Kazakhstan modifies guidelines for government assistance
Sneak Peek at Kazakhstan's Welfare Overhaul
Starting June 16, 2025, a revamp of the Targeted Social Assistance (TSA) system will roll out in Kazakhstan. The details of this transformation, as outlined in Order No.166, may not be readily available online.
The impending TSA reforms aim to establish a more precise and fair system. From now on, applications for assistance will factor in applicants' income and expenses to better serve those genuinely in need.
This revamped application process will require electronically-retrieved data about the applicant and their family members from various government databases. Information gathered will include citizenship status, registration address, transportation, housing, bank deposits, loans, income sources, and bank card expenses. Independents' academic backgrounds and employment status will also be taken into account.
Present TSA Procedures in Kazakhstan
Currently, Kazakhstan's TSA is accessible to individuals with an average income per family member below the poverty line. Eligible applicants have the opportunity to apply at career centers, local akimats, or through the e-government portal (egov.kz).
To apply, applicants need to submit their identity document, residence permit for foreigners permanently residing in Kazakhstan, stateless persons' certificates, refugee certificates, or oralman certificates.
It's worth noting that, according to government reports, 39.5 billion tenge was allocated for TSA payments in 2024, with 132.9 billion tenge set aside for 1 million people this year. It's estimated that around 4.5 million people in Kazakhstan currently receive state social support, which equates to approximately one in five residents.
However, controversy arises as many believe that a significant portion of TSA recipients are capable of working but choose not to.
Olga: "A fifth (!) of Kazakhstanis receive state assistance. It's astonishing. And then we're annoyed when our taxes increase and the costs of living rise. We're support¬ing an army of idlers. Many of them could work, but it seems they prefer not to."
Fariida: "Idlers! Give them ApD, give them almost-free housing, erase their loans, give them early pensions!!!"
Digging Deeper
Official government sources and legal databases tracking recent legislation and orders provide the most accurate and detailed information about Order No.166 and its implications for the future of TSA in Kazakhstan. For in-depth insights on this specific order and its contents, it's advisable to consult these resources.
In the meantime, it's important to understand that TSA in Kazakhstan traditionally aims to help low-income families and vulnerable groups such as families with numerous children, disabled individuals, and recipients of state-targeted social assistance. In recent years, the country has implemented various social initiatives, including a credit amnesty and educational equality measures. Keep an eye on official government announcements or legal documents published by relevant ministries for current updates on social assistance policies and potential amendments to TSA programs.
If you're looking for specific details about Order No.166, it's recommended to explore official government websites or legal databases for Kazakhstan.
Under the new TSA system, finance and business aspects will be prioritized, with applicants' income, expenses, and bank transactions scrutinized to ensure aid is given only to those genuinely in need.
The revised application process will incorporate data from various government databases, including bank deposits, loans, and bank card expenses, as well as academic backgrounds and employment status for independents.
