Pensioners Aged 90 and Above to Receive Supplement with Pension

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia has introduced a draft amendment to the "Law on State Pensions," which proposes reforms in several areas. The draft is currently open for public discussion, and once the results are summarized, it will be presented to the government before entering the National Assembly.

According to the proposed changes, individuals with first and second group disabilities, as well as pensioners aged 90 and over, will no longer be required to visit the bank every year. "Our reform concerns the fact that the provision requiring individuals to go to the bank once a year will be lifted for those with first and second group disabilities, as well as for those aged 90 and above," stated Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Davit Khachatryan, during a press conference, adding that identification will be conducted by social workers through home visits.

Additionally, the draft includes a provision for pensioners aged 90 and over to receive a supplement with their pension, the specifics of which are yet to be determined. When asked why the age was set at 90 rather than 80, the Deputy Minister noted that it was preferable to include a larger group, but they are proceeding in phases, targeting the most vulnerable citizens first.

“There are many issues for individuals aged 90 and above, related to medication, mobility, and more. We have approximately 11,000 pensioners who will be affected by this change. We will, of course, address those aged 80 and above, but as I mentioned, we are taking a phased approach. I should note that such a supplement has not been provided before. This can be considered a pilot initiative,” the official stated.