The subsistence minimum budget in Belarus has been increased by 6.4% since August

In Belarus, the subsistence minimum per capita and by major socio-demographic groups has been established in June 2015 prices on a monthly basis. This decision is contained in the Resolution of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection dated July 20, 2015, No. 45, which was published today on the National Legal Internet Portal, reports BELTA correspondent. BELTA.

The subsistence minimum per capita (SM) from August 1 to October 30 of the current year on a monthly basis amounts to Br1 million 569 thousand 130. The SM has increased by 6.4% compared to the standard that has been in effect from May 1 to July 31 of this year (Br1 million 474 thousand 870), with a 2.3% increase in the consumer price index for the same period.

The Resolution of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection establishes the subsistence minimum for major socio-demographic groups of the population: working-age population - Br1 million 719 thousand 890; pensioners - Br1 million 193 thousand 160; students - Br1 million 521 thousand 300; children under three years of age - Br1 million 1 thousand 40; children aged three to six - Br1 million 403 thousand 260; children aged six to eighteen - Br1 million 718 thousand 10.

As noted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, due to the change in the SM from August 1, minimum labour and social pensions will increase; supplements, increases to pensions and additional payments to people aged 75 and older; certain types of state benefits for families raising children, and other social payments calculated based on the SM will increase.

Also, from August 1, the poverty threshold for determining the right to state targeted social assistance (STSA) for citizens and families in difficult life situations will be increased. The monthly social benefit provided within the framework of STSA will be recalculated.

As explained by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the SM as a social standard is intended for analysing and forecasting the living standards of the population, providing state social assistance to low-income citizens (families), and substantiating minimum state social and labour guarantees.