New Insecurity Assessment Model to Be Implemented in Armenia
12.06.2026,
17:26
Starting July 1, a new insecurity assessment model will be introduced in all regions of Armenia and Yerevan, announced Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan.
YEREVAN, June 12. /ARKA/. Starting July 1, a new insecurity assessment model will be introduced in all regions of Armenia and Yerevan, announced Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan.
"This new system is aimed less at keeping people in the system than at guiding them out through employment, education, and other tools," Torosyan said at a government meeting.
The minister recalled that until now, the system had been piloted in only two regions—Kotayk and Syunik—and would be expanded to the entire country starting July 1.
According to him, the introduction of the new system will improve the standard of living of thousands of citizens.
Torosyan reported that in 2017, approximately 100,000 families were registered in the Paros system, and as of June 1, 2026, their number had decreased to approximately 46,000 families (a 54.1% or 2.2-fold decrease). According to the minister, this indicates an overall decline in poverty.
"Under the old system, the average benefit was only 29,000 drams, meaning it didn't provide families with significant financial support. Under the new system, the benefit amount is determined based on family needs, depending on family composition, the age of family members, the presence of disabilities, and other factors," the minister noted.
According to him, the average benefit in the Kotayk and Syunik regions is currently 86,870 drams, which could significantly improve the situation for families.
"We also have a maximum benefit amount, depending on family structure. Some families receive benefits of up to 280,000 drams," Torosyan emphasized.
About the new system
The new system for assessing insecurity was previously implemented on a pilot basis and was only available in the Kotayk and Syunik regions.
Instead of the current family benefits, a new insecurity benefit will be introduced. It will be provided to families whose average monthly income per family member is below the established threshold—the cost of the minimum food basket (34,581 drams for an adult).
If an adult family member has no income, the benefit amount will be 34,581 drams. The average benefit under the new system will increase to 49,330 drams.
Involvement of able-bodied citizens in the labor market or their employment will also be mandatory. An application for the benefit will also be considered as a job search application.
To encourage employment, family income for the 12 months following employment will not be taken into account when calculating the benefit, and payments will not immediately cease. At the same time, able-bodied but non-working family members will automatically be assigned an income equal to the minimum food basket.
Four levels of family poverty will be defined: extremely poor, moderately poor, moderately poor, and poor.
Depending on their category, families will be provided with various social service packages, including benefits, quarterly support, utility reimbursement, educational services, healthcare benefits, and other support measures.
Families recognized as extremely poor will be guaranteed a minimum income equal to the cost of the food basket. Families consisting exclusively of particularly vulnerable dependents will receive additional allowances.
"This new system is aimed less at keeping people in the system than at guiding them out through employment, education, and other tools," Torosyan said at a government meeting.
The minister recalled that until now, the system had been piloted in only two regions—Kotayk and Syunik—and would be expanded to the entire country starting July 1.
According to him, the introduction of the new system will improve the standard of living of thousands of citizens.
Torosyan reported that in 2017, approximately 100,000 families were registered in the Paros system, and as of June 1, 2026, their number had decreased to approximately 46,000 families (a 54.1% or 2.2-fold decrease). According to the minister, this indicates an overall decline in poverty.
"Under the old system, the average benefit was only 29,000 drams, meaning it didn't provide families with significant financial support. Under the new system, the benefit amount is determined based on family needs, depending on family composition, the age of family members, the presence of disabilities, and other factors," the minister noted.
According to him, the average benefit in the Kotayk and Syunik regions is currently 86,870 drams, which could significantly improve the situation for families.
"We also have a maximum benefit amount, depending on family structure. Some families receive benefits of up to 280,000 drams," Torosyan emphasized.
About the new system
The new system for assessing insecurity was previously implemented on a pilot basis and was only available in the Kotayk and Syunik regions.
Instead of the current family benefits, a new insecurity benefit will be introduced. It will be provided to families whose average monthly income per family member is below the established threshold—the cost of the minimum food basket (34,581 drams for an adult).
If an adult family member has no income, the benefit amount will be 34,581 drams. The average benefit under the new system will increase to 49,330 drams.
Involvement of able-bodied citizens in the labor market or their employment will also be mandatory. An application for the benefit will also be considered as a job search application.
To encourage employment, family income for the 12 months following employment will not be taken into account when calculating the benefit, and payments will not immediately cease. At the same time, able-bodied but non-working family members will automatically be assigned an income equal to the minimum food basket.
Four levels of family poverty will be defined: extremely poor, moderately poor, moderately poor, and poor.
Depending on their category, families will be provided with various social service packages, including benefits, quarterly support, utility reimbursement, educational services, healthcare benefits, and other support measures.
Families recognized as extremely poor will be guaranteed a minimum income equal to the cost of the food basket. Families consisting exclusively of particularly vulnerable dependents will receive additional allowances.
