Sand System Guide : Eligibility conditions, how to register, and how to calculate your salary

Feeling anxious after leaving your job? Find out how SANAD supports you on your next journey

Losing a job or not renewing a contract is one of the most emotionally and financially stressful situations for any employee. At that moment, dozens of questions come to mind: "How will I cover my family's monthly expenses?", "Am I entitled to financial compensation?", and "What is the difference between resignation and dismissal in the eyes of the law?" In addition, many are confused by the similarity of names between the Sand insurance system and the Musaned domestic worker program.

If you're looking for clear and precise answers without the bureaucratic complexities, you're in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about Sand systemFrom verifying your eligibility and exact eligibility requirements, to calculating the amount of compensation you will receive (60% and 50%), to the online registration process via Social Security, our goal is to help you navigate this transition with financial security, so you can focus on your next career move with confidence. Our goal is to help you navigate this transition with financial security, so you can focus on your next career move with confidence.

What is Sand? The financial safety net for every Saudi employee

Sand is a national takaful insurance program launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve as a social safety net for Saudi employees working in the private sector, as well as government workers subject to the social insurance system. The core idea of the program is not a "charitable subsidy," but rather Employee's birthright For the contributions paid by him and the employer during his working period (1.5% of the registered salary, to be borne equally by both parties).

This system is supervised by General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI)It aims to bridge the financial gap that may occur when an employee loses their job due to circumstances beyond their control. In light of the economic shifts and dynamic labor market in the Kingdom, SANAD is a key pillar to ensure the livelihood stability of Saudi families, as it provides a temporary monthly income that protects the beneficiary from need or borrowing, giving him the mental space and time to search for a new job opportunity that suits his skills and experience, rather than accepting any job under the pressure of financial need.

The essential difference between Sand for the unemployed and Musaned for labor

When searching online, many users confuse the words "sand" and "support" due to the similarity of the letters, but The difference between the two is vast. in terms of the target and the responsible party:

1. Saned system: As mentioned, it is a Unemployment Insurance For Saudi employees. It is affiliated with the General Organization for Social Insurance and aims to support you financially when you leave your job.
2. Musaned platform: is an online platform of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, dedicated to To recruit domestic workers Managing the contractual relationship between the employer and the domestic worker.

So, if you're looking for financial compensation because you lost your job, you're in the right place (Sand). If you want to hire a driver or a domestic worker, you should go to Musaned. This distinction is essential to ensure that you don't waste your time browsing the wrong websites, especially at times when you need a quick turnaround.

The goal of the program: How does SANAD protect you financially during your job search?

The ultimate goal of the SANAD program is not just to "pay money," but to Empowering national talent. When an employee suddenly loses their job, they face immediate financial obligations (rent, installments, family expenses). The lack of income may lead a person to accept a job with a salary well below their professional level just to pay the bills, leading to "career burnout" and a loss of talent in the market.

This is where Sand steps in to save you "Breathing period" of up to 12 months. This financial support gives you bargaining power when looking for a new job, as you don't have to accept the first offer that comes your way. In addition, the compensation is linked to registration in Taqaat and training programs, which means that the system works on Upskilling during your downtime, so you can come back to the labor market stronger than ever. It's an investment in Saudi human capital to ensure sustainable employment.

Sand eligibility conditions in detail: Are you eligible for the subsidy?

Sand compensation is not automatically disbursed to anyone who has left their job, but the system has set strict criteria to ensure that the support reaches its true beneficiaries. Knowing the exact conditions saves you the trouble of applying and waiting in case you are not eligible. Remember that the system is designed to protect those who have lost their jobs For reasons beyond his controltaking into account the subscriber's status and ability to work.

Basic eligibility requirements (nationality, age, length of participation)

In order to be eligible to benefit from SANAD, you must meet a list of basic conditions specified by the executive regulations:

1. Saudi nationality: The participant must be a Saudi national.
2. Age: The participant must not have reached the age of sixty (60).
3. Ability to work: He must be able to work and serious in his search.
4. Lack of business activity: The beneficiary must not have income from a private business or activity (such as having an active business record that generates income).
5. Contribution period (eligible periods): This is a key point. To qualify for a first-time exchange, you must have a minimum subscription period of 12 months in the social insurance system during the 36 months prior to the first claim.
6. Sign up for an appointment: Applications must be submitted during 90 days From the date of leaving work. Delaying beyond this period may forfeit your right to claim.

Does Sand include resignations or is it limited to dismissals?

This is the most frequently asked and important question. The general rule of thumb for Sand is that it covers Dismissal for reasons not attributable to the employee (e.g. company bankruptcy, downsizing, contract expiration and non-renewal by the employer).

As for Voluntary ResignationThey are originally Do not disqualify you to get Sand, because leaving your job was of your own volition. However, there are strict exceptions in cases of "forced resignation" or if the employee proves that the employer has breached its substantive obligations which prompted the employee to resign, but these cases require legal proof and you may need to file a labor suit to change the reason for exclusion in the insurances. Therefore, always check the "reason for exclusion" registered in the social insurance, as the reason code must be qualified (e.g.: termination of contract, bankruptcy of the enterprise).

Eligibility Self-Checklist

Answer "yes" or "no" to find out where you stand:

• Are you a Saudi national?
• Are you less than 60 years old?
• Were you fired for a reason beyond your control (not a resignation)?
• Have you had insurance for at least 12 months in the last 3 years?
• Do you currently have no private business or other employment?
• Has it been more than 90 days since you left work?

