Social protection of the population is one of the key priorities of Kazakhstan’s state policy.
The draft budget of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2025–2027 includes significant expenditures for the «Social Welfare and Social Security» functional group, aimed at supporting vulnerable segments of the population, paying pensions and benefits.
In this article, we will examine how social payments will change, which categories of citizens will receive support, and what impact this will have on the well-being of Kazakhstani citizens.
Social Expenditures: Dynamics and Trends
The following amounts are planned for social welfare and social security for 2025–2027:
- 2025: 6,108,396,231 thousand tenge,
- 2026: 6,765,295,760 thousand tenge,
- 2027: 7,385,540,751 thousand tenge.
The increase in budget allocations for the social sector reflects the state’s efforts to support those in need. These funds will be directed to implementing social protection programs, including pensions, social benefits, subsidizing mandatory pension contributions, and providing targeted social assistance.
Pension Payments: Growth in Average Pension Size
One of the key areas of expenditure is the provision of pension payments, reflecting the state’s policy to support the elderly population.
During 2025–2027, the average pension size will gradually increase:
- 2025: 96,562 tenge,
- 2026: 103,376 tenge,
- 2027: 110,185 tenge.
Additionally, in accordance with the President’s instructions starting from 2023 the phased increase of basic pension payments is being implemented.
By 2027, the minimum basic pension will reach 70%, and the maximum will reach 120% of the subsistence minimum:
- 2025: minimum basic pension – 70% of the subsistence minimum, maximum – 110%,
- 2026: minimum basic pension – 70% of the subsistence minimum, maximum – 118%,
- 2027: minimum basic pension – 70% of the subsistence minimum, maximum – 120%.
During this period, the average size of the basic pension will also increase:
- 2025: 47,700 tenge,
- 2026: 52,162 tenge,
- 2027: 55,145 tenge.
This increase in pensions is aimed at raising the standard of living for the elderly and ensuring they have sufficient income for a dignified retirement.
Social Benefits: Supporting Vulnerable Categories of Citizens
Social benefits occupy an important place in the budget, aimed at supporting the most vulnerable categories of citizens.
State benefits will be provided to the following categories:
- Families with children: Benefits for large and low-income families, as well as payments for child care.
- Individuals with disabilities: Benefits providing necessary support to people with disabilities.
- Those who have lost a breadwinner: Benefits for families who have lost their primary breadwinner, aimed at supporting their income.
- Veterans of the Great Patriotic War and persons equated to them: Special benefits and privileges for war veterans and persons with special merits to the country.
- Individuals working in harmful and dangerous conditions: Special benefits for those employed in hazardous and dangerous industries.
- Victims of nuclear tests and other categories: Benefits for citizens affected by nuclear tests and other categories in need of special support.
These payments will help ensure a minimum level of income for those who cannot cope with life’s challenges on their own.
Subsidizing Pension Contributions: Supporting Young Parents
Another important area of social welfare is the subsidization of mandatory pension contributions for recipients of social benefits in case of income loss due to child care up to the age of one and a half years. This measure is intended to preserve the pension rights of young parents, allowing them to continue accumulating pension funds during the period of child care.
Targeted Social welfare: Supporting Those Most in Need
State Targeted Social Welfare (TSA) remains an important tool for supporting low-income citizens. TSA is provided based on an assessment of need, allowing assistance to be directed specifically to those who need it most. This helps maintain the income levels of the most vulnerable segments of the population and improve their living conditions.
Conclusion
The budget expenditures on social welfare and social security in Kazakhstan for 2025–2027 demonstrate the state’s commitment to increasing the level of social protection for its citizens. The gradual increase in pensions and benefits, along with expanded support measures for families with children, people with disabilities, and other categories, will help create a more sustainable social protection system. However, the successful implementation of these measures will require effective management, proper use of funds, and continuous improvement of social policy.
Lina Egel kyzy
expert at Economy.kz portal
