In Kazakhstan, targeted social assistance (TSA) and other state support measures will now be assigned using artificial intelligence. The new system automatically analyzes applications based on data from state databases and pre-identifies recipients of payments, reports infohub.kz.
At a government meeting, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Askarbek Yertayev announced the implementation of a unified digital platform for social protection measures. This system will integrate the processes of assigning support and making payment decisions.
“Previously, a citizen had to apply to state bodies, collect supporting documents, and wait for their verification. Now, it is enough to submit a single application. The platform automatically obtains all necessary information from state information systems. After that, a decision is made and the payment is executed. Since June of this year, the platform has been put into commercial operation in all 20 regions of the country,” the minister noted.
In total, the system will be able to assign 13 different support measures, including disability benefits, assistance for treatment, medicines, payment for utilities and telephone, purchase of fuel, and other types of assistance.
Since August of this year, the system with AI will assist in assigning one-time state support measures from akimats, for example, payments for holidays and memorable dates. The system will identify potential recipients and generate a draft payment assignment. The final decision on payment will be made by the local executive body.
In September, it is planned to enable the submission of applications via eGov Mobile, and in October to introduce artificial intelligence for targeted assignment of state support measures based on citizens' needs.
The minister noted that AI is already actively used in assigning targeted social assistance (TSA).
“AI analyzes photo and video materials of the applicant's living conditions. Based on the analysis, recommendations are formed on whether a person needs targeted social assistance. This greatly facilitates the work of local commissions in the regions and reduces subjectivity in decision-making. When establishing a disability group, artificial intelligence analyzes medical data – anamneses and diagnoses. It forms a draft decision as an independent participant in the medical and social examination,” the minister of labor noted.
The minister noted that during automatic assignment of state assistance, the system itself determines recipients. It checks information and assigns payments without coordination with district and regional authorities.
The minister noted that the system has already processed 99,000 applications for targeted social assistance and 151,000 applications for disability. Since July, 12,000 benefits have been automatically assigned.
Earlier it was reported that in Almaty, the rules for providing social assistance were revised – some payments were canceled, and some benefits were increased.