Muscat: The Social Protection Fund (SPF) has announced a new regulation granting persons with disabilities the right to early retirement, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.
The decision, issued under the framework of the Social Protection Law, is aimed at strengthening social security measures and safeguarding the welfare of citizens with special needs.
According to the SPF, the ruling ensures that disability-related retirement rights are aligned with provisions already in place for old age, incapacity, and death benefits, thereby offering wider protection and fairness in the system.
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Key Conditions for Eligibility
SPF clarified that early retirement for persons with disabilities will be permitted under three main conditions:
1. The insured must be at least 10 years younger than the standard retirement age meaning they may retire from age 50.
2. The individual must have completed at least 15 years of actual service while registered as a person with a disability.
3. They must be a registered holder of an official disability card issued by the Ministry of Social Development.
Categories of disability recognized
Eligibility applies to those officially certified under the following categories:
• Autism spectrum disorder.
• Down syndrome.
• Intellectual disability, with an IQ score below 70.
• Severe visual impairment, with visual acuity of 2/60 or less in both eyes even after correction.
• Hearing impairment, with a hearing loss threshold of 61 decibels or more in both ears even when using aids.
• Severe physical disability based on medical assessment.
• Other disability categories that may be identified by the competent authorities.
SPF stressed that this decision reinforces Oman’s commitment to social inclusion and equity, ensuring persons with disabilities enjoy stronger protection and support in line with national reforms. The move also reflects the principles of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes justice, sustainability, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups.
Officials noted that by offering greater flexibility for early retirement, the regulation not only provides financial stability to affected individuals and their families but also reflects the government’s dedication to protecting public welfare and strengthening the nation’s social protection system.
