Armenia's Social Policy Response to COVID-19: Mitigating Expectations, Financial Stress, and Anxiety

Abstract

This paper examines the social policy response of the Government of Armenia to the COVID-19 crisis. Official data on the implemented programs suggest that since March 2020, around USD 55 million has been transferred to individuals and households as wage support, unemployment and family benefits, utility payment subsidies and tuition fee support. Survey data suggest that despite being early and extensive, government assistance has not been effective in relieving the financial stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, while public expectations about the future remain pessimistic. As individuals most and least in need have equally benefited from the implemented programs, government assistance has also not been well-targeted.