Armenia's New Digital Welfare System Creates Hurdles for the Vulnerable

Starting July 1, 2026, a newly introduced digital system in Armenia is already causing frustration among citizens. The mandatory requirement to use smartphones and the internet is often an insurmountable hurdle for the elderly. For days, people have been struggling to understand the new rules. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, led by Arsen Torosyan, has established new criteria for assessing vulnerability. Even if one assumes everyone has access to a computer, the Unified Social Centers—the state bodies responsible for processing welfare—no longer provide on-site customer service. While citizens desperately seek help, service employees refuse to intervene directly or assist in filling out the applications.

The government has only provided written guides, which initially seemed like a way to simplify the process. In reality, as sources indicate, this approach has spawned a market of

"shadow services,"

where desperate applicants pay third parties to fill out their forms. To even begin the process, citizens must first register on the

"social welfare portal"

and create a

"personal page."

When filling out the application, it is mandatory to list the details of all individuals

"actually residing"

in the household, along with providing separate email addresses for each person.

Paperwork and Technical Requirements

In the

"Vulnerability Assessment"

section of the online system, applicants are required to identify and link their utility account numbers from the following national providers:

• "Electric Networks of Armenia"

• "Gazprom Armenia"

• "Veolia Jur" (the national water operator)

Beyond the online registration, all family members who have reached the age of 18 must physically sign the original printed application. This document must then be submitted to a regional center within 3 working days to avoid automatic rejection.

A Severe Lack of Support

According to the official guide, the system's

"Information"

section offers the following advice for seeking help:

"For issues or support, you can approach the regional center of the Unified Social Service servicing your place of residence or call the 114 call center."

In practice, however, calls to the 114 hotline frequently go unanswered. This creates an additional dead end for vulnerable groups who are in dire need of state support.