The social security system plays a major role in the stability of many families. In today’s article, we will address the most important aspects of the social security law in the Kingdom. The law is mainly concerned with establishing measures to address poverty, ensuring a minimum income to meet the basic needs of each beneficiary by estimating minimum pension and providing appropriate support. It also provides social protection to beneficiaries in need, enabling them to achieve financial independence and become productive persons through training and qualification. The beneficiaries should abide by all the ministry’s requirements regarding their rehabilitation and education plans. The following categories are excluded from the nationality requirement: A non-Saudi woman who is married to a Saudi; a non-Saudi widow or divorced woman with Saudi children; the children of a Saudi widow or divorced woman from a non-Saudi husband; and individuals with disabilities, widows and orphans, including orphans with mobility cards. In the following situations, the pension will be suspended, especially if one of the eligibility criteria is missing: If it was proven to the ministry that the data provided is incorrect; if the beneficiary delays in updating the personal data requested by the ministry for a period exceeding 30 days from the date he or she was notified; if it was proven that the eligible beneficiary has not adhered to his or her rehabilitation plan; if the beneficiary, who is able to work, is not looking for work or has not applied to the employment platforms approved by the ministry; or if the beneficiary waives the pension or passes away. To ensure that social security is not being exploited, the law stipulates penalties, whereby a fine of no more than SR5,000 ($1,330) or a prison term of no more than three months or both shall be imposed on each beneficiary who has a pension and did not spend it on dependent family members. Moreover, a fine not exceeding SR10,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or both shall be imposed on anyone who received such amounts from social security inappropriately. • Dimah Talal Alsharif is a Saudi lawyer and legal consultant. Twitter: @dimah_alsharif Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News" point of view