Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 8 May 2025, Presidential Decree “On Further Improvement of the State System of Social Support for Low-Income Families” was signed, introducing a new categorization system for families in need of assistance.

Starting from 15 May this year, families included in the Poverty Registry, as well as those at risk of falling into poverty, will be classified under a three-tier system: “red,” “yellow,” and “green” categories. Based on the assigned status, state social support measures will be tailored to meet each family's specific needs.

The “red” category includes families whose per capita income falls below the minimum consumer spending threshold and who meet at least one of the following criteria: the presence of a family member who is unable to work due to health reasons; a person requiring constant care, including children with disabilities; elderly or disabled individuals living alone and in need of assistance; families that have lost their breadwinner or have a breadwinner currently incarcerated.

The “yellow” category includes families whose income is also below the minimum consumer level, but whose members are able to work and can potentially earn an income independently.

The “green” category comprises families whose per capita income is between one and one and a half times the minimum consumer expenditure. These are families who have previously been reclassified from the “red” or “yellow” categories or are at risk of falling back into the Poverty Registry.

This new system aims to more accurately identify those in need and to ensure that targeted social support is distributed more effectively, based on each family’s unique circumstances.

According to the Presidential Decree, beginning 1 June 2025, benefits previously granted to families listed in the Unified Social Protection Registry will also apply to those included in the Poverty Registry. However, starting from 1 January 2026, such benefits will be provided exclusively to families officially registered in the Poverty Registry.

Families in the “yellow” category will receive a 50% discount on state fees, charges, and other payments for public services, while those in the “red” category will receive a 75% discount.

If low-income families transition from the “red” or “yellow” category into the “green” category, the state social support measures guaranteed by law will remain in effect for the next 12 months.

Families classified in the “red” category will also be eligible for support mechanisms that generate passive income.

Members of families listed in the Poverty Registry will be entitled to receive social services and assistance upon presentation of either proof of poverty status or a certificate confirming they belong to a recognized low-income household.

The decree also introduces new measures to support children and youth from low-income families, starting from 1 June 2025:

Female students from “red” category families who maintain excellent academic performance will receive a special scholarship equal to two base scholarships.

Starting from 1 September 2025, 15% of the total student capacity in extended-day groups at general education institutions will be reserved for children from low-income families. These students will be exempt from parental fees.

From 1 January 2026, the full cost of recreational and wellness programs for academically successful children from low-income families in camps operated by the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan will be covered by the state.

The National Agency for Social Protection of the Population has been designated as the authorized government body responsible for coordinating the provision of social services and assistance to families included in the Poverty Registry and the Unified Social Protection Registry.