Minister Provides Details on How and By What Rate Pensions and Benefits Will Increase in Armenia
25.02.2026,
12:00
Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan explained how and by what rate pensions and benefits will increase for citizens.
YEREVAN, February 25. /ARKA/. Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan explained how and by what rate pensions and benefits will increase for citizens.
Previously, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced a pension increase effective April 1, 2026. Specifically, the Prime Minister stated that relatively low pensions will increase by 10,000 drams, while relatively high pensions will increase by a smaller amount.
"Our pensions are calculated using various formulas, in which the basic pension plays a key role, which currently stands at 24,000 drams. It will be increased to 34,000 drams," Torosyan announced on his Facebook page. According to him, all pensions currently calculated at 24,000 drams will now be calculated at 34,000 drams, increasing by 10,000 drams.
The minister announced that the minimum pension threshold will also be increased from the current 36,000 drams to 46,000 drams.
"This means that old-age benefits will also increase. This is the pension, so to speak, that is paid to citizens who do not have sufficient work experience; that is, pensions or old-age benefits below this level will not be paid," Torosyan noted.
Torosyan announced that disability benefits will also be increased by 10,000 drams for individuals with disabilities of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd groups, as well as for citizens with moderate, severe, and profound functional limitations. According to him, pensions for long-term military service will also be increased, but the formula is different, and in some cases the increase will vary, as there are two variables.
"The average increase will be approximately 8,000–8,500 drams, but in some cases it will exceed 10,000 drams—up to 15,000 drams—and in others it will be slightly lower, as these pensioners receive relatively high payments. On average, these pensions are around 100,000 drams," the minister noted.
Torosyan added that, starting April 1, virtually everyone will receive increased pensions. The changes will also affect other, smaller payments in the system, such as survivor's pensions and other similar social benefits. He stated that the cashback system, which continues to operate, could be added to this, allowing pensioners and benefit recipients to receive a 20% refund on non-cash purchases, up to a maximum of 10,000 drams.
"Therefore, every citizen can effectively increase their pension, in addition to this 10,000 drams increase, by up to another 10,000 drams, thereby stimulating a reduction in the shadow economy and increasing the state budget, which, in turn, will once again become a pension," the minister concluded.
About cashback on benefits and pensions
Since July 1, 2022, a cashback program has been in effect in Armenia for pensioners and benefit recipients on non-cash payments for purchases and utilities. By government decision, the program has been extended until December 31, 2026.
Initially, the cashback was 10% of the monthly amount spent (up to 5,000 drams per month), later increasing to 12% (up to 6,000 drams). Effective January 1, 2026, the cashback amount was increased to 20%. Payments are made by the 25th of the month following the reporting month.
Previously, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced a pension increase effective April 1, 2026. Specifically, the Prime Minister stated that relatively low pensions will increase by 10,000 drams, while relatively high pensions will increase by a smaller amount.
"Our pensions are calculated using various formulas, in which the basic pension plays a key role, which currently stands at 24,000 drams. It will be increased to 34,000 drams," Torosyan announced on his Facebook page. According to him, all pensions currently calculated at 24,000 drams will now be calculated at 34,000 drams, increasing by 10,000 drams.
The minister announced that the minimum pension threshold will also be increased from the current 36,000 drams to 46,000 drams.
"This means that old-age benefits will also increase. This is the pension, so to speak, that is paid to citizens who do not have sufficient work experience; that is, pensions or old-age benefits below this level will not be paid," Torosyan noted.
Torosyan announced that disability benefits will also be increased by 10,000 drams for individuals with disabilities of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd groups, as well as for citizens with moderate, severe, and profound functional limitations. According to him, pensions for long-term military service will also be increased, but the formula is different, and in some cases the increase will vary, as there are two variables.
"The average increase will be approximately 8,000–8,500 drams, but in some cases it will exceed 10,000 drams—up to 15,000 drams—and in others it will be slightly lower, as these pensioners receive relatively high payments. On average, these pensions are around 100,000 drams," the minister noted.
Torosyan added that, starting April 1, virtually everyone will receive increased pensions. The changes will also affect other, smaller payments in the system, such as survivor's pensions and other similar social benefits. He stated that the cashback system, which continues to operate, could be added to this, allowing pensioners and benefit recipients to receive a 20% refund on non-cash purchases, up to a maximum of 10,000 drams.
"Therefore, every citizen can effectively increase their pension, in addition to this 10,000 drams increase, by up to another 10,000 drams, thereby stimulating a reduction in the shadow economy and increasing the state budget, which, in turn, will once again become a pension," the minister concluded.
About cashback on benefits and pensions
Since July 1, 2022, a cashback program has been in effect in Armenia for pensioners and benefit recipients on non-cash payments for purchases and utilities. By government decision, the program has been extended until December 31, 2026.
Initially, the cashback was 10% of the monthly amount spent (up to 5,000 drams per month), later increasing to 12% (up to 6,000 drams). Effective January 1, 2026, the cashback amount was increased to 20%. Payments are made by the 25th of the month following the reporting month.
