The number of social assistance recipients in Georgia has declined. According to data from the Social Service Agency, as of March 2026, the population living below the poverty line has decreased by nearly 6% compared to the same period last year.
Specifically, according to the agency, a total of 667,793 people were receiving assistance as of March 2026. During the same period last year, the number of recipients stood at 708,017.
According to the National Statistics Office (Geostat), Georgia’s current population is 3,704,500. Consequently, one in six Georgian residents receives a subsistence allowance.
The regional distribution of benefit recipients is as follows:
- Tbilisi — 147,948 people
- Kvemo Kartli — 107,587
- Imereti — 78,224
- Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti — 76,121
- AR Adjara (Autonomous Republic of Adjara) — 68,129
- Kakheti — 62,776
- Shida Kartli — 52,553
- Guria — 25,334
- Samtskhe-Javakheti — 19,225
- Mtskheta-Mtianeti — 17,515
- Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti — 12,381
The statistics also include individuals participating in the state employment program. If at least one family member participates in the “State Employment Promotion Program,” all family members listed in the declaration (including minors) retain their registration in the “Unified Database of Socially Vulnerable Families” and the right to receive benefits for a period of four years.
However, by government decision, employment programs are no longer included in the 2026 budget.
