What Support Will Border Communities Receive?

The social support program for border communities in Armenia has expanded to include 39 additional communities in the Syunik and Gegharkunik regions, joining the 38 communities previously included. Approximately 77,000 citizens will benefit from this social support. Out of these, 63,000 reside in the 38 communities of Ararat, Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Tavush that were previously included, while 14,000 will come from the newly added 39 communities in Syunik and Gegharkunik.

During a press conference at the Armenpress news agency, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs David Khachatryan stated that around 1 billion drams will be earmarked for social support programs throughout the year. Property tax for residents living in these specified areas (for relations that arose after January 1, 2021) will be reimbursed, and 50% of the bills for natural gas and electricity consumed after February 1, 2021, as well as irrigation water fees, will also be compensated. School textbooks will be provided free of charge to students living in border settlements.

“Additionally, the commission will assess the extent of damage to residential buildings caused by enemy actions and will propose compensation. We also have an additional support component related to disabilities incurred as a result of military operations. Citizens will receive assistance depending on the severity of the disability: 3 million drams for the first group, 2 million drams for the second group, and 1 million drams for the third. In cases of child disability, the amount will be 3 million drams. In the event of death caused by enemy action, the state will provide 5 million drams to the family as support,” Khachatryan noted.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the types of support presented at this stage will undergo thorough review, and new programs may be added. Furthermore, the focus will be on development programs for rural communities.