Starting January 1, 2022, all pensions and benefits in Armenia's cities will be paid cashless

Pensions will be paid through a cashless system as the next phase of its implementation begins, affecting pensioners in all cities of Armenia except forYerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor. Starting January 1, 2022, pensions in all cities of Armenia will be paid exclusively through cashless methods via a bank or the national operator (Haypost).

Exceptions will be made for the following pensioners, who will be able to choose to receive their pensions either in cash or cashless:

• Individuals with 1st or 2nd group disabilities,
• Pensioners aged 75 and older,
• Pensioners aged 14 and older who are minors, and individuals receiving pensions by proxy.

Thus, all pensioners residing in cities who currently receive their pensions in cash and are not part of the exceptions can apply to any territorial center of the Unified Social Service, choosing an organization that pays pensions cashless (any bank or Haypost). The application deadline is December 30, 2021.

If a citizen chooses Haypost, they must sign a contract for the opening and replenishment of an Electronic Money Account with Haypost in advance, and submit the confirmation of the signed contract (which will be provided by Haypost) along with their application. If they choose a bank, no additional documents are required.

However, if a pensioner receiving their pension in cash does not apply to change their payment method by December 30, 2021, then in January 2022, pension payments in Armenian cities will be made using a programmed module, which will select a paying organization automatically. Within three working days, the pensioner will be notified about the selected organization through feedback via their mobile phone number or email address (if available).

This cashless payment order also applies to care benefits and pensions paid in accordance with the rules for old-age benefits, disability benefits, benefits for loss of a breadwinner, bonuses, and honorary payments. It is noteworthy that a similar system for the payment of pensions and benefits has already been implemented in Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor since July 1, 2021.