Uzbekistan to Offer One-Time Utility Subsidy for Low-Income Families
Uzbekistan Government Provides One-Time Compensation to Help Low-Income Families Cover Winter Utility Costs
The National Agency for Social Protection in Uzbekistan has announced a one-time compensation of 270,000 UZS (approximately $22) to assist low-income families with covering electricity and gas costs during the winter heating season. This initiative will provide financial support to over 1.4 million families who are currently receiving child allowances or financial aid through the national social welfare system.
In an effort to alleviate the financial burden caused by rising utility tariffs, the government has allocated 370 billion UZS (around $30 million) to fund this program. The targeted recipients include registered low-income families identified by social service centers, mahalla associations, and local governments. The primary list consists of approximately 1.2 million families enrolled in the “Social Protection” registry for child benefits or material aid, with an additional 180,000 families in need also receiving the subsidy.
The subsidy, set at a uniform rate of 270,000 UZS, will be automatically transferred to eligible families’ welfare-linked cards without the need for additional application or registration. Families who are not on the primary registry, such as single parents, individuals with disabilities, and households that have lost a breadwinner, may also qualify for assistance under the supplementary list.
Additionally, eligible families have the option to apply for further subsidies if their utility consumption exceeds the social norm, which is capped at 200 kWh for electricity and 500 cubic meters for gas per month during the peak winter season. Any excess consumption within these limits will be compensated by covering the difference between the base tariff and the rate applied to additional usage. Families can request this additional assistance at the “Inson” social services center, with compensation reflecting actual usage in the following month.
For inquiries or consultations regarding the subsidy, individuals can contact the “Inson” social services center hotline at 1140. The government is also exploring additional support measures for low-income households to ensure they can meet their energy needs throughout the winter heating season.
