To finance healthcare and social protection programs, the 2026 draft budget increases funding for the Ministry of Finance by more than 800 million GEL.
According to the draft, pensions will see a rise starting in 2026. Pensions for citizens aged 70 and above will increase by 45 GEL, reaching 495 GEL, while residents of mountainous settlements in the same age group will receive nearly 594 GEL. Pensions for those under 70 will rise by 20 GEL to 370 GEL, and to 444 GEL in mountainous areas.
The draft also provides for higher social assistance to people with disabilities. Monthly support for persons with disabilities under the age of 18 will rise by 45 GEL, while for other categories of persons with disabilities the increase will amount to 20 GEL.
In total, funding for social programs is projected at 7 billion GEL. Of this, over 2.1 billion GEL is earmarked for healthcare, including a 10% salary increase for primary healthcare staff. Additionally, 240 million GEL will be directed toward housing programs for internally displaced persons.
The government has already submitted the initial version of the 2026 budget to parliament.
