Deadline for Students Losing Breadwinner Benefit May Be Extended

The Health and Social Affairs Committee of the National Assembly today discussed a draft amendment to the Law on State Pensions of the Republic of Armenia. The draft, authored by Hayk Konjoryan and Narek Zeynalyan, proposes to extend the age limit for students studying full-time in universities who lose a breadwinner, raising the age from 23 to 26 for receiving a working pension and benefits.

According to Konjoryan, with the education system transitioning to a twelve-year model, some students have continued their studies past the age of 23 but have not received benefits due to a loophole in the law. The proposal suggests that the benefit be granted not until 23 years of age, but rather until 26.

“This has been calculated so that all students in higher education institutions, starting at age 18, including those who will undergo mandatory military service, can exercise their rights,” Konjoryan stated, adding that this law applies only when the citizen is still a student.

The draft was unanimously approved by the committee members.