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.