capital and improving national development indicators. Beneficiary families will be required to participate in health programs for mothers, pregnant women, and children, as well as ensure that their children regularly attend schools or universities.
According to the bill, cash support is defined as financial assistance provided to individuals or families whose income is below the national poverty line. In 2022, Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics estimated the extreme poverty line at EGP 6,604 per person annually, or EGP 550 per person per month.
This new law represents a significant step in Egypt’s efforts to address poverty and inequality, ensuring that the most vulnerable citizens receive the support they need to improve their quality of life.
