The Poverty Assessment System is Changing

The poverty assessment system, which has been in place for two decades, is undergoing changes. This was announced by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan during a government session.

The initiative stems from the government program for 2021-2026, which aims to reduce and eliminate extreme poverty by 2026. To achieve this goal, a new poverty assessment system is being introduced, with the first phase—a pilot program—set to be implemented in the Syunik and Kotayk regions.

Under the new system, a poverty benefit will replace family allowances and will be provided to families with a monthly income per household member below the value of a basic food basket. For 2025, this threshold has been set at 34,581 drams.

The average amount of the benefit under the new system will increase, rising from 33,000 drams to 49,330 drams.

For able-bodied individuals who are not employed, searching for work will become mandatory. If they find employment, their incomes will not be calculated in the benefit system for 12 months, and they will remain on the list of benefit recipients.

According to Mkrtchyan, a preliminary trial of the system's changes was conducted among 5,000 families, and the results fully aligned with the new framework.