What exactly is being proposed?
The proposed document plans to increase the guaranteed minimum income (GMI) from 1,000 to 1,500 soms, as well as tighten the criteria for neediness. This change is intended to ensure that assistance reaches only truly needy families and to reduce the number of those receiving benefits without justification, as stated in the rationale.In 2025, over 3.2 billion soms were allocated for payments under the "Үй-бүлөгө көмөк" program, with more than 162,000 people receiving benefits. However, due to a high share of informal employment exceeding 63%, benefits often go to families that do not need assistance, while those who genuinely require support remain without help.
According to the draft resolution, new, stricter requirements will be introduced to determine eligibility for benefits:
- age of the vehicle - only vehicles older than 15 years will be considered (previously it was 20 years). If the vehicle is younger than 15 years, the benefit will not be provided;
- number of small livestock - increased from 4 to 5 heads per family member. Having more livestock will be regarded as a sign of affluence;
- real estate - families owning two or more residential properties will be excluded from the program, as the second property is often rented out and generates income;
- duration of payment - for families with able-bodied but unemployed members, the benefit will be paid for only 6 months instead of 12.
It is also planned to update the soil credit scores used to calculate income from land holdings and improve data exchange between government agencies through the "Тундук" system.
The Ministry of Labor emphasizes that changes have occurred in the country, and the guaranteed minimum income has not been revised since 2009, remaining at 1,000 soms despite inflation rising by almost 40% and the minimum subsistence level for children increasing by 65.5%.
"As a result, many needy families cannot receive benefits. Increasing the GMI to 1,500 soms and revising the criteria should help rectify this situation and make the program fairer and more targeted. These changes are also part of the project 'Strengthening Social Assistance and Labor Market Programs,' funded by the International Development Association (World Bank)," the ministry added.
The goal of these changes is to motivate citizens to seek employment, and the proposed measures aim for more efficient use of budgetary funds and assistance specifically to those families that truly need support.
