The Armenian government has set aside AMD 10 billion ($20.2m) to pay service sector workers and individual entrepreneurs one-time cash payments to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus emergency.

The government, in a decision reached today, says the money will be used to assist private sector employees and individual entrepreneurs in the hotel and catering sector, retail food outlets, tourism, hairdressing and beauty salon services and retailers, with the exception of medicines, food, alcohol and tobacco.

Assistance amounts will be based on the average monthly salary of applicants for January and February 2020. Monthly payments will not be less than 68,000 drams and not more than 136,000 drams (double the minimum wage).

Citizens will apply for help through the www.online.ssa.am website. The site will immediately tell citizens whether they are eligible or not. If they are, the citizens will name the bank where they have an account and the money will be transferred to their account within 1-2 days.

Applicants must consent to have their personal information disclosed to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.