Some Russians will pay extra before the May holidays: who will receive and how much

No mass indexation of pensions is planned in April. But a number of categories of elderly Russians will not be left without additional payments this month. First of all, those pensioners who are related to the Great Patriotic War and, accordingly, to Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, can count on them. In addition, in Russia, on the eve of the May holidays, the pension calculation schedule will be adjusted. Senior citizens who receive money at the beginning of the month will this time receive it at the end of April. We are talking about those cases when the pension payment falls on a day that turns out to be a day off. Experts explained the specifics of the upcoming April payments to pensioners especially for MK.

First of all, pensioners related to Victory Day and the Second World War will receive additional payments. Moreover, in addition to the federal payment, the increase will be made at the regional level. The amounts and categories of recipients here differ among the subjects of the federation. For example, in Sevastopol, in accordance with the resolution of the local government, a one-time payment will be made to veterans. Also, the corresponding decision has already been made by the government of the Khabarovsk Territory. Basically, the size of such payments by region varies from 3 thousand to 10 thousand rubles.

But certain categories of veterans are provided with more significant amounts. Thus, 15 thousand rubles will be sent to Heroes of the Soviet Union, full holders of the Order of Glory, persons awarded four or more medals “For Courage”, people awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor for their work during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. Former minor prisoners of concentration camps, ghettos, and other places of forced detention can count on an amount of 15 thousand, spouses of deceased veterans – 7 thousand.

Those pensioners who have nothing to do with the Second World War can also count on receiving additional payments in April. And the point here is not about any past heroic merits, but only about the schedule for receiving pensions. It changes before the May holidays. Thus, senior citizens who receive money at the beginning of the month will receive it at the end of April. We are talking about those cases when the pension payment falls on a day that turns out to be a day off in early May.

Thus, many pension recipients will receive double payments in April. The pension for April will be issued at the beginning of the month, and for May at the end. If a person is also entitled to an additional payment for Victory Day, then he will also receive it earlier – before the May holidays.

MK asked experts – lawyers and economists – to evaluate the details of the upcoming payments.

Polina Gusyatnikova, senior managing partner of the law firm PG Partners:

“In April, some categories of pensioners will receive double payments. Those who receive their pension at the beginning of the month will receive it for May at the end of April. Thus, in April they will be paid immediately for the current month and for the next. In addition, by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 186 dated April 24, 2019, disabled people and participants of the Great Patriotic War, including citizens of the Russian Federation living in the territory of the Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian Republics, will receive an additional 10 thousand rubles. This money will also be paid at the end of April along with the current pension.”

Andrey Loboda, economist, director of communications at BitRiver:

“Additional payments to pensioners before the May holidays are a very important and expected measure of support from the state. It is no secret that many citizens in this category are just waiting for the holidays, largely not for the sake of weeding the beds, who have such an opportunity, but for the sake of receiving an increase in payments. Pensioners are the most socially vulnerable group of the population, which, unfortunately, despite all the efforts of the authorities, may experience financial difficulties due to lack of funds to live.

If we talk about measures of such support, then everything is very clear – such additional payments can significantly make the lives of pensioners easier, allowing them to purchase necessary goods and services that may not be available due to limited financial capabilities and which they need. It’s no secret that some older people even make plans specifically for these payments. If we talk about the amounts, they are quite significant, this is a good help, in fact, the 13th pension for someone. Veterans of the Second World War will receive especially significant support – which is more than justified, given their services to the country.”

Mark Goikhman, analyst at Capital Skills Financial Academy:

“Earlier payment of pensions is based on the “spoon for dinner” principle. It will help people use funds to prepare for the May holidays and to spend on traditional summer cottage work and recreation. It is important that the additional payment is made in addition to the monthly cash payments (MCB) for federal beneficiaries. These include, in particular, veterans and disabled people of the Second World War, Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of Socialist Labor. Thus, the recipients of these types of social benefits are in many cases the same. Of course, it is necessary to support these honored, worthy and very elderly people. It is significant that benefits are calculated both at the all-Russian and territorial levels. Regions will be added based on the different capabilities of local budgets.”