Federal Decree-Law No. (23) of 2024 on Social Support and Empowerment
Federal Decree-Law No. (23) of 2024
Creates the federal framework for social support and empowerment, defining beneficiaries, eligibility, calculation and payment of support, changes in circumstances, grievances, empowerment obligations and administration.
Overview
What this legislation covers
Creates the federal framework for social support and empowerment, defining beneficiaries, eligibility, calculation and payment of support, changes in circumstances, grievances, empowerment obligations and administration.
Who or what it applies to
- Persons and families applying for or receiving federal social support under the decree-law.
- The Ministry and entities administering eligibility, payments and empowerment programmes.
- Beneficiaries subject to empowerment or work-related obligations under the statutory framework.
Key points
Important points at a glance
Defines social support as a monthly amount paid to eligible beneficiaries under the decree-law and executive regulation.
Regulates eligible beneficiaries and household/family concepts used to determine support.
Provides the framework for calculating, approving, paying, reviewing and suspending social support.
Requires disclosure and updating of information relevant to eligibility and support amounts.
Provides a grievance route for decisions concerning social support.
Connects support with empowerment plans, programmes and work-seeking obligations where applicable.
The executive regulation is Cabinet Resolution No. (57) of 2025.
The executive regulation is active and has itself been amended; current implementing rules should be checked.
Practical explanation
Understanding the law
Purpose and scope
The decree-law modernizes the federal legal framework for social support by combining financial assistance with measures intended to promote beneficiary empowerment where appropriate.
Eligibility and calculation
Entitlement is not determined from the decree-law alone. The executive regulation contains important detail on beneficiary categories, income, calculation, documents and administration.
Beneficiary responsibilities
Applicants and beneficiaries should keep their information accurate and current and comply with reporting, verification and empowerment obligations that apply to them.
Grievances
The law provides an internal grievance mechanism for relevant decisions. Because time limits apply, the current official article and executive rules should be checked immediately after a disputed decision.
Related instrument
Cabinet Resolution No. (57) of 2025 contains the executive regulations and is essential for day-to-day implementation.
Practical notes
- Eligibility and calculation depend on the decree-law together with the current executive regulation.
- Changes in income, family composition or other eligibility data should be reported as required by the official rules.
- A statutory grievance route exists and should be followed within the current time limits before further challenge.
Legislation text
Text and provisions
Official-text notice. This package provides a structured English rendering based on the official UAE legislation source identified in the manifest. It is not represented as the legally controlling Arabic text. For interpretation and application, consult the original Arabic text and the latest consolidated official UAE legislation.
Verified legislative metadata
| Instrument | Federal Decree-Law No. (23) of 2024 |
|---|---|
| Issued date | 2024-09-30 |
| Effective date | 2024-12-30 |
| Status | Active / in force |
| Official Gazette | See official source |
| Official source | UAE Legislation |
Article 1 — Core concepts
The decree-law defines social support, beneficiary, primary beneficiary, family and other terms used to determine eligibility and administration of the federal support system.
Eligibility and support framework
The legislation establishes the legal basis for identifying eligible beneficiaries and families, approving support, calculating the amount due and coordinating the data necessary to administer the programme.
Calculation, payment and review
The decree-law provides the framework for support components, calculation mechanisms, payment, review of entitlement, changes in beneficiary circumstances and recovery or adjustment where the statutory conditions are met.
Beneficiary duties
Applicants and beneficiaries must provide accurate information and comply with disclosure and update requirements. Eligibility and payment can be affected when required information or programme obligations are not satisfied.
Grievances
Article 21 establishes a grievance mechanism. The official text provides a thirty-day period for submitting a grievance against a relevant decision and a corresponding committee decision period, subject to the detailed statutory rules.
Empowerment
Article 22 provides for beneficiary empowerment through plans and programmes coordinated by the Ministry and relevant entities. Where applicable, beneficiaries may be required to participate in programmes or seek work under the conditions prescribed by the law and executive regulation.
Executive regulation and commencement
The decree-law provides for an executive regulation and repeals conflicting provisions. Cabinet Resolution No. (57) of 2025 is the principal executive regulation and has been amended. The current consolidated regulation should be used for detailed eligibility and implementation rules.
Verification
Official source & references
Official legislation sourcehttps://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/2670Open ↗This page is a research and educational resource. Legislation can be amended, repealed, supplemented by regulations or interpreted by courts and authorities. Obtain advice before relying on it for a live matter.