The United Arab Emirates can be a tough place to live for anyone earning a modest salary. The cost of rent, food, transport, power, school fees and health care leaves the majority of families living in the Emirates struggling financially.
Things can get a lot worse for people if they lose their job, suffer a health crisis, have their salary delayed, or face other unexpected difficulties. In those trying times, many individuals search online for temporary cash offers, free dirhams, or any type of financial assistance in the UAE.
In case you are experiencing hardship and searching for assistance, ArabShah24 has authored this comprehensive guide which will provide you with all the ways to request assistance in the UAE which are genuine and legal.
It is crucial to understand that no single program exists that provides free cash to everyone. Usually, financial assistance is provided to people after reviewing their income and their family, employment, and financial situation.
Based on your situation, some of the options available to you are government programs in the UAE, registered charities, Zakat organizations, cash assistance for unemployed persons, health care institutions, and labor authorities.
To provide you with available options, required documents, application procedures, and important protective measures, ArabShah24 has authored this extensive guide.
Understanding “Free Dirhams” in the UAE
People use the term “free dirhams” when they are looking for money online. Official entities deal with requests for monetary support using specific language. These include:
- Financial support
- Social support
- Emergency support
- Zakat support
- Charity support
- Unemployment support
- Medical support
- Housing support
Asking for financial support does not guarantee the transfer of money to your account.
Sometimes the entity will make the payment to your landlord, hospital, school, pharmacy, or utility service provider.
Depending on your situation, support can take the form of:
- An emergency payment
- Financial support
- Food support
- Grocery support
- Rent support
- Electricity/Welfare support
- Medical support
- Support to buy medication
- School support
- Emergency accommodation
- Unemployment support
There is no guarantee for financial support. Each entity has its own policies, and applicants should not assume any support is guaranteed.
Who is Eligible for Financial Support in the UAE?
The kind of assistance depends on:
- Your nationality
- Your residency in the UAE
- Your employment and salary
- The size of your family
- Your area of residence
- Your employment status
- Your medical condition
- Your housing status
- Your financial status
- The applicable support programs
Federal and emirate-level programs can cater to UAE nationals.
Expat residents may have limited government support programs. However, they may consider support from the licensed charities, Zakat, medical support, unemployment insurance, and assistance from embassies as relief from complaints under the labor law.
This support guide by ArabShah24 is for both citizens of the UAE and those who have come to the UAE to work, in the hope that they can find the most appropriate support.
1. UAE Federal Social Welfare Programme
The Federal Social Welfare Programme is designed to provide assistance to low-income Emirati families.
The Programme aims to support Emirati families to cover their basic needs, and to assist those who are able to work to improve their financial situation and independence.
The target groups include:
- Low-income Emirati families
- Senior citizens
- Widows
- Divorced women
- Orphans
- People of determination
- Exceptional circumstances families
- Certain unemployed UAE citizens
Application approval is not based solely on salary. The authorities may assess the overall financial situation of the household.
This assessment may consider:
- Salaries
- Pensions
- Savings
- Properties
- Rent
- Business
- Investments
- Number of dependants
- Regular substantial expenses of the household
The application has to be submitted through the official government electronic services using the UAE Pass.
Make sure to complete your identity, family, employment, banking, and housing information correctly and completely.
Otherwise your application may be delayed or rejected.
2. Abu Dhabi Social Support Programme
Low income families who are Emirati and reside in Abu Dhabi may refer to the Abu Dhabi Social Support Programme.
The Programme aims to support families through financial relief and assist employable family members to develop their means and opportunities to gain employment.
Basic eligibility criteria may include:
- UAE citizenship
- Abu Dhabi family book
- Residence in Abu Dhabi
- Household income is below the applicable support level
- Household assets are within the limits of the programme
The financial assistance may be determined by the income and the number of family members and dependants among other financial conditions.
UAE Pass is required to submit applications online.
- The applicant may need to declare:
- Salary
- Pension income
- Income from properties
- Income from commercial licenses
- Savings
- Investments
- Other income
Applicants are advised to be truthful and complete. Concealment of income or assets may lead to the application being rejected or any granted assistance being canceled.
3. Financial Social Benefits in Dubai
Social Benefits may be applied for by some eligible Emirati families in Dubai through the relevant Dubai Authority.
Assistance may be in the form of benefits that provide support financially on a periodic basis, support of interim accommodation, support for emergencies, care for the elderly, assistance for persons of determination, and support for widows and divorced women. Assistance may also include the care of minors and the support of home preparation.
