Pension benefits in Belarus higher than in other CIS member states

The pension benefits in Belarus are higher than in the other CIS member states, Minister of Statistics and Analysis Vladimir Zinovsky told a press conference on March 12. As of late 2007, the average monthly pension in Belarus was equal to $152.6, in Russia - $134.8, in Ukraine – 148.4. The pension programmes of the social security agencies cover up 2.4 million Belarusian citizens, 78.6% of whom get retirement pensions, 12.1% - disability pensions, 6.1% - loss of provider pensions, 2.1% - social pensions. “The aim of the state social policy is to provide able-bodied citizens with work and remuneration, while seniour and disabled citizens – with financial support and a decent living”, Vladimir Zinovsky said. He reminded that in September and November 2007, labour pensions were indexed following an increase in the average wages. In 2007, minimum labour and social pensions were indexed four times. In December 2007, the average monthly pension was equal to Br328.2 thousand, up 2.5 times in real terms from December 2000, and 5.4% from December 2006. The gap between pensions and salaries is being bridged: in 2007, the monthly pension accounted for 41.5% of the amount of the average wage, while in 2000, this ratio was 40.8%.