Muscat – The Social Protection Fund (SPF) has revised the eligibility criteria for disability benefits in Oman and notified that fresh medical evaluations will be done to confirm ongoing eligibility.

The decision (No 1/12/2024), issued by H E Eng Salem bin Nasser al Aufi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SPF, outlines updated categories of individuals eligible for the programme, intended to streamline support for those with permanent disabilities.

According to the decision, eligibility for the benefits will now extend to individuals holding an official disability card issued by the Ministry of Social Development.

Other eligibility conditions include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, mental disabilities with an IQ below 70, severe visual impairment with a corrected vision of 60/2 or lower in both eyes, hearing impairments with a loss threshold of 61 decibels or more in both ears, and severe physical disabilities evaluated by limitations in job performance.

The decision further empowers SPF to conduct medical re-evaluations to confirm ongoing eligibility, with assessments coordinated between the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Health.

Additionally, the SPF reserves the right to halt benefit payments if a reassessment finds that a recipient no longer qualifies.

The revised criteria aim to ensure that disability benefits reach those most in need, following a structured, evidence-based process. The decision was issued on October 20 and came into effect the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.