“Unlike other ministries, 92% of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ budget is dedicated to social interventions,” Minister of Social Affairs Issam Lahmar said on Saturday evening.
Speaking to deputies during the joint plenary session of the Assembly of People’s Representatives (ARP) and the National Council of Regions and Districts (CNRD) to discuss the 2026 budget of the Ministry of Social Affairs, he specified that salaries account for only 2.6% of the budget, while administrative expenses do not exceed 0.6%.
In this context, he noted that the resources allocated to running the ministry are very limited compared to other departments.
Department’s budget represents only 5.3%
Lahmar added that the Ministry’s budget represents only 5.3% of the state’s overall budget, despite the heavy responsibilities it bears.
He noted that under the social promotion program, the number of children aged 6 to 18 benefiting from scholarships has increased, with a budget of 163 million dinars allocated, in addition to allowances for children aged 0 to 5.
“These measures help low-income and poor families cover their children’s schooling costs,” he stressed.
He also recalled that social assistance for needy families has risen, initially from 180 to 240 dinars, and will reach 280 dinars in 2026.
“A 20-dinar increase may seem modest, but it becomes significant when it affects nearly 400,000 families,” he said.
Revision of list of beneficiaries of medical care booklet
The minister indicated that the list of beneficiaries of the free medical booklet has been revised through social surveys conducted in coordination with other institutions to verify all data and ensure aid reaches the rightful recipients. Appeals remain open for those who believe they were wrongly excluded.
Regarding school assistance (books, notebooks, supplies…), Lahmar stated that it reached 64 million dinars this year, not including financial aid, benefiting nearly 600,000 students.
A new measure provides a monthly allowance of 30 dinars per person for individuals with gluten intolerance to help cover specific food costs.
Children with albinism allowance
The ministry has also planned an allowance of 130 dinars for children with albinism under the 2026 finance bill, to help cover part of the cost of protective equipment, which has become particularly expensive.
Lahmar mentioned the creation of a “Fund for the Promotion of People with Disabilities” in the 2026 finance bill, aimed at ensuring the economic and social inclusion of people with disabilities, funding training, employment, project creation, and supporting their social, economic, sporting, and cultural integration.
He added that a revision of the orientation law on the promotion and protection of people with disabilities is planned to strengthen support for this group on all fronts.
Distribution of QR-coded disability cards
The minister announced the upcoming distribution of 40,000 disability cards with QR codes, allowing quick identification of holders, their files, and their place of residence, to facilitate access to appropriate services and improve monitoring and quality of care.
Lahmar also indicated plans to reform social security systems, noting that extending the solidarity social contribution by two more years will stabilize the schemes and allow reforms to expand membership, strengthen social protection, and better manage financial balances.
Regarding delays in launching the unemployment insurance fund, the minister said several scenarios and cost estimates have been developed to address potential interventions, particularly in a changing labor market and with the introduction of artificial intelligence in certain sectors, to prevent deficits and ensure the fund can fulfill its mandate.
