ASTANA, September 6 – Sputnik. Starting in 2027, Kazakhstan plans to raise the minimum subsistence level. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

Based on this indicator, subsidized mortgages and rental apartments will be provided. Also, part of the rent for housing rented at the state's expense will be compensated.

What is the subsistence level

The minimum subsistence level is the minimum amount of money needed for one person. It can cover primary expenses such as food, clothing, transportation, and utility bills.

In Kazakhstan, state benefits and basic pensions are calculated based on the minimum subsistence level. It is also used as a key indicator in social support programs.

For example, Otbasy Bank issues 2% mortgages and rental housing taking into account the family's subsistence level. If a mortgage or rental housing is not available, one can rent housing that meets specific requirements. In that case, half of the rent is compensated by the state.

This year, the minimum subsistence level is set at 50,851 tenge. Next year, it is planned to increase it to 55,173 tenge.

Rental housing

Currently, citizens on the housing waiting list can move into rental housing provided by the akimat. However, there are strict limits on the average income of each family member over the last six months. It is calculated based on the subsistence level:

  • 01If the family has more than three members, the average income of each must not exceed 2 subsistence minimums (in 2026 – 101,702 tenge, in 2027 – 110,346 tenge);
  • 02If the family has no more than two members, the average income of each must not exceed 3.5 subsistence minimums (in 2026 – 177,978 tenge, in 2027 – 193,105 tenge).

The housing queue is managed by Otbasy Bank. According to the law, at least 70% of rental housing must be provided to war veterans and equivalent persons, people with disabilities of groups I and II, families with or raising disabled children, widows and mothers of large families, another 20% to orphans and children left without parental care. The rest is distributed among other needy people on the waiting list.

2% mortgage

Citizens on the housing waiting list can apply for a 2% mortgage from Otbasy Bank if they want to buy housing as their own property. Housing at an affordable price is offered by akimats. However, the income of the program participant must not exceed a certain level. It is also calculated based on the subsistence level.

"To participate in the program, it is necessary to confirm a total family income from labor or entrepreneurial activity over the last six months not exceeding 5 subsistence minimums per family member (in 2026 – 254,255 tenge, in 2027 – 275,865 tenge)," experts say.

Rent compensation

Today, there is also assistance such as subsidizing monthly payments for housing rented through Otbasy Bank. In this case, half of the rent can be compensated by the state. According to this, the total income of the applying family over the last 6 months must not exceed 1 times the legally established subsistence minimum per member (in 2026 – 254,255 tenge, in 2027 – 275,865 tenge).

For example, if a family of 5 rents a 60-square-meter apartment in Almaty for 200,000 tenge, 100,000 tenge of that is compensated by the state. This program is available to people with disabilities of groups I and II, orphans, families with children with disabilities, and large families on the housing waiting list.

There are also strict limits on the total area and cost of rented housing:

  • 01for a family of 1-3 people – no more than 40 square meters;
  • 02for a family of 4-5 people – no more than 60 square meters;
  • 03for a family of 6 or more people – no more than 80 square meters.

If the rented housing is larger, the difference is paid by the tenant.

Benefits for those on the housing waiting list

In Kazakhstan, not only the basic pension but also benefits are calculated based on the subsistence level. Therefore, next year, if the subsistence level rises, benefits for citizens on the housing waiting list will also increase.

Calculation of disability benefits for 2027:

  • 01Group I – 121,381 tenge;
  • 02Group II – 97,104 tenge;
  • 03Group III – 66,208 tenge.

Calculation of survivor benefits for 2027:

  • 01for one dependent – 50,759 tenge;
  • 02for two – 93,794 tenge;
  • 03for three – 124,139 tenge;
  • 04for four – 143,450 tenge;
  • 05for five – 151,726 tenge;
  • 06for six or more – 165,519 tenge.

And the benefit for caring for a disabled child and a group I disabled person will increase to 88,829 tenge.