Emirati Families Can Receive Up to AED 350,000 for Home Damage

Emirati families receiving social support can now apply for up to AED 350,000 in financial assistance for verified damage to their homes caused by a qualifying crisis or disaster.

Eligibility is limited to UAE nationals who are permanent residents and receive either federal social support or assistance through local government programmes. The affected home must be located within the UAE, and applicants must provide an official damage report from the relevant emergency, civil defence or government authority.

The scheme covers material damage to the residence itself, as well as essential household contents including furniture, domestic electrical appliances and key interior and exterior finishes and fittings. The final amount will depend on an official assessment of the damage, with assistance capped at AED 350,000 per case.

Cars, cash, business and professional assets, boats, animals, crops, jewellery, antiques and swimming pools are excluded. Damage caused by negligence, trespassing, default or intentional acts is also ineligible.

Families must submit applications to the Ministry of Community Empowerment within 30 days of the crisis or disaster. Once a complete application is received, the ministry has seven working days to issue a decision. Applicants who are rejected or awarded less than the requested amount can file a grievance within 15 days, after which the relevant committee has 30 days to make a final decision.

Applicants cannot receive duplicate emergency assistance from another UAE entity for the same loss. However, if another authority has already paid compensation below the amount assessed under the new scheme, the ministry may cover the difference.