Tokayev orders review of social aid, flags disability fraud

September 19, 2026 at 03:16 PM2 min

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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered a review of social assistance and tighter control over benefit allocation, citing possible abuse in disability status. He noted the number of people with disabilities in Kazakhstan exceeded 800,000 amid a population of about 20 million. The president also questioned the growing number of veterans of past conflicts receiving benefits.

Key Facts

Tokayev said the number of people with disabilities in Kazakhstan exceeded 800,000 amid a population of about 20 million.
The president ordered the government, together with the Kurultai and public representatives, to ensure social support is targeted.
Tokayev instructed the government to urgently establish domestic production of hearing aids, which are currently imported.
Free hot meals for all schoolchildren in grades 1–4 must provide 40% of daily calorie needs, with fast food and sugary drinks excluded.

Disability Status Concerns

Tokayev drew attention to possible abuses in disability determination, saying the number of people with disabilities in Kazakhstan exceeded 800,000 at a time when the population was about 20 million. He quoted Anton Chekhov's phrase 'This cannot be, because this cannot be never' to express disbelief that such a figure could occur in peaceful conditions. The president also questioned the provision of benefits to so-called veterans of catastrophes, wars, and conflicts of the past century, noting that 'veterans are strangely getting younger.'

Social Support Measures

Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan remains a social state and provides significant support, citing a three-year maternity leave with payments and job retention. He contrasted this with countries high in international rankings where young mothers must return to work soon after childbirth to keep their jobs. The president also mentioned the guaranteed volume of free medical care and the work of the 'Qazaqstan Halqyna' fund, which supports children with serious illnesses. He highlighted free hot meals for all schoolchildren in grades 1–4 regardless of family income, with meals required to provide 40% of daily calorie needs and excluding fast food, sugary drinks, and sausages.

Hearing Aid Production

Tokayev instructed the government to urgently establish domestic production of hearing aids, which are currently supplied from abroad. He stated that the state must provide assistance to those truly in need, calling this 'supremely fair.' The president tasked the government, together with the Kurultai and public representatives, to carry out work to ensure the targeting of social support.