2,500 people lack passports to switch to non-cash pension payments

By March 5, all pensioners and beneficiaries are asked to choose a bank and obtain a bank card, to which their next pension or benefit will be transferred non-cash, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan announced at the government session.

“If this does not happen by March 5, we will do it automatically,” he added. According to Torosyan, 21,539 citizens still receive cash pensions and are independently choosing their preferred bank. After the automatic selection, cards will be delivered, but if a bank is automatically chosen, it will not be possible to change it until April 1.

Torosyan noted that some pensioners face obstacles in this reform, such as not having a valid passport, email address, or phone number. “We are working to ensure that no one is deprived of their pension on April 1,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan asked about the number of citizens without passports.

“We know by name and surname who lacks passports. Currently, 2,500 people fall into this category because they previously received cash pensions and did not need other services. Now this need has arisen. We have already addressed the issue for many, and staff are working to ensure no one loses their rights from April 1,” Torosyan explained.

The Minister expressed hope that by March 5, the number will decrease to 10,000. “There may be special cases, but they will still receive their pensions.”

Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan also confirmed that intensive work is underway. “We will resolve this issue,” she said.