This public expenditure perspective examines spending programs that are within the social assistance sector. International organizations define social assistance with various terminologies, but in the context of this paper, social assistance is cash benefits and service programs designed to assist the most vulnerable individuals and families meet a certain level of subsistence (generally the absolute
poverty level) and to improve their living standards.
These are tax-financed (for the most part)transfers to those with very low or no income.
The majority of these programs are administered by the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD), the Nati
onal Aid Fund (NAF) and the Zakat Fund.
Other programs which are not as large but still share the objective of helping to alleviate poverty are part of the Royal Court or within the Prime
Minister’s office.