The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred in 1986, was one of the largest industrial accidents in the entire history of civilization. As a result of the release of radioactive particles into the environment, vast and fairly densely populated areas of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine have become dangerous for living and conducting any activity.
Despite the fact that the Chernobyl accident occurred more than 30 years ago, the damage caused to the environment will remain a reminder of it for centuries. Radiation has an extremely adverse effect on the human body, causing many diseases, including cancer, and, as a consequence, premature death.
In this regard, the population found and living in the territories that suffered the greatest damage from the accident are provided with various benefits and preferences, including the right to receive preferential pensions.
Retirement for residents of the Chernobyl zone
The above persons have the same pension rights as other citizens of the Russian Federation. The procedure for going on vacation is also no different for them, and in order to receive pension benefits, you must have sufficient insurance experience and IPC.
At the same time
, the main benefit provided to Chernobyl victims is early retirement.
In other words, periods of living and working in a radiation-affected area are counted as preferential length of service.
The age at which a resident of the Chernobyl zone will go on vacation depends on the type of radioactive damage area he lives in. The legislation provides for 4 such territories
Exclusion Zone
The Bryansk region suffered the most from the Chernobyl accident on the territory of modern Russia, some of the settlements of which fell into the exclusion zone. Staying and living in it is prohibited. Staying in a given area before evacuation gives you the right to apply for pension payments 10 years earlier than everyone else.
Relocation zone
Living in this territory also carries significant health risks, however, the resettlement of residents of these areas to a safe area occurred, as a rule, with their consent. Geographically, on the territory of the Russian Federation it also falls on part of the Bryansk region. Living at the time of the disaster reduces the corresponding age by 3 years, and each year spent there further reduces it by another six months.
Zone with the right to resettle
Geographically, this is a fairly vast territory, covering significant areas in the Bryansk, Kaluga, Tula and Oryol regions. The level of radioactive contamination there does not pose a significant threat to human life. Living in this zone reduces the age by 2 years and an additional 1 year, but subject to a three-year stay. The total reduction is no more than 5 years.
Zone with preferential status
Geographically, the zone includes vast territories of individual areas of the regions of Central Russia, the Black Earth Region and the Middle Volga region. Pollution indicators there, as a rule, rarely exceed the maximum permissible concentration, but constant measurements of background radiation are required. The maximum number of years by which the retirement age in this zone is reduced is 3 years.
Reference! A complete list of settlements belonging to a particular zone is determined by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated October 8, 2015 No. 1074. You can familiarize yourself with the regulatory act in any open source, including on the Internet.
How are pensions assigned to Chernobyl victims in Russia?
The right to receive a pension applies to both direct participants in the liquidation of the disaster, as well as to local residents (living there at the time of the explosion), representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and volunteers.
The purpose of early granting of a pension by the state is to compensate citizens for damage to their health caused by the damaging factors they have suffered. It is this criterion that is decisive for making a positive decision on the appointment.
In Russia, pensions for men begin at 60 years old, for women - at 55. If a citizen’s right to receive an early pension is recognized as having affected the designated tragic events, then the following conditions must be met:
- pension coefficient – from 30;
- size of confirmed experience – from 5 years;
- The retirement age for men is 50 years, for women – 45 years.
For Chernobyl victims, the state has defined two types of pensions - upon reaching retirement age and disability. Those living in areas of the Chernobyl accident zone who are recognized as eligible to receive benefits and have worked for at least five years will receive an old-age pension one year earlier than those who do not have any benefits.
The next 4 years of work or residence in the affected area reduces the period before the start of pension payments by one year. The amount of reduction cannot be more than 3 years. According to this, men are entitled to receive payments at 57 years of age, women - at 52 years of age.
The issue of granting pensions to persons affected by the disaster is regulated by legislative acts No. 173-FZ and No. 166-FZ. In addition to payments for damage to health, compensation for the loss of a breadwinner is provided. All victims claim to receive payments upon reaching retirement age earlier than the period agreed upon for ordinary citizens.
The size of the future pension is affected by the status of the resident of the affected area. The radiation damage zone was conventionally divided into areas:
- Socio-economic – where citizens have the right to receive early pensions and other state privileges provided for by law.
- With the right to resettle – territories that have been less exposed to radiation contamination. Benefits are assigned to citizens who lived here and are not lost upon relocation.
