As of 2015 there were approximately 327,199 persons living with disabilities in Uzbekistan, accounting for 1.9 per cent of the total population. In order to provide income security for children with disabilities, the Government of Uzbekistan introduced a targeted monthly cash transfer in 1993 as part of a package of permanent disability benefits within the State pension scheme. The scheme is administered by the State Pension Fund under the Ministry of Finance.
All children with disabilities under the age of 16 who do not live in boarding schools or children's homes fully financed by the State, are eligible for the monthly unconditional and non-contributory cash transfer. In addition, those over the age of 16 with a pre-existing disability requiring constant care rendering them unable to work are also eligible for the cash transfer. Certification of disability is required to receive entitlements, which must be renewed every two years. Entitlements are provided at 100% of the minimum national pension payment, UZB97,325, or USD37 per month.
Uzbekistan’s unconditional cash transfer for children with disabilities is complemented by a national policy of equal accessibility to education for all children, inclusive of all disabilities, and further permanent disability benefits for persons with disabilities in other age groups. Together Uzbekistan's social transfers for persons with disabilities reach a total of more than 750,000 persons nationwide. Targeted schemes, such as Uzbekistan's cash transfer for children with disabilities represent a fundamental step in moving toward a national social protection floor that guarantees income security for all, including children with disabilities.
Further Reading:
- UNICEF (2014), Uzbekistan Country Profile. Accessed from: http://www.unicef.org/ceecis/UZ_Country_profile_eng_29July_FINAL_proofed.pdf on February 18 2016.