Support measures are being introduced in Uzbekistan for low-income families aimed at covering expenses related to heating and utility services during the winter period. In November, these families will receive a one-time payment of one million sums, and the criteria for receiving compensation for electricity, gas, and coal payments will also be revised.
These steps have been implemented based on the president's decree and are intended to assist residents during the heating season. The one million sum payment is addressed to families listed in the Social Register, as well as those who meet the established requirements but are not yet included in this register. Factors such as the family's per capita income and housing conditions are taken into account when assessing eligibility.
Families whose average income per person does not exceed twice the minimum consumer expenditure (MCE), which is approximately 1.4 million sums, can receive this assistance. However, special rules apply to residents of apartment buildings with centralized heating: in Karakalpakstan and other regions, the average per capita income must not exceed twice the MCE, whereas in Tashkent, this threshold is increased to three times the MCE.
In exceptional cases, support may be provided to families with incomes above the established limits if it is decided by the district or city headquarters responsible for job creation and increasing the population's income level. Furthermore, assistance is provided for elderly people living alone, citizens with disabilities, individuals requiring care, and families raising orphans and children left without parental care.
The decree also provides for an increase in the maximum average income threshold at which families can expect various forms of social support. Regarding compensation for electricity and natural gas consumption, the threshold will be raised from 1.5 to two MCEs. When allocating funds for purchasing coal, this indicator will increase from one to two MCEs. A similar criterion applies to reimbursing utility payments and repaying debts through the 'Sahovat va Kumak' fund, as well as compensating fuel costs.
The deadlines for providing some types of assistance have also been extended. Compensation for the difference between tariffs within the basic norm of electricity and gas consumption and tariffs for excess consumption will be paid until April 1, 2028. Payments for partial reimbursement of coal purchase costs have been extended until the beginning of 2029. Previously, local authorities in Uzbekistan decided to increase the basic consumption norm for electricity for territories not connected to gas or experiencing gas supply interruptions, raising it from 200 to 350 kilowatt-hours per month.
