Uzbekistan allocated UZS 14.13 trillion ($1.17bn) in social assistance payments in 2025, underscoring the government’s continued focus on supporting vulnerable groups amid economic reforms.
The bulk of the funding was directed toward low-income families, pensioners, people with disabilities, and households affected by rising energy costs. According to official data, UZS 4.2 trillion ($349mn) was paid in child benefits and financial aid for low-income families, while UZS 5.3 trillion ($442mn) was allocated to social allowances for citizens without sufficient work experience to qualify for pensions.
Support for children with disabilities also remained a priority, with UZS 2.04 trillion ($170mn) disbursed in benefits for children under 18. An additional UZS 773.6bn ($64mn) was allocated to caregivers of children requiring constant care, as well as to single elderly citizens and individuals with disabilities in need of assistance.
The state also paid UZS 496.4bn ($41mn) in one-off birth and funeral allowances. To cushion households from the impact of the gradual transition to market-based energy pricing, UZS 1.23 trillion ($102mn) was allocated for compensation payments and one-time financial support.
Notably, allocations included UZS 14.6bn ($1.2mn) in assistance for individuals released from correctional facilities and UZS 80.6bn ($6.7mn) for other social payments.
Officials noted that the funds were distributed in a targeted and efficient manner, aimed at ensuring stable incomes and a decent standard of living.
The London Post recently highlighted the effectiveness of Uzbekistan’s social reforms in reducing poverty. Since the launch of the “From Poverty to Prosperity” program in November 2024, over 600,000 families have accessed 1.3mn income- and employment-support services.
In the first nine months of 2025, the average monthly per capita income among registered families nearly doubled and about 73,000 previously income-less families now earn official wages. Notably, 150,000 families have successfully escaped poverty, 70% through formal employment.
On December 17, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to expand social support, including creating a new Social Registry to integrate existing databases and establishing territorial social service centers, with the first 20 planned to open in 2026–2027.
