Disability benefits in Kazakhstan move to digital tenge
The government of Kazakhstan will launch a pilot project to use the digital tenge in the social sector. The new technology will be tested in the provision of technical rehabilitation equipment (TRE) for people with disabilities, according to a response to a parliamentary inquiry by Deputy Prime Minister Aida Balayeva.
Direct funding
In the first phase, the digital currency will be used in a limited segment — providing orthopedic footwear to eligible recipients. The primary objective of introducing the digital tenge in the social sector is to establish a system of direct, targeted funding.
Read also: Digital tenge to be used for utility network repairs.
The new arrangement will allow budget funds to be allocated to specific beneficiaries, eliminating the risk of misuse of funds and reducing the potential for fraudulent or fictitious transactions.
Technical preparations
Relevant ministries, in coordination with the National Bank of Kazakhstan, have approved a step-by-step implementation roadmap. A draft joint order, the payment algorithm and a registry of product categories eligible for purchase using the digital tenge are currently awaiting formal approval. At the same time, IT specialists are configuring smart contract parameters to enable automated transaction monitoring and control.
Testing and evaluation
Under the approved schedule, government agencies are expected to complete technical integration of their information systems with the National Bank’s platform by the end of September 2026. They will also configure core interaction scenarios and conduct the first closed testing of the new features.
The pilot project’s main phases will continue throughout the winter. A final assessment of the effectiveness of the digital tenge’s use in the social sector is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
