Number of Kazakhstan residents set to receive Assistance for the Poor during Q4, 2020.
Planning Ahead: An Automatic Extension of Assistance for Kazakhstan's Vulnerable population
Staying a step ahead in the face of crises, the government of Kazakhstan has decided to extend support to more than 650,000 families without requiring them to visit any government institutions. This measure, designed to combat the spread of COVID-19, is set to take effect in the fourth quarter of the year, as reported by Almaty.tv citing alau.kz.
On September 25, the minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan penned the relevant order. This move aims to avoid large gatherings in rural administration offices and employment centers, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
At the application's inception, center officials verify the essential data in state agency databases. Assessment commissions evaluate applicants through messaging apps, eliminating the need for home visits. When applying for an extension, certain income types are disregarded.
Previously, social assistance recipients had their assistance extended during the second and third quarters due to the state of emergency and restrictive measures.
Noteworthy, social assistance is provided to citizens whose per capita income falls below 70% of the regional living wage. A grand total of over 760,000 citizens reap the benefits of this assistance.
In other news, free gasification of homes for low-income families in Almaty has been ongoing.
Making Targeted Social Assistance Easier and More Efficient
Targeted social assistance programs have been established to help specific population groups suffering from poverty or financial difficulties. These programs encompass cash benefits, food assistance, and tailored support to suit the needs of the targeted group.
Taking It Digital
Governments have gradually integrated digital systems to monitor recipients' eligibility, minimizing the need for physical visits to government offices. Digital extensions might include:
- Database Tracking: Regular monitoring of beneficiaries' socio-economic status via databases.
- Online Applications: A secure platform catering to applicants submitting necessary documents and officials reviewing them online.
- Automated Payment Systems: Direct deposits or mobile money transfers to deliver benefits.
** Addressing Challenges**
The implementation of an automatic extension system may face hurdles concerning data privacy, technological infrastructure, and accurate identification of those in need. Government sources or official announcements from the time period would provide specific details about the case in Kazakhstan during Q4 2021.
- The automatic extension of social assistance for Kazakhstanis, who are recipients of the financial aid, will be implemented in Q4 of 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
- To ensure efficient delivery of the extended assistance, the government of Kazakhstan will employ digital measures such as database tracking, online applications, and automated payment systems.
- Moving forward, it is crucial to address potential challenges in the automatic extension system, including data privacy, technological infrastructure, and accurate identification of those in need within the Kazakhstan context.