There are specific criteria for most of the Dubai Government’s social benefits, such as UAE citizenship, status in the family book, income and residence, and the circumstances of the family.
Only residing in Dubai does not qualify a person for benefits.
As for expatriate residents, if there is no eligibility for government benefits, options to be considered are support from licensed charities, Zakat, unemployment insurance, salary complaints, and support from embassies.
4. Financial Help From Licensed UAE Charities
For low-income expatriate residents and families who do not qualify for government assistance, licensed charities are the best option.
Some issues charities may help with are:
- Medical treatments
- Necessary medicines
- Rent
- Food
- Utility Bills (water & electricity)
- School fees
- Emergencies
- Unemployment
- Widows & orphans
- The differently abled
- Approved debt cases
Some of the bigger charities in the UAE are:
- International Charity Organization
- Beit Al Khair Society
- Dar Al Ber Society
- Emirates Red Crescent
- Sharjah Charity International
- Dubai Charity Association
- Other Local Charities with Licensed Status
Every Charity has different ways to accept your request for help.
Some charities accept requests for help at certain times of the year. Some charities may only help residents of one emirate.
Some charities may help only with medical costs. Other charities may help with rent, food education costs, or emergencies.
ArabShah24 recommends that you check the charity’s website before getting your application ready.
Do not send money or documents with a charity request to a stranger to you.
5. Zakat Assist in the UAE
Zakat is especially important to Muslim families in the UAE to help alleviate poverty.
Zakat may help with:
- Food
- Housing
- Medical care
- Education
- Family costs
- Approved debts
- Emergencies
Most applicants will need to prove that they are in need.
The charity will look at:
- Their income
- Family
- Bank statement
- Rent
- Children
- Medical
- Loans & debts
- What is owed & what is possessed by them
- Assistance provided by others
A low income does not guarantee Zakat.
The charity must decide if the applicant meets the financial and religious requirements to give Zakat.
You should always give the correct information and mention any help you have gotten so far.
6. ILOE Unemployment Insurance
Employees who’ve been laid off should look into the UAE’s involuntary loss of employment insurance scheme (ILOE).
ILOE is not a welfare or giveaway program. It is an insurance program for employees who enrolled and paid their insurance premiums.
Employees who involuntarily lose their job may receive temporary income replacement insurance benefits as per the guidelines and limits of this program.
Some of the important eligibility criteria are as follows.
- Completion of the mandatory insurance subscription period
- Payment of insurance premiums
- Involuntary loss of employment
- No voluntary resignation
- No disqualifying dismissal due to misconduct
- Claim submission within time limit
- Authentic employment documents
Generally, the benefits are paid for a short period and are based on the employee’s previous basic salary.
Make sure you have the following documents ready.
- Emirates ID
- ILOE insurance information
- Employment contract
- Termination letter
- Salary information
- Last working date
- Bank account information
All other documents that may be required by the insurance provider.
Employees should only use the official ILOE channels to submit their claims.
7. Assistance for Employees with Unpaid Salaries
Some employees need to get financial aid because their employer has not paid them their salary.
In this situation, the employee may need to get the salary that is legally owed to them.
Private sector employees can get in touch with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for salary related issues.
Workers should gather documentation to support their claims, including, but not limited to:
– Employment Contract
– Emirates ID
– Passport
– Residence Visa
– Work Permit
– Bank Statements
– Salary Slips
– Messages from the Employer
– Emails regarding Salary
– A List of Salary Amounts Owed and the Due Dates
Do not sign any forms stating you have received your full salary or End of Service Benefits if you have not received the payment.
Salary complaints can be lodged on the Ministry’s official website, their application, call center, or any of their authorized service channels.
ArabShah24 strongly warns workers to not pay any unofficial agents stating they can recover salaries due to special connections.
8. Medical Financial Aid
Medical treatment can put a substantial strain on a person’s finances, particularly when an insurance policy does not cover the full cost of the treatment.
Patients of limited means can approach licensed charitable organizations for aid in funding:
– Treatment of Cancer
– Surgical Procedures
– Dialysis
– Treatment of Chronic Conditions
– Severe Injuries
– Long-term Medications
– Medical Devices
– Emergency Treatment
Application for medical aid may include:
– A Recent Medical Report
– A Diagnosis from a UAE Hospital
– A Treatment Plan
– An Estimated Cost of Treatment
– An Insurance Claim
– Emirates ID
– Passport
– Residence Visa
– Salary Certificate
– Bank Statements
– Tenancy Contract
– Proof of Family Income
The medical report should state the condition of the patient, the treatment recommended, the urgency, and the cost.
