The Armenian government on Thursday approved the allocation of 40.8 billion drams to finance pensions and social payments in the fourth quarter of 2026, according to ARKA.
The funding will in part be used for cashback payments to pensioners for cashless transactions, as well as for other measures set out by government decisions.
The explanatory note to the decision says the additional financing need is mainly driven by higher pension and benefit amounts.
Armenia’s cashback program for pensioners and benefit recipients has been in effect since July 1, 2022. The government has extended it through December 31, 2026.
The cashback initially amounted to 10% of monthly spending, capped at 5,000 drams. It was later increased to 12%, capped at 6,000 drams. Since January 1, 2026, the refund has stood at 20% of cashless spending, capped at 10,000 drams per month. The funds are transferred by the 25th day of the following month.
