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 and resort treatment is provided to pensioners by age once every two years. This year, this treatment is provided in the Public Government Economic Management Enterprise "Elderly, Persons with Disabilities and Children with Disabilities Rehabilitation Center", which is located on the Katarkol Lake shore "Shchuchinsk-Borovskoy resort area, in Taraz city “Ayisha-Bibi" and in Saryagash district "Zari".

Dental prosthetics services

• Provided once every two years. To receive free drugs or services, the one should contact a local outpatient facility with a doctor’s referral and provide a pensioner’s ID card.

Compensation of expenses for the purchase of solid fuel

• The amount of compensation is 16 times МCI per heating season for pensioners living in privately owned premises.

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.

Compensation of costs for installation of hot and cold water meters water supply and gas equipment installation and conduction

• The hot and cold water meters as well as water supply and gas equipment installation and conduction costs are compensated, if the average per capita income does not exceed 3 subsistence minimums.

Sanatorium and resort treatment

• Provided to pensioners by age, if the per capita income does not exceed 3 subsistence minimums, with a pay-off of 25 percent of the pension amount.

Housing assistance

• Reimbursement of utility costs if they exceed 5 percent of the family income.

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.