Labor vice minister questioned over adequacy of minimum pension

Tengrinews.kz - Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection Viktoriya Shegai was asked whether she considers the minimum pension in Kazakhstan sufficient to cover basic living expenses.
She explained that the minimum pension for citizens with work experience prior to 1998 is currently 62,700 tenge, referring to the minimum solidarity pension.

“If we’re talking about the basic minimum pension, it is provided to all citizens, including those without employment history. Its amount equals 70 percent of the subsistence minimum, or 32,300 tenge. Kazakhstan has a multi-tier pension system, and budget-funded pension payments are only one component of the total pension,” Shegai said during a government briefing.

When asked directly whether this amount is enough to meet everyday needs such as food, utilities, and transport, Shegai responded:

“In terms of adequacy, pensions are always tied to the employment income a person received before retirement. Within my area of responsibility, I’ve provided the current pension amounts. But ultimately, it depends on the individual and the region where they live,” she said.

Previously, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection revealed the average pension in Kazakhstan as of May 1, 2025.