New social support initiatives for low-income households in Uzbekistan

Low-income families will receive state compensation for electricity and gas payments. This was reported by UzA.

As per the relevant presidential decree, from May 1, 2025, to April 1, 2027, families listed in the “Unified Social Protection Registry” information system—including those receiving child benefits and financial aid, as well as families considered low-income whose per capita income does not exceed 1.5 times the minimum consumption expense—will qualify for compensation. This includes:

• Electricity usage: Compensation will be provided for consumption exceeding the basic monthly limit of 150 kWh.
• Natural gas usage: During the heating season, compensation will apply for consumption above the basic limit of 250 cubic meters per month. For other times of the year, the limit is 150 cubic meters per month. The difference in cost between the basic limit and actual usage will be covered.

Additionally, during the heating season, low-income families will receive a one-time financial aid of 1 million UZS. For the 2025/2026 heating season, extra support will also be provided. In November, a one-time payment of 1 million UZS will be allocated to the following families:

• Those registered in the Unified Social Protection Registry.
• Families not listed in the registry but deemed in need of assistance based on the “mahalla yettiligi” (local council) recommendation.

The “mahalla yettiligi” will prioritize families for inclusion based on specific criteria, such as:

• Families who have lost a breadwinner.
• Families with members who are categorized as first- or second-group disabled persons.
• Families caring for children with disabilities.
• Households with individuals suffering from long-term illnesses.
• Elderly or disabled individuals living alone who require care.

Large households accommodating three or more families, and families residing in non-gas-supplied or non-centrally heated multi-story buildings.

The number of families added to the supplementary list must not exceed 40% of the total families already listed in the registry.