Article 20 of the Saudi Social Security Law
المادة 20 من نظام الضمان الاجتماعي · الباب الخامس: العقوبات
The article punishes a breadwinner who does not spend the pension on his dependents, and anyone who gets social security money without right, with a fine or imprisonment or both, along with repayment of the money.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- يُعاقب بغرامة لا تزيد على خمسة آلاف ريال أو بالسجن مدة لا تزيد على ثلاثة أشهر أو بهما معاً؛ كل عائل صُرف له معاش ولم ينفقه على تابعيه من أفراد الأسرة.
وتتولى الوزارة استقبال البلاغات وإحالتها إلى جهة الضبط المختصة.
2- يُعاقب بغرامة لا تزيد على عشرة آلاف ريال، أو بالسجن مدة لا تزيد على سنة، أوبهما معاً؛ كل من حصل على مال من الضمان الاجتماعي بغير وجه حق.
وتتولى الوزارة إبلاغ جهة الضبط المختصة، لاتخاذ الإجراءات اللازمة.وفي جميع الأحوال يحكم على من تثبت إدانته برد ذلك المال.
3- إذا شكلت الأفعال - المنصوص عليها في الفقرتين (1) و(2) من هذه المادة - جريمة أخرى يعاقب عليها نظام آخر؛ فتطبق العقوبة الأشد.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 20 explained in plain English
This is the penalties article of the Social Security Law, and it contains two offenses and a rule for overlapping penalties:
First: a breadwinner who does not spend the pension on his family. Every breadwinner who has been paid a pension and has not spent it on his dependents among the family members is punished by:
- a fine of no more than SAR 5,000, or
- imprisonment for no more than 3 months, or both.
The Ministry receives reports of this and refers them to the competent law enforcement authority. A breadwinner under Article 1 is a person who takes care of his dependents and supports them.
Second: getting social security money without right. Anyone who obtains money from social security without right is punished by:
- a fine of no more than SAR 10,000, or
- imprisonment for no more than one year, or both.
The Ministry notifies the competent law enforcement authority so that it can take the necessary steps. In all cases, a person whose conviction is established is ordered to repay that money.
Third: the more severe penalty. If these acts constitute another crime punishable under another law, the more severe penalty applies.
The amounts and periods stated are upper limits, so the penalty is assessed within them. The Public Prosecution carries out investigation and prosecution of these crimes before the competent court under Article 21. Anyone accused would do well to consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases.
Practical example
A man in Najran is paid the social security pension as breadwinner for his wife and children, but he spends it on himself and does not spend from it on his family. His wife is entitled to report, and the Ministry receives the report and refers it to the competent law enforcement authority. He may be punished by a fine of no more than SAR 5,000 or imprisonment for no more than 3 months, or both.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 20 of the Saudi Social Security Law
What is the penalty for a breadwinner who does not spend social security on his family?
A fine of no more than SAR 5,000 or imprisonment for no more than 3 months, or both.
What is the penalty for taking social security without entitlement?
A fine of no more than SAR 10,000 or imprisonment for no more than one year, or both, with the person whose conviction is established ordered to repay the money.
Where do I report my husband who does not spend the social security on us?
The Ministry receives reports about a breadwinner who does not spend the pension on his dependents and refers them to the competent law enforcement authority.
Must social security amounts taken without right be repaid?
Yes. In all cases a person whose conviction for obtaining social security money without right is established is ordered to repay that money.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.