Pension increases planned in Armenia starting April 1
25.02.2026,
10:39
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced a pension increase starting April 1, 2026.
YEREVAN, February 25. /ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced a pension increase starting April 1, 2026.
"Relatively low pensions will increase by 10,000 drams, while relatively high ones will not increase significantly. Moreover, these calculations do not include cashback; the cashback system is a separate calculation," Pashinyan announced on his social media.
Speaking about why pensions are being increased now, the Prime Minister stated that economic growth in Armenia in 2025 was higher than expected, higher than the indicators projected by international organizations, which creates additional opportunities, and Armenian citizens should also see the results of this economic growth in their lives. "The universal health insurance system was introduced on January 1, and frankly, there was quite a bit of tension associated with it. There was an element of unpredictability regarding the extent to which our forecasts were in line and the extent to which budget allocations would meet current needs. Analysis for January and February showed that our forecast was nevertheless correct," Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister noted that pensioners themselves play a certain role in this decision, as, especially after the cashback system, they make more non-cash purchases, thereby contributing to the reduction of shadow economy in Armenia.
"We plan to fully implement steps to align the minimum pension with the minimum consumer basket, and the average pension with the consumer basket. The program will be completed by June 2026, thanks to citizens who work and pay taxes in accordance with the law," the Prime Minister concluded.
According to preliminary data, Armenia's GDP in 2025 will grow by 7.2% compared to 2024. It should be noted that the 2025 state budget envisages a 5.1% increase in eco-bonuses.
About cashback on benefits and pensions
Since July 1, 2022, a cashback program has been available in Armenia for pensioners and benefit recipients for cashless 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 has been increased to 20%. Payments are made until the 25th of the month following the reporting month.
"Relatively low pensions will increase by 10,000 drams, while relatively high ones will not increase significantly. Moreover, these calculations do not include cashback; the cashback system is a separate calculation," Pashinyan announced on his social media.
Speaking about why pensions are being increased now, the Prime Minister stated that economic growth in Armenia in 2025 was higher than expected, higher than the indicators projected by international organizations, which creates additional opportunities, and Armenian citizens should also see the results of this economic growth in their lives. "The universal health insurance system was introduced on January 1, and frankly, there was quite a bit of tension associated with it. There was an element of unpredictability regarding the extent to which our forecasts were in line and the extent to which budget allocations would meet current needs. Analysis for January and February showed that our forecast was nevertheless correct," Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister noted that pensioners themselves play a certain role in this decision, as, especially after the cashback system, they make more non-cash purchases, thereby contributing to the reduction of shadow economy in Armenia.
"We plan to fully implement steps to align the minimum pension with the minimum consumer basket, and the average pension with the consumer basket. The program will be completed by June 2026, thanks to citizens who work and pay taxes in accordance with the law," the Prime Minister concluded.
According to preliminary data, Armenia's GDP in 2025 will grow by 7.2% compared to 2024. It should be noted that the 2025 state budget envisages a 5.1% increase in eco-bonuses.
About cashback on benefits and pensions
Since July 1, 2022, a cashback program has been available in Armenia for pensioners and benefit recipients for cashless 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 has been increased to 20%. Payments are made until the 25th of the month following the reporting month.
