Cambodia Allocates Nearly $800 Million for Social Protection System to Improve Citizen Welfare

The Cambodian government plans to allocate approximately $800 million (around 790 billion Riel) to its social protection system in 2026, aiming to enhance citizen welfare and improve their living standards. This represents a significant step towards expanding the country's social protection coverage and benefits. Since 2017, the government has focused on developing its social protection system by expanding existing national social assistance programs and social security schemes, as well as introducing new ones. As of the third quarter of 2026, the social protection system and health coverage are expected to benefit approximately 8.5 million citizens, nearly 50% of the total population. This is a substantial increase from the approximately 6.5 million beneficiaries at the beginning of the 7th legislature. Specifically, the National Social Assistance Program is allocated approximately $282 million (around 1,130.1 billion Riel) for 2026 to cover around 5 million target citizens, including the Health Equity Fund. Meanwhile, the Social Security Scheme covers over 3.5 million citizens. In 2026, the government will allocate approximately $487 million (around 1,900 billion Riel) to the social security schemes, in addition to contributions from members. The three main pillars of the social security scheme are: 1) health care, 2) work-related risks, and 3) pensions. Furthermore, special social assistance programs and interventions are implemented to stabilize the livelihoods of citizens affected by crises and disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures, severe floods, and border wars. The government remains prepared to implement necessary interventions to maintain citizen welfare during future crises and emergencies. The 7th legislature has continued to prioritize improving citizen welfare and living standards, developing human capital, and reducing poverty, with the long-term vision of transforming Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050.