Key issues regarding UAPF

1)  Who is entitled to receive scheduled pension benefits from the UAPF?

In accordance with the Social Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, monthly pension benefits derived from mandatory pension contributions and/or mandatory occupational pension contributions (hereinafter referred to as MOPC) are made from the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund (UAPF) to individuals with pension savings in the UAPF who meet the following criteria:

• They have reached the retirement age (63 years for men; 61 years for women—with the age for women increasing by 6 months annually, starting from 2028, until it reaches 63 years in 2031).

• They have reached the age of 55 and have had mandatory occupational pension contributions paid on their behalf for a total of at least 84 calendar months by the time they apply for pension benefits, provided they have ceased employment in hazardous working conditions (in roles specified in the list of industries, jobs, and professions approved by the authorized state body).
• They have been granted a Group 1 or Group 2 disability status on an indefinite basis.

Pension benefits derived from voluntary pension contributions may begin before the standard retirement age—specifically, from the age of 50. Furthermore, such benefits are available to individuals with disabilities, regardless of the disability group or the duration for which the disability status has been assigned. In these cases, the payment schedule is determined by the contributor themselves.  

2)  How scheduled benefits are calculated? 

Scheduled benefits are calculated as follows: for the first year of receiving benefits, the total amount of pension savings is multiplied by a payout rate of 6.5% and then divided by 12. In subsequent years, the monthly pension benefit amount is increased by an indexation rate of 5%. Furthermore, the monthly pension benefit from the UAPF (Unified Accumulative Pension Fund) must be at least 70% of the subsistence minimum (hereinafter referred to as the "SM") established for the relevant fiscal year by the Law on the Republican Budget.

For certain categories of beneficiaries—specifically, individuals with a Group 1 or 2 disability (assigned on an indefinite basis) and those who have worked in hazardous or dangerous occupations—the Methodology provides for adjustment coefficients that increase the monthly pension benefit amount, provided that their savings include at least 60 months of MOPC. If an individual meets more than one of these criteria, the adjustment coefficient with the highest value is applied.

When calculating and issuing pension benefits to individuals who have reached the age of 55 and for whom MOPC have been paid for a total of at least 84 months:

• the requirement that the pension benefit must be at least 70% of the SM does not apply;

• the adjustment coefficients do not apply;
• any remaining balance in an individual pension savings account that is less than 70% of the SM cannot be paid out in addition to the regular monthly pension benefit.

 It should be noted that pension benefits from the UAPF are paid until the pension savings are exhausted.

If, as of the date of a payment from the UAPF, the total amount of pension savings does not exceed twelve times the minimum pension—as established by the law on the republican budget for the relevant fiscal year—the benefit is paid as a single lump sum.

3) Where and when should one apply for the payout of pension savings from the UAPF upon reaching retirement age?

To receive pension benefits from the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund based on mandatory pension contributions upon reaching retirement age, as well as to obtain the basic and PAYG pensions from the state budget, individuals must submit an application in a timely manner to the "Government for Citizens" State Corporation (Public Service Center — PSC) at their place of residence. This may be done up to 10 days before reaching retirement age. All types of age-based pension benefits commence from the date of application. The date of application is defined as the day the application and required documents are registered at the PSC, provided the individual has already reached retirement age; if the application is submitted earlier, the date of reaching retirement age is considered the date of application. Timely submission is particularly important for receiving state-funded pension benefits, which require a verification of the individual's employment history based on the documents provided. State-funded pension benefits are made for life, while benefits from the UAPF continue until the individual's pension savings are exhausted.

Please note that individuals who have reached the age of fifty or who have a disability may apply to the UAPF to receive benefits derived from voluntary pension contributions (VPCs). Such applications can be submitted via the user's personal account on the UAPF website, through the UAPF mobile app, or in person at a UAPF office.

4) In what cases are pension benefits funded by voluntary pension contributions granted automatically?

In accordance with amendments to the Social Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan—which provide for the disbursement of pension benefits funded by Voluntary Pension Contributions (VPC) according to the procedures and terms defined in the VPC-based pension provision agreement and the pension rules of UAPF—a proactive (application-free) procedure for VPC-based pension benefits will be introduced starting in March 2026. This applies to individuals who have reached retirement age and hold VPC-based pension savings in the UAPF, but who have not previously applied to the UAPF for such benefits (e.g., upon reaching the age of 50 or due to a disability).

The proactive procedure for VPC-based pension benefits (where applicable) entails:

• The automatic authorization of VPC-based pension benefits by the UAPF when an individual submits an application to the State Corporation—following established procedures—to receive a state-funded pension and/or MPC- or MOPC-based benefits upon reaching retirement age.

• The disbursement of VPC-based funds as part of a proactive service, based on an annual reconciliation with the State Corporation to verify whether the individuals in question are already receiving age-based state pensions and/or the state basic pension benefit, as recorded in the information system of the authorized body for social protection.

5) Where should one apply to receive a payout of pension savings in the event of being granted a permanent disability status (Group 1 or 2)?

To claim a pension benefit due to being granted a permanent disability status (Group I or II), you must contact a UAPF branch, or use your personal account on the UAPF website (enpf.kz) or the UAPF mobile app, authenticated with an electronic digital signature.

Please note that the UAPF offers on-site service for individuals with a permanent Group I or II disability. This process includes an initial consultation to determine whether the required services can be provided remotely, without the need for an in-person visit.           

6) Where can I find the list of documents required to apply for pension benefits from the UAPF?

The website enpf.kz, under the "Services – Pension Benefits" section, provides a list of required documents—varying based on the type of pension benefit and the submission method—along with formatting requirements, application forms, sample completed forms, and a template for a power of attorney. Additionally, the "Online Services" section offers a tool for the preliminary review of documents intended for UAPF pension benefits (the service is titled "Preliminary Review of Pension Benefit Documents": https://www.enpf.kz/ru/elektronnye-servisy/checkdoc.php).