A website has been launched to speed up a BD1,000 payout for each Bahraini family, allowing people to get their cash within three days.

The money was ordered by His Majesty King Hamad to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter on Monday, a document that paved the way for wide-ranging reforms.

Families can now apply for the BD1,000 grant through the newly-created website www.fsupport.gov.bh.

'The grant will be paid to every Bahraini family regardless of income or the date of their marriage contract,' Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi said yesterday.

'It will also be paid to all those registered with the ministry as being entitled to the aid allowance for low-income families.'

Applicants will be notified by text messages to confirm their details have been logged.

'Those entitled should register their data through the website and a text message will be sent to their mobile phones to ensure the information has been successfully registered,' said Dr Al Balooshi.

Welfare

Low-income Bahrainis can also apply for monthly financial support ordered by His Majesty to cope with increasing living costs over the next two years.

The King ordered an extra BD155.2 million to be pumped into the budget to fund social welfare schemes, including a BD100 million emergency fund to help needy Bahrainis, two weeks ago.

However, families already approved for the cash by the Social Development Ministry do not need to register for the monthly allowance.

People who do not have Internet at home can register using e-government services located at post offices and Social Development Ministry centres.

The website has already registered 600,000 visitors since its launch and 23,000 families have applied for the BD1,000 grant, the minister said.-TradeArabia News Service