Uzbekistan to categorize poor families for targeted support

In Uzbekistan, a new system to categorize families in need has been introduced, aiming to provide tailored state social support. As per the Presidential Decree “On further improving the system of state social support for poor families,” adopted on May 8, 2023, families in the Register of Poor Families, as well as those at risk of being included, will now be divided into three categories: "red," "yellow," and "green." This system will come into effect from May 15, 2023.

The categorization is based on families’ average monthly income and their specific needs:

1. Red Category: Families whose average monthly income per member is less than the minimum consumption costs and meet one of the following criteria:

   - At least one family member is unable to work due to health conditions.
   - A member requires care, including children with disabilities.
   - A single person living alone, or a single elderly or disabled person in need of care.
   - A family that has lost a breadwinner or whose breadwinner is incarcerated.

2. Yellow Category: Families whose income per member is less than the minimum consumption costs but whose members are able to work due to health conditions.

3. Green Category: Families with an average monthly income between 1 and 1.5 times the minimum consumption costs per member and who meet one of the following:

   - The family has been previously classified in the red or yellow category.
   - The family is at a high risk of being added to the Register of Poor Families.

The decree also outlines measures to improve social support for these families. From June 1, 2025, families in the Register of Poor Families will be entitled to benefits as outlined by the law. Families in the "yellow" category will receive a 50% discount on state service fees, while families in the "red" category will receive a 75% discount. Furthermore, if a family moves from the "red" or "yellow" category to the "green" category, they will continue to receive state support for the next 12 months.

This new categorization system aims to address the specific needs of the most vulnerable families, ensuring that support is more accurately and efficiently distributed. Families in the red category will also be provided with passive income-generating support measures to help improve their financial stability.

The new measures are expected to significantly impact the welfare of poor families, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need and helping to improve their quality of life.