Myasnikovich thinks Belarusians can live on $120 a month

The new living wage has been set in Belarus.

The relative decision was taken by resolution No. 387 of the Council of Ministers on April 24, BelTA reports.

The average living wage per capita will be 1,212,470 Belarusian rubles for a period of May 1 to July 31 (against 1,128,000 rubles from February 1 to April 30). The living wage was raised 7.5%.

The living wage for working-age population is 1,357,440 rubles a month, for pensioners – 1,031,330 rubles, for children under 3 years – 1,027,090 rubles, for children from 3 to 6 years – 1,328,760 rubles, for children from 6 to 18 – 1,326,710 rubles, for students – 1,236,240 rubles.

The sizes of minimum employment and social pensions, as well as pension benefits for certain categories of pensioners, will rose in accordance with the 7.5% growth of the living wage. Certain allowances for families with children will grow respectively.

The living wage is reviewed by the government every quarter taking into account the prices effective in the last month of the current quarter. In accordance with the law “On the living wage in the Republic of Belarus” the living wage is used to make analyses and projections of the living standards of people, to determine allowances and benefits for low-income households (families) and substantiate the minimum state social and labor guarantees. The living wage is the minimum amount of goods and services needed to meet a person’s basic needs, including mandatory payments and fees.