Russia Proposes 13th Pension Payment for Elderly in December
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the welfare of senior citizens, the State Duma of Russia has proposed the payment of a 13th pension to all elderly individuals receiving old-age insurance pensions. This initiative, spearheaded by Sergei Mironov, the head of the "A Just Russia - For Truth" faction, is seen as a step towards restoring social justice for those who have dedicated their lives to the country's development.
Mironov addressed Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, citing a notable increase in revenues from mandatory pension insurance, which are expected to reach 10.537 trillion rubles this year, marking an 11.4% growth. Furthermore, the Federal Tax Service reported a staggering 32.4% increase in insurance contributions from January to July 2024. Mironov emphasized that the current pension levels are significantly lower than average salaries, stating, "the average pension is now four times lower than the average salary," which he deemed "absolutely wrong."
The proposed 13th pension is anticipated to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by the elderly, many of whom have struggled with rising costs of living. Mironov underscored that this payment would contribute to social justice for individuals who have worked tirelessly for the nation.
Additionally, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov announced plans to index pensions to the inflation rate starting January 1, 2025. This decision aligns with President Vladimir Putin's earlier commitment to resume pension increases for working Russians, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need for financial support for the elderly.
Svetlana Bessarab, a member of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy, and Veterans' Affairs, reinforced the importance of aligning pension increases with inflation, stating that a 7.3% increase is necessary to ensure pensioners are not left behind as living costs rise. "The state is obliged to do this. This is not a right; it is the state's duty to support those who cannot earn an income on their own," she asserted.
In addition to these measures, military pensions were indexed by 5.1% on October 1, impacting approximately 2.8 million individuals, including military personnel and law enforcement retirees. Furthermore, salaries for federal government employees have also seen a 5.1% increase, benefiting various sectors including healthcare and education. The upcoming measures reflect a broader commitment by the Russian government to improve the financial security of its elderly population.