Patients should contact the hospital social work or patinet support departments.
Social Workers from the hospital can provide information about partnerships with charities, medical support programs, and payment plans.
Applications should be made as soon as possible, as many medical cases need further verification.
9. Rent and Housing Assistance
For residents of the UAE, renting an apartment is often the largest of their monthly expenses.
A family could have difficulty covering rent due to loss of employment or other income, illness, etc.
Some registered charities may respond to requests for aid with rent.
Those requesting aid may be required to submit the following:
- Tenancy contract
- Emirates ID
- Passport
- Visa
- Landlord’s info
- Notice to pay rent
- Evidence of rent debt
- Salary certificate
- Bank statements
- Termination letter
- Evidence of the emergency
Sometimes, these charities will assist only in paying a portion of the aid request.
In some instances, the charity will pay the landlord directly.
You should not inform the landlord that the payment is guaranteed until you have received written confirmation.
10. Food and Grocery Assistance
Those that do have the means to acquire food should go to a registered charity and clearly state the emergency nature of their need.
Forms of food aid that may be provided include:
- Food parcel
- Grocery vouchers
- Supermarket cards
- Prepared meals
- Essential household products
- Seasonal food campaigns
- Ramadan aid
State the number of family members, income, employment status, and the emergency nature of your food need.
You can ask local community organizations or mosque representatives to direct you to a registered charity.
Steer clear of unregistered charities, fundraising groups, and unregistered social media pages.
Expat residents may contact their consulate or embassy if they have an emergent need.
11. School-Fee Assistance
Charities may help with school fees and other costs associated with schooling in children for parents with limited means.
Charitable grants may help pay for:
- Outstanding school fees
- Books
- Uniforms
- Transportation
- Other necessary costs to get an education
Required Documents:
- Student’s Emirates ID
- Parent’s Emirates ID
- Passport copy, Visa copy
- Fee Statement
- Due Fee Proof
- Salary Certificate
- Bank Statement
- Tenancy Contract
- Family Book
- Termination Letter
Parents should contact the school directly.
Some schools may offer flexible payment plans and arrangements to help families.
Request a fee statement that includes: student name, school year, total school fees, fees paid, remaining fees.
12. Documents Required for Financial Assistance
Each charity has slightly different requirements, but most request the same basic information: proof of identity, proof of income, proof of residency, and proof of financial hardship.
Documents should include the following:
- Emirates ID Copies
- Passport Copies
- Valid Residence Visa Copies
- Family Book for UAE citizens
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Document/Custody Document
- Widowhood Certificate if Applicable
- Salary Certificate
- Employment Contract
- Termination Letter
- Recent Bank Statements
- Tenancy Contract
- Recent Utility Bill (Water or Electricity)
- Recent Medical Report
- Treatment Quotation
- School Fee Statement
- Loan Documentation
- IBAN Certificate
- Proof of Pension or Other Income
- Written Statement Describing the Emergency
All documents should be clear and recent.
The statements made in your application should be supported by your documentation.
Undocumented bank deposits, differing addresses, and varying income details will cause delays.
13. The Complete Process For Applying For Financial Assistance
Step 1: Define Your Main Issue
Determine if you are looking for help with one of the following:
- Food
- Housing
- Medical
- Education
- Joblessness
- Salary
- Utilities
- Family needs
Choosing the right category will help you determine the right organization.
Step 2: Review the Restrictions
Look over the organization’s requirements for nationality, residency, income, family-size, and location.
Don’t apply to every organization that you come across.
Step 3: Gather Required Information
Be sure to have the required information for each application before you begin the process.
Applications that are not complete are most often delayed and denied.
Step 4: Provide a Detailed Description
You should include in your application:
- The reason for your request
- When the request is due
- Your salary
- Your required monthly budget
- The funding goal
- What the funding will provide
- If you have received funding from other sources
Be clear and honest.
Step 5: Use Designated Application Methods
You may only submit your request using the organizations official website, application portal, office, mobile application, or customer-service contact.
Step 6: Document Your Application Submission
Be sure to document your application reference number and the date that you received a confirmation.
Take a screenshot of each document that you provide and the confirmation of your application submission.
Step 7: Meet Verification Requests
Financial assistance organizations will verify your requests with your employer, hospital, landlord, school, or other official requests.
Be sure to respond to these requests in a timely manner and provide the requested information.
