Belarus Introduces New Social Support Decree to Enhance Pension Benefits

Belarus President Lukashenko has signed decree No. 402, “On social support,” which aims to improve the lives of pensioners and citizens with disabilities.

Key Provisions of the Decree

The decree abolishes restrictions on the size of pensions for working pensioners, increasing the efficiency of the use of people of retirement age in the labor market.

A reduced insurance period of 5 years is established for mothers who have given birth to and raised 4 or more children.

Fathers of disabled children who raise and care for a child without the participation of the mother will receive additional guarantees for the appointment of an early pension, 5 years earlier than usual.

Enhanced Support for Disabled Children

Disabled children will receive an increased pension in the event of the death of one of their parents. The amount of the increase will depend on the extent of the child’s loss of health, ensuring they are compensated for the income they could have received during the parent’s lifetime.

Simplified Pension Application Process

The decree simplifies the procedure for collecting documents on earnings for calculating pensions and optimizes the timing of filing a pension application.

Convenient Pension Payment Options

Citizens with health conditions, living with a group I disabled person, or caring for a disabled child can receive their pension through the post office. This option is also available to all pensioners who pay for the service at their own expense.

The main provisions of the Decree will come into force on January 1, 2025.