The “National Fund for Children” programme is steadily moving from a high-profile initiative to a real financial tool for thousands of young people across Kazakhstan. As of January 1, 2026, the first comprehensive results show how citizens who have reached adulthood are already using their targeted savings, DKNews.kz reports.
Between February 1, 2024 and January 1, 2026, a total of 205,505 applications were processed. More than USD 31.61 million was transferred to authorised operators and subsequently credited to the bank accounts of citizens who had turned 18.
Housing clearly comes first
As expected, improving housing conditions remains the top priority. In total, 127,445 applications worth USD 19.69 million were executed for housing-related purposes.
The most popular sub-goal by far was topping up housing construction savings deposits for further accumulation. This option was chosen by 124,490 applicants, with a total amount of USD 19.27 million. In practice, many young Kazakhs are using their National Fund savings as seed capital for long-term home ownership plans.
Other housing-related uses were far less common:
- down payments on mortgage loans - 999 applications for USD 145,390;
- final settlement for home purchases under civil law transactions - 757 applications for USD 108,640.
Education ranks second
Education was the second most popular purpose, with 78,060 applications processed for a total of USD 11.92 million.
The leading option was payment for educational services at institutions located in Kazakhstan, either in instalments per academic period or as a one-off payment for the full duration of studies. This route was chosen by 71,025 applicants, accounting for USD 11.03 million.
In addition:
- education savings deposits were topped up through 4,933 applications worth USD 608,470;
- tuition at foreign educational institutions was paid for through 1,706 applications totalling USD 228,320.
Savings do not have to be spent at once
One of the key features of the programme is flexibility. Beneficiaries may use their targeted savings in full or in part. Any unused balance remains on the targeted savings account and can be applied to approved purposes later.
How targeted savings are formed
The programme covers all citizens of Kazakhstan under the age of 18 who are eligible for targeted claims. Each year, the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan submits a report to the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund detailing the total amount of targeted claims, the average investment return rate and the investment income accrued.
Based on this data, the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund:
- forms an electronic list of participants using the State Database of Individuals;
- calculates the amount of targeted claims and accrued investment income per child;
- keeps records of targeted claims, targeted savings and targeted assets in US dollars.
What comes next
Targeted claims for the 2025 reporting year, along with the related investment income, will be credited to participants no later than February 1, 2026.
By the same date, targeted savings will also be credited to the targeted savings accounts of Kazakh citizens born in 2008, who will reach the age of 18 in 2026.
More detailed information on payments by region and authorised operator is available on the official website of the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund.
The early results show that the “National Fund for Children” programme is no longer just a policy concept. For many young Kazakhs, it is already a tangible financial foundation - helping them invest in education, plan for housing and take their first confident steps into adult life.
