Main Changes
The proposed document provides for an increase in the guaranteed minimum income (GMI) from 1,000 to 1,500 soms, as well as a tightening of the eligibility criteria. "These measures will help more effectively support truly needy families and reduce the number of those receiving benefits without justification," the explanatory note states.In 2025, over 3.2 billion soms were allocated for payments under the "Үй-бүлөгө көмөк" program, benefiting more than 162,000 people. However, the high level of informal employment (over 63%) results in benefits often going to wealthy families, while those who genuinely need support remain without assistance.
According to the draft resolution, new strict requirements will be introduced to determine eligibility for the allowance:
- age of the vehicle - now only vehicles older than 15 years will be considered (previously - 20 years). If the vehicle is younger than 15 years, the allowance will not be provided;
- number of small livestock - it is allowed to have up to 5 heads per family member, instead of the previous 4. If there are more livestock, the family is considered well-off;
- real estate - families with two or more residential properties are excluded from the program, as the second property can be rented out and generate income;
- duration of payments - for families with able-bodied but unemployed members, the allowance will be paid for only 6 months instead of 12.
Additionally, the scoring of soil quality will be updated, which is taken into account when calculating income from land plots, and data exchange between government agencies will be improved through the "Тундук" system.
The Ministry of Labor emphasizes that the situation in the country has changed, and the guaranteed minimum income has not been revised since 2009, remaining at the level of 1,000 soms despite inflation, which has increased by almost 40%, and the growth of the minimum subsistence level for children by 65.5%.
"As a result, many poor families cannot receive benefits. Increasing the GMI to 1,500 soms and adjusting the criteria should address this issue and make the program fairer and more targeted. These changes are also part of the project 'Strengthening Social Assistance Programs and the Labor Market,' funded by the International Development Association ('World Bank')," the ministry added.
The main goal of these changes is to encourage people to seek employment, and the proposed measures aim for a more efficient use of budgetary funds and assistance to those families that truly need support.