- Relocation zone – characterized by an increased danger to human health. Here, the resettlement of local residents to remote areas occurs on a voluntary basis.
- Exclusion zone - places directly adjacent to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
How much is the pension for Chernobyl victims?
The size of the pension for residents of areas affected by radioactive contamination depends directly on the nature of their pension provision.
So, beneficiaries can count on 2 types of it:
- old age/disability insurance pension;
- social pension for old age/disability.
Also, citizens living in these areas can count on receiving pension payments for the loss of a breadwinner if there are appropriate grounds.
The size of the insurance pension depends directly on the IPC indicator, that is, the number of points. It is calculated using a standard formula on a general basis.
A social pension may also be paid. Moreover , its size is significantly higher than that of social payments for citizens of non-preferential categories.
Thus, persons who became disabled in groups I and II as a result of the Chernobyl accident, as well as its liquidators, are paid 250% of the standard payment (18,130.84 rubles in 2021).
For citizens living and working in the radioactive contamination zones mentioned above, they are entitled to 200% of the standard social payment (15,540.72 rubles in 2021). Survivor benefits – 150% of the base rate.
Attention! A Chernobyl survivor has the right to independently choose the type of pension provision that he deems necessary. Naturally, the choice remains with the one whose payment amount is higher. Receiving two types of pensions at once is not provided for by law.
Pension for those living in the Chernobyl zone
The reduction in years for old age pension is determined by the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation after the person applies at any time after becoming eligible. Early application is possible no earlier than one month before the due date.
The spouse of a deceased liquidator of the accident has the right to receive half the old-age pension assigned to a person who has Chernobyl benefits and double the amount of compensation for the death of the spouse from the consequences of radiation exposure. Simultaneously with the granting of benefits, the loss of a breadwinner entitles the spouse to receive a portion of the pension assigned regardless of the length of service or payments to the spouse.
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Conditions of appointment
To count on a preferential pension, you must have the appropriate status confirming this right.
To do this, you must submit the following documents to the social security authority at your place of residence:
- statement;
- passport;
- documents serving as evidence of residence and work in the contaminated area
To receive a preferential insurance or social pension, a citizen must provide the following to the Pension Fund:
- passport;
- SNILS;
- documents confirming the status of a victim of radioactive contamination;
- employment history;
- birth certificates of children (for women).
At what age do people living in the Chernobyl zone retire?
The first increase in the retirement age will affect men born in 1959 and women born in 1964: they will have the right to retire in 2021 at the ages of 61 and 56 years, respectively.
Men born in 1960 and women born in 1965 will retire in 2022 at the ages of 62 and 57 years, respectively. Men born in 1961 and women born in 1966 - in 2024 at the ages of 63 and 58 years; men born in 1962 and women born in 1967 - in 2026 at 64 and 59 years old; men born in 1963 and women born in 1968 will be able to retire in 2028 at the ages of 65 and 60, respectively. At this point, having reached 65 years of age, the transition period of increasing the retirement age for men will end. Women born in 1969 will have the right to retire in 2030 at the age of 61; women born in 1970 - in 2032 at the age of 62 years; women born in 1971 — in 2034 at the age of 63.”
Will the reform affect 2021?
The pension reform, the essence of which is to increase the age at which the right to receive cash benefits arises, has excited many Russians. Will the changes affect Chernobyl victims?
Will the age rise
The reform of the pension system will not affect the beneficiaries discussed in the article . All existing preferences will remain at the same pre-reform level. However, it is possible that in the future the decision to tighten the rules for assigning pension money will be changed for them as well.
Payments for residents of the Chernobyl zone for disability and loss of a breadwinner
In 2021, pensions on appropriate grounds for residents of areas exposed to radioactive contamination are paid under the same conditions, the procedure for assigning them remains the same. The amount of payments has increased, but only in accordance with the indexations carried out.
Citizens receiving disability or survivor benefits and who are residents of the Chernobyl zone have the right to count on preferential retirement. However, the procedure and grounds for its appointment remain the same. In addition, the ongoing pension reform did not affect Chernobyl victims.
Who will receive the Chernobyl benefits?
The speed of reaching retirement age divides “Chernobyl survivors” into the following categories:
- Reducing the retirement age by five years - provided to those who worked continuously for two weeks or more in 1986 at sanitary processing points or at construction sites. This includes people who worked at the accident site for less than 30 days in 1988.
