In line with the reform programme of President  Mr. Ilham Aliyev, consistent and targeted measures to ensure social protection and employment of the population will continue next year as well.

Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev made this statement while presenting information on the 2027 draft budgets of the State Social Protection Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund at a joint meeting of the Milli Majlis Committees on Labour and Social Policy and on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship.

The Minister emphasised that, in accordance with the instruction given by the head of state at the 8th Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party, the necessary financial provision for the next, sixth social reform package aimed at increasing wages and social payments has been made in the 2027 state and consolidated budgets.

Anar Aliyev noted that the social orientation of the state and consolidated budgets would also be maintained in 2027. He stated that social expenditure in the 2027 state budget is projected to amount to 18.7 billion AZN, representing an increase of 1.6 billion AZN, or 9.2 per cent. The share of these expenditures in the state budget for the coming year is expected to rise to 44.2 per cent. Social protection and social security expenditure, as part of social expenditure in next year's state budget, is projected at 4 billion 914 million AZN.

The Minister stated that the 2027 draft state budget envisages a total allocation of 2 billion 200 million AZN for allowances, pensions and compensations. He noted that 470 million AZN is planned to be allocated next year for targeted state social assistance to support low-income families.

Providing information on the State Social Protection Fund's (SSPF) revenues and expenditures for the coming year, Anar Aliyev noted that the Fund's revenues for 2027 are projected at 9 billion 221 million AZN. This is 897.4 million AZN, or 10.8 per cent, higher than the approved revenues for 2026. The Fund's total expenditures for next year are projected at 9 billion 273 million AZN, which is 789.5 million AZN, or 9.3 per cent, higher than the SSPF's approved expenditures for 2026.

Noting that 96.5 per cent of the Fund's expenditures next year, or 8 billion 950 million AZN, will account for payments to the population, the Minister emphasised that this figure is 1.7 billion AZN higher than in 2025 and 753.6 million AZN higher than in 2026. He stated that, in 2027, 8 billion 669 million AZN of the SSPF's expenditures is projected to be allocated to pensions, while 280.6 million AZN will cover allowances paid through social insurance. The average monthly pension in the coming year is projected at 639 AZN, while the average old-age pension is expected to reach 680 AZN. The average monthly pension is projected to constitute 50 per cent of the average monthly wage next year, while the average old-age pension is expected to account for 53 per cent of the average monthly wage.

Anar Aliyev stated that 444,000 people are expected to be involved in active employment measures in 2027 through funds from the Unemployment Insurance Fund. The Minister noted that, of these, 173,000 people are projected to be provided with employment, 14,500 to be enrolled in the Self-Employment Programme, 18,500 to participate in vocational training, and 230,000 to receive career guidance and counselling services.

Next year, the Ministry will also continue its programmes for providing housing, vehicles and rehabilitation aids to eligible persons. To improve the housing and living conditions of families of martyrs and persons with disabilities established as a result of the war, 40 million AZN is planned to be allocated in 2027 for the purchase of 600 apartments. In addition, more than 30 million AZN is envisaged for providing vehicles to war veterans with disabilities who have relevant medical indications, as well as rehabilitation aids to persons with disabilities.