IRI Armenia Poll Shows Almost a Quarter of Adults Receiving Social Assistance, Desire for More Spending on General Welfare Programs and Income Support

Yerevan, Armenia – A new nationwide poll in Armenia by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) shows that almost a quarter of adults are receiving social assistance, while majorities support additional spending on general welfare programs and income support.

When asked if they are receiving social assistance or benefits, 24% of Armenians said “yes.” Although, 77% of Armenians feel as if their household financial situation is “about average” or better.

The poll also found that strong majorities would like to see the government spend more money on social assistance programs. Ninety-five percent would like to see more funds allocated for pensions, while 91% want more funds for illness and disability benefits. Eighty-six percent think more money should go towards long-term services for elderly people.  

“Although a majority of people believe their financial situation is in line with the norm or better, it’s very clear that most Armenians believe the government should be investing more in social assistance programs.” said Stephen Nix, Regional Director for Eurasia at IRI. 

According to the survey, 58% of Armenians believe the government does not provide adequate income support for unemployment while 54% believe not enough is done to support people who need to leave work and care for elderly family members or family with a disability. However, 65% say adequate income support is provided when becoming a parent.  

“Our poll indicates that Armenians are satisfied with the level of social assistance available in some situations, while dissatisfied with others,” said Nix. “With this data now available, the government is well-positioned to fine-tune its social assistance programs in order to better meet the needs of citizens.”  

Methodology   

The survey was conducted on behalf of the International Republican Institute’s Center for Insights in Survey Research by Breavis (represented by IPSC LLC).  Data was collected through telephone interviews throughout Armenia between July 15 and July 27, 2022, via Random Digit Dialing (RDD). The sample consisted of 1,502 permanent residents of Armenia 18 and older with access to a mobile phone. The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 2.5 percentage points for the full sample. The response rate was 24%. 

The survey was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.