Since October 2026, Kazakhstan has operated a digital service called "Voluntary Refusal of Social Benefits," and 729 citizens who are able to support themselves and their families have used it, the website infohub.kz reports.
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 729 people have voluntarily decided to give up the social benefits they were receiving since the service was launched.
"729 people have voluntarily decided to give up the social benefits they were receiving. This step reflects the principles of social responsibility and solidarity, in which citizens who are able to support themselves and their families consciously decline state support," the ministry said.
Changes to the state support system take effect in 2027: certain types of benefits will be provided on the basis of need, determined by an assessment of a family's level of social well-being. The Ministry of Labor specified that from January 1, 2027, the changes will affect 12 of the 36 types of social benefits, which will be assigned on a targeted basis and only to those who genuinely need them.
Kazakhs are not obliged to use the new service or to give up benefits assigned to them; it is an entirely voluntary decision by the citizen. Refusing benefits does not deprive a person of the ability to receive them in the future: if life circumstances change, the citizen can reapply for the relevant assistance, and the application will be considered on general grounds in accordance with the law.
The service is available in the eGov Mobile app and on the Electronic Government portal. It is accessible only to recipients of social payments and benefits; citizens who do not receive state support cannot access the service.
It was previously reported which Kazakhs will be classified into categories A (high level of well-being), B (well-off), C (income from 305,000), D (on the poverty line) and E (the most vulnerable category).