Special Social Payments (SSV) for Kazakhstan's workers under hazardous conditions have begun to roll out, with over 14,000 applications submitted since January 1, 2024. So far, 13,423 citizens have received approvals for these payments as announced by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan.
The SSV program targets individuals who have spent significant time working under harmful conditions, recognized through more than 2,300 professions across 17 sectors of the economy. Under this initiative, which started earlier this year, eligible workers must be at least 55 years old and have made professional pension contributions to the Unified Accumulation Pension Fund (UAPF) for at least seven years.
According to Almaty.tv, 14,195 people initiated applications for SSV, indicating strong interest among Kazakhstan's workforce. The payments are expected to continue until the individuals reach retirement age, providing them with financial support as they transition away from dangerous jobs.
Of the applications processed, 394 were denied because they did not meet the basic eligibility requirements. The largest number of applications has been reported from Karaganda, Kostanay, and East Kazakhstan regions, which highlight areas with high industrial activity and hazardous working environments.
The SSV program is funded from two sources: the national budget and the Unified Accumulation Pension Fund. For assistance requested from the first two sources, 3,201 individuals applied and 3,087 were granted payment. Meanwhile, significant numbers—over 10,000—sought SSV via four sources, leading to 10,336 approvals according to reports from zakon.kz.
The average SSV amount awarded to successful applicants is over 208,000 tenge, though the exact amount varies based on individual pension contributions. This financial support is available to those who have left their jobs under hazardous conditions, and they now face the choice of either transitioning to lighter duties to continue earning, or resting until pension eligibility adds another layer of financial support.
Employers are obligated under the Social Code to contribute to the employees' pension funds, particularly for those engaged in occupations classified within the hazardous work list. This current structure ensures long-term provisions for workers who face health risks throughout their careers.
With January 2024 marking the operational date for the SSV, this shift aims to bolster support for those most affected by their working environments. It emphasizes the government's acknowledgment of the health risks associated with certain professions, primarily within mining and manufacturing sectors.
The government anticipates exploring additional measures and programs to assist workers exposed to hazardous conditions moving forward. With over 37,000 workers eligible for SSV this year, the initiative is aimed at ensuring these individuals receive what they’ve earned through their hard labor.
While the SSV program is providing much-needed financial relief to categorical workers, how it will impact future workforce regulations and employer responsibilities remains to be seen.
For those who have experienced chronic exposure to hazardous working conditions, the implementation of SSV signals not just immediate financial relief but also the recognition of their significant contributions to Kazakhstan's economy from sectors where worker safety has been historically overlooked.
Continual improvements to the payout process and guidelines will be necessary to maintain transparency as the program matures. With the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection overseeing these payments, updates and revisions are key to ensuring the program effectively meets workers' needs.
