Baku, September 3
A citizen in Azerbaijan who had been receiving targeted social assistance has been ordered to return payments issued two years ago.
The case became known after a social media post in which the recipient shared the official notification. According to the letter, the citizen is required to repay the funds within 10 working days.
The notification, issued by the Central Branch for Examining Household Conditions at the State Social Protection Fund under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, states:
“We inform you that in your targeted state social assistance, a discrepancy was identified (based on point 4 of the Rules on applying for, granting, issuing, and refusing targeted state social assistance, approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 37 of February 5, 2016, due to unconfirmed employment of a family member).
From January 1, 2023, to July 1, 2023, you received a total of 3,035.15 manats (about $1,785) in excess payments. You are required to return this sum to the fund’s account within 10 working days. Otherwise, measures will be taken in accordance with the law.”
The issue raised questions about whether the state can legally demand repayment of previously allocated social aid.
According to Oxu.az, lawyer Alimamed Nuriyev explained that Resolution No. 37 indeed regulates the provision of targeted social assistance, and that the Civil Code and the Code of Administrative Offenses also include provisions on repayment of state overpayments.
“When applying for social assistance, a citizen is required to provide accurate information on family composition, income, and employment. Payments made on the basis of false or incomplete information are subject to return. If a citizen deliberately concealed facts, then the state body can legally demand repayment, even through court,” Nuriyev said.
He added that if the recipient believes the notification is inaccurate — for example, if proof of employment had been submitted but was not considered — they have the right to appeal.
“Complaints can first be submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection or the State Social Protection Fund. If the issue is not resolved, the citizen may challenge the decision in administrative court. If the discrepancy is confirmed, repayment is required by law. But if the decision is unfounded, it can be overturned through legal remedies,” he noted.