Result: If your answer is "Yes" to all questionsyou are more than likely eligible for Sand.

How much is Sand's salary? How to calculate the amount of compensation and the duration of the disbursement

Financial transparency is what everyone is looking for. The amount of Sand's compensation directly depends on Average salary registered in social insurance during the last two years (24 months) before leaving work. The system is designed to give you strong support at first, tapering off slightly to incentivize you to return to work, but with limits that ensure financial dignity.

Compensation percentage: The difference between the first three months and beyond

The maximum vesting period (12 months) is divided into two phases to ensure a balance between subsidization and incentivization:

1. The first stage (the first three months): Exchange is carried out 60% of the average registered monthly salary. This high percentage is meant to absorb the shock of a sudden loss of income.
2. The second stage (fourth through twelfth months): Exchange is carried out 50% of the average monthly salary.

Maximum and minimum Sand compensation amount

To control the budget and ensure fairness, the system has set maximum and minimum limits for compensation. The amount cannot exceed a certain ceiling, no matter how high your previous salary was, and cannot fall below a certain threshold to ensure a decent life.

• Ceiling: In the first three months, the maximum is 9,000 SAR. In the remaining months, the maximum is 7,500 SAR.
• Minimum: No matter how low your previous salary was, Sand's compensation will not be less than 2,000 SAR monthly.

Table comparing payout periods and compensation ratios

Steps to register in Sand via the Social Insurance website (GOSI)

Technology in the Kingdom has made the process amazingly easy. There is no longer a need to visit insurance offices and carry papers. The application process is completely electronic and is characterized by speed and automated linkage between government agencies.

What are the requirements and documents needed to apply?

Thanks to e-linking, you are often not required to upload any paper documents such as experience certificates or dismissal letters, as this data is already registered with the insurances by your previous employer.

The one and only thing you need to provide and make sure it is correct is your bank account number (IBAN). The account must be in your personal name and match the beneficiary's name in the system, to ensure a hassle-free transfer of the compensation.

Step-by-step explanation of how to apply online

You can apply via the website or the "My Insurance" app. Here are the steps via the website:

1. Accessing the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI).
2. Sign in with an account Unified National Access (Absher).
3. From the main menu, select "Individuals.
4. Go to the "Saned or "unemployment".
5. Click on the icon "Sand Dues Disbursement Request".
6. Enter your IBAN and confirm the details, then submit the order. You will receive an SMS confirming receipt of the order.

When does Sand come down? When will the amount be deposited in the bank account?

After the application is accepted, everyone wonders, "When is the salary coming?" SANAD is characterized by the regularity of disbursement dates. The compensation amounts are usually deposited into the beneficiaries' accounts on the first day of each calendar month.

If the first day falls on a public holiday (Friday or Saturday), the deposit may be made on the last business day before or the first business day after. Important note: The first payment may take some time to be processed, but after that, payments will be made monthly.

Beneficiary obligations: How to ensure continued support and avoid suspension?

Getting pre-approved doesn't mean you'll automatically receive support for a year. Sand's system is a "partnership" not a gift. It requires an ongoing commitment to prove that you are still worthy of this support and that you want to change your situation.

The importance of committing to training and actively looking for work

The most important condition for continued exchange is Seriousness. You must:

• Log in periodically to the "Energies".
• Attend job interviews for which you are nominated.
• Ignoring these obligations sends a signal to the system that you are not serious about looking for work, which can lead to a warning and then a suspension of your disbursement.

Warning: Situations leading to immediate suspension of Sand disbursement

Pay close attention, as there are certain situations that lead to an immediate suspension of compensation, including:

1. Leaving the kingdom: If you leave Saudi Arabia for more than 60 days (continuous or intermittent) during the exchange period.
2. Getting a job: Once you register for a new job and update your insurance information.
3. Reaching the age of sixty: If you turn 60 during the vesting period.
4. Refuse suitable job offers: Repeatedly turning down job opportunities without a valid excuse.
5. Having a business: Obtaining a business registration or professional license that generates income.

Sand's most frequently asked questions (FAQ)

In this section, we answer specific queries that you may not find on the main pages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does having a commercial register affect the Sand entitlement?

A1: Yes, having an active commercial record means that you are "not unemployed" within the meaning of the system, thus preventing SANAD entitlement. The record must be expunged or prove that it does not generate income (in rare and complex cases).

Q2: If I get hired and then fired again, am I entitled to Sand again?

A2: Yes, you can benefit from Sand more than once, but for each new time you must have a new contribution period (e.g. 18 months for the second time, 24 months for the third time, and 36 months for subsequent times) within the specified period before the claim.

Q3: Can I combine my pension with Sand?

A3: No, Sand compensation cannot be combined with a pension.

Summary of key points and conclusion

To conclude this comprehensive guide to Sand, we summarize the most important points to remember:

• Fundamental difference: Sand is unemployment insurance for Saudi employees, while Musaned is a platform for recruiting domestic workers.
• The main vesting condition: The system covers cases of dismissal or termination of the contract for reasons beyond the employee's control, and does not include voluntary resignation.
• The amount of compensation: The beneficiary receives 60% of the average salary in the first three months, and 50% in the remaining months, for a maximum of 12 months.
• Beneficiary obligation: The continued disbursement of financial support is closely linked to the seriousness of the job search and commitment to training through the Taqaat platform.

Thank you for reading this article to the end. We hope that the information provided has helped clarify your rights and remove any ambiguity about the application process. We wish you success in your job search and hope that your next step will be the start of a brighter and more successful career.