Kuwait halts processing of 826 disability claims, estimated annual savings of approximately 2 million dinars.
The Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities in Kuwait has suspended the files of 826 individuals due to their failure to update their information within the allotted time. This move is part of the Authority's initiative to uphold financial integrity and eliminate unjustified allocations, saving the Treasury an estimated 1.998 million Kuwaiti dinars annually.
According to Wafaa Al-Muhanna, the Acting Director General of the Authority, the suspended cases involve individuals who disregarded repeated requests to renew their data and appear before specialized medical committees for reassessment. The Authority granted a 60-day grace period and attempted to communicate with these individuals via multiple channels, including SMS, the Sahel application, and WhatsApp notifications. Despite these efforts, 643 individuals remained unresponsive, leading to the temporary halt of their files.
Out of the 826 suspended cases, 183 individuals have approached the Authority for review. Results revealed that three individuals had passed away in 2017, 2022, and 2025, respectively. Additionally, eighteen cases had their certifications renewed, while 40 were granted new appointments. However, 46 applications were rejected by the medical committees, and 25 individuals experienced a decrease in their disability classification.
Al-Muhanna emphasized that the Authority took a patient approach and exhausted all available communication methods before resorting to the suspension of files. The aim, she stated, was not to punish beneficiaries but rather to safeguard public funds and maintain eligible individuals' access to allowances.
In terms of financial implications, the Authority revealed that suspensions significantly reduced costs. For instance, 201 cases classified as learning disabilities were responsible for a monthly expenditure of 446,220 dinars, while 96 individuals with minor disabilities accounted for 213,120 dinars per year. The Authority also saved money by temporarily ceasing payments to 3 cases with severe disabilities, 57 cases with moderate disabilities, and 21 cases receiving full care packages.
In conclusion, the decision to suspend the files came after the Authority had exhausted all means of contact and communication. The Authority's objective is to maintain financial transparency, ensuring that public assistance is directed solely towards those who continue to meet the eligibility criteria under Kuwaiti law.
The suspension of files by the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities in Kuwait is part of an effort to maintain financial integrity, specifically aiming to eliminate unjustified allocations and safeguard public funds.
The Authority's sustained attempts to communicate with the unresponsive individuals, including via multiple channels, serve to underscore its patient approach and commitment to safeguarding public funds, rather than punishing beneficiaries.