14. Common Reasons for Application Denials
There are many reasons applications for financial assistance can be denied, including:
- Not meeting program specific nationality requirements
- Residing out of the program specific service area
- Household income exceeds limit
- Missing documentation
- Expired documentation
- Inconsistent information
- Unexplained bank transactions
- Request for assistance for an unqualified expense
- Prior financial assistance subsequently covered the expense
- Applicant provided fraudulent information
- Applications are temporarily shut down
- Funding unavailable
Sometimes, a denial of an application does not mean that the need for assistance is not real.
It is possible that the applicant provided assistance for the wrong need, or did not provide sufficient support.
Consider the reason for the denial and provide the missing information, or try a different support outlet for assistance for your legal needs.
15. Tips for Developing Stronger Applications
Although nothing is guaranteed, applicants are more likely to receive approval for applications that are complete and easy to understand.
Follow the suggestions below:
- Be specific about what you are requesting assistance for
- Use current documentation
- Support every assertion with evidence
- Provide an explanation for any bank transactions that are out of the ordinary
- Be consistent throughout the application
- Justify every expense
- Be available and responsive to phone calls from the sponsoring organization
- Declaration of assistance provided by other means
- Provide accurate claims, do not exaggerate
- Notify the organization of material changes
For example, do not say:
“I need free money urgently.”
Instead, say:
“I was terminated from my employment and my household currently has no income. I need assistance with paying my rent which has accrued to AED 4,500. I included my termination letter and bank statements. The rent was not paid.”
A specific request is more verifiable and therefore believable.
How To Steer Clear Of Free Dirham Scams
Scammers target vulnerable people, like those struggling with money.
Watch out for people who:
- Ask for money for an application
- Require you to send them money to a private account
- Offer you a financial product with a promise of guaranteed approval
- Provide cash with no paperwork
- Ask for your Bank Password
- Request your Debit Card PIN
- Ask you for your UAE Pass Password
- Request a Verification Code
- Use a charity logo that they don’t own
- Offer to make fraudulent documents for you
- Pressure you to do something quickly
No legitimate company asks for your Bank Password, Debit Card PIN, or UAE Pass One Time Password.
Never pay a so-called agent to guarantee you approval from a charity.
Using fraudulent documents means they will be rejected, you will be ca sued, and you will be banned from receiving assistance in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ArabShah24 Give Free Dirhams?
No. ArabShah24 is an informational website that guides readers about genuine financial-assistance options. ArabShah24 does not collect applications, guarantee approval, or distribute money.
Applicants must contact the relevant government department, licensed charity, insurer, or official organisation directly.
Can Expatriates Receive Financial Help in the UAE?
Yes. Expatriates may apply to licensed charities, medical-support organisations, unemployment insurance, labour services, or their embassy. However, many regular government social benefits are mainly available to eligible UAE citizens.
Can I Receive Instant Free Cash?
Normally, genuine financial assistance is not instant. Applications require identity checks, supporting documents, and financial assessment.
Can I Apply to More Than One Charity?
You may contact different licensed organisations, but you should disclose any application or assistance related to the same expense.
Do I Need UAE Pass?
Many UAE government services use UAE Pass. Charities may have separate registration and verification systems.
Can a Tourist Apply for Financial Assistance?
Most programmes require UAE citizenship or valid residency. Tourists facing an emergency should contact their travel-insurance provider, embassy, consulate, airline, or family members.
Can a Charity Pay Personal Loans?
Debt support is limited and depends on strict eligibility requirements. Most organisations prioritise food, rent, medical care, education, and other essential expenses.
How Long Does Approval Take?
Processing time depends on the organisation, type of request, urgency, number of applications, verification process, and available funds.
Final Words From ArabShah24
Financial help is available in the UAE, but applicants must use genuine and legal channels.
Eligible UAE citizens should explore federal and emirate-level social-support programmes.
Expatriate residents should check licensed charities, Zakat assistance, medical-support services, ILOE unemployment insurance, labour complaint services, and embassy assistance.
Employees who have lost their jobs should check their unemployment-insurance eligibility. Workers who have not received their salaries should contact the relevant UAE labour authority.
Prepare complete documents, describe your situation clearly, and provide honest information.
Most importantly, never trust someone who promises guaranteed free dirhams in exchange for a fee.
ArabShah24 provides informational guides to help readers understand available opportunities and support services. ArabShah24 does not provide financial assistance directly and cannot guarantee that any application will be approved.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Financial-assistance programmes, eligibility rules, application periods, and required documents may change. Always confirm the latest information through the official website or customer-service channel of the relevant UAE government authority, insurance provider, or licensed charity.
