BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 20. Starting next
year, the eligibility criteria for social assistance in Azerbaijan
will increase from 270 to 285 manat ($158.8-$167.6), Azerbaijani MP
Vugar Bayramov shared in a post on his Facebook page, Trend reports.
This adjustment is significant as it will raise the monthly
amount of targeted social assistance and broaden access to the
program, he pointed out.
Bayramov noted that the increase in the eligibility threshold
would lead to higher social assistance payments for citizens under
the targeted social assistance program in the coming year.
“At the same time, more families will be able to apply for
targeted social assistance as the eligibility criteria expand.
For clarity: In a family of five, with an official monthly
income of 900 manat ($529.4), the eligibility threshold for this
year is calculated at 1,350 manat ($794.1) [5 people x 270 manat
($158.8)]. This means their total expenses are 1,350 manat
($794.1), while the family’s income is 900 manat ($529.4), leaving
a shortfall of 450 manat ($264.7). If the family qualifies for
targeted social assistance, they can receive 450 manat ($264.7) per
month under the program. However, starting next year, this amount
will increase. The eligibility threshold for this family will rise
to 1,425 manat ($838.2) [5 people x 285 manat ($167.6)], and as a
result, the family will receive 525 manat ($308.8) per month [1,425
manat ($838.2) – 900 manat ($529.4)].
On the other hand, starting 2025, it would be more practical to
abolish the need-based criteria and adopt the minimum subsistence
level as the sole standard for social assistance. At that time,
using the minimum subsistence level as the criterion for the
targeted social assistance program would be more appropriate,” the
publication reads.
