Social assistance for pensioners in Kazakhstan: what is eligible and how to get it?

To receive the most social assistance types, the pensioners must contact the employment and social programs units at their place of their residence with supporting documents (pensioner’s ID card, payment receipts and income statement).

In each specific case, the one needs to contact the relevant government agency (for example, a social security division, tax authorities, health facilities) or use the public service centers’ services.

Information about addresses and a list of required documents can be found on the official local authorities’ websites.

In capital city of Kazakhstan, Astana a number of social assistance types and services is provided to elderly people.

One-time cash payments for the Elderly Day (October 1st)

• The payment is 5 times monthly calculation index (МCI).

Sanatorium and resort treatment

• Sanatorium-resort treatment once every two years: for pensioners by age with payment of 20% of the cost of the voucher (except for persons with disabilities who are recommended to receive sanatorium-resort treatment services in accordance with an individual habilitation and rehabilitation program); for pensioners by age from among recipients of the minimum pension with payment of 15% of the cost of the voucher (except for persons with disabilities who are recommended to receive sanatorium-resort treatment services in accordance with an individual habilitation and rehabilitation program).
• To ensure ease of registration and transparency of the waiting list, spa treatment appointments are processed electronically via the website birge.astana.kz using an electronic digital signature (EDS). You can register yourself from the comfort of your home. Appointments are made according to the arrival schedule agreed upon by the spa resorts, for a specific number of beds.

Reimbursement of costs for gas boiler installation

• Compensation is up to 130 times МCI.

Housing assistance

• Provided if the pay-off for utilities exceeds 5 percent of the family income. It is noted that an average pay-off ranges from 7 to 40 thousand tenge per month.

Free public transport trip

• Available to all pensioners (except for trip by taxi).

Active Longevity Centers and Social Services Center “Shapagat”

• The centers provide cultural and leisure activities and quality care for elderly and people with special health needs. It is noted that in inpatient facilities and home care settings, over 800 elderly people are covered by special social services annually.

In Almaty, a number of social security measures is also provided for low-income pensioners.

Social assistance once every six months

• It amounts to 7 times МCI for pensioners with per capita income below 3 subsistence minimums.

One-time assistance in a difficult life situation

• In the amount of 20 times МCI for citizens with an average per capita income below 2 subsistence minimums.

Active Longevity Centers

• Active Longevity Centers have operated in Almaty city, where social, health, psychological, cultural and educational services are provided. Here, pensioners can practice yoga, exercise therapy, study foreign languages and computer literacy, participate in cultural events and receive medical consultations.

To qualify for these types of social assistance, you must submit an application to the Employment and Social Programs Department of the Almaty District Akim's Office (addresses are available on the website: www.gov.kz) at your place of permanent residence, along with the following documents:
1) an identity document;
2) information on the income of the individual (family members);
3) a certificate and/or document confirming the occurrence of a difficult life situation.