- Receiving a pension 5 years earlier with the possibility of further reducing the retirement age, based on length of service (calculated for one year: 12.5 years for men, 10 years for women) - those who worked no more than five days in the period from July 1 to December 31, 1986.
- Reducing the retirement age by 8 years, with the possibility of further reduction, based on the length of service (according to list 2, calculated per year: 12.5 years for men, 10 years for women) - for those who worked in 1987 for two weeks or more .
- Reducing the retirement period by 10 years with the possibility of further reduction taking into account the length of service (according to list 1, based on 3 years: 10 years for men, 7.5 years for women) - those who worked at the disaster site from July 1 to July 31 December 1986 and in the period from the moment of the accident to July 1, 1986 (regardless of the duration).
Persons living directly in the radiation danger zone are also entitled to the benefits of “Chernobyl survivors”. The procedure for retirement, in this case, is determined as follows:
- Reducing the retirement age by 4 years with its subsequent reduction for each year of residence or work - for those living or working in the resettlement zone for more than 2 years.
- Reducing the retirement period by 10 years for those evacuated from territories located 10 kilometers from the epicenter of the disaster.
- Retirement age is 8 years earlier for those resettled in 1986 from other areas located near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Pension for victims of radiation and man-made disasters
In addition, these citizens may be assigned an insurance pension if they are entitled to it. It can be established upon reaching the generally established retirement age and having the required number of pension points, or in connection with the loss of legal capacity (disability), if until that moment the citizen worked officially (experience does not matter).
Pensions for the loss of a breadwinner for family members of victims of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant
Served in 86-87, disabled group 2. I turned 50 years old, went to the Pension Fund for an old-age pension - they refused. They said that my disability pension would be higher. But I thought that they would simply add a second pension, and not choose it. I feel like I was fooled. Anyone in the know, please tell me.
Let us recall that Federal Law No. 166-FZ of December 15, 2021 “On State Pension Provision in the Russian Federation” establishes the procedure and conditions for assigning state pensions for old age, disability and loss of a breadwinner to citizens affected by radiation disasters and members of their families.
New pension law from 2021 (table)
- In 2021 (second half of the year), men and women who: were born in the first half of 1959 and 1964, respectively, will be able to retire;
- have at least 10 years of experience and 16.2 points accumulated.
- those born in the second half of 1959 and 1964, respectively;
- Until 2021, to become an old-age pensioner, it was enough to have 5 years of work experience .
- In 2021 , when pension legislation in Russia changed significantly again, it was necessary to have at least 6 years of experience . Moreover, it was stipulated that every year this value would increase by 1 year, so in 2021 it was necessary to work for 7 years, in 2021 - 8 years, etc.
- In total, the planned increase will continue until 2024 , when the final standard will be fixed - 15 years .
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Amounts of pensions for victims
For victims of man-made disasters, the pension amount is:
1. For old age – 250% of the social pension. 2. For those living or working in the zone – 200% of the social allowance. 3. Provided that the citizen is the breadwinner - a fixed supplement to pension provision. 4. For disability - from 250% social. 5. For children who are left without parents – 250%. 6. For those living in the Far North and territories equated to it, there is also a regional supplement.
Chernobyl pension: under what conditions is it awarded?
- Exclusion – the territory around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
- Resettlement – voluntary resettlement from this zone to other, safer areas is carried out.
- Resettlement rights are a zone less susceptible to the effects of radiation, but constantly monitored by specialists. After leaving it, citizens can also count on benefits.
- Socio-economic – persons living on its territory have the right to a preferential pension and other privileges from the state.
The legislative basis for pension provision in this case is laws No. 173-FZ, 166-FZ, and other legal acts. In total, two types of pensions are established today for “Chernobyl victims” - for disability and old age. Financial support is also provided for family members if there is a loss of a breadwinner. An old-age pension can be assigned ahead of schedule to absolutely all citizens affected by the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
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Pensions for Chernobyl victims
those who received or suffered radiation sickness and other illnesses as a result of the Chernobyl disaster; those who became disabled due to the Chernobyl accident; those who worked in exclusion zones; liquidated the consequences of the disaster; those evacuated and displaced as a result of the tragedy; disabled relatives of the deceased breadwinner; victims due to other man-made or radiation accidents;
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The size of state pensions increases annually in accordance with the level of inflation and the financial capabilities of the state. On average, annual indexation is 4-5%. If indexation is not carried out for any reason, a lump sum payment is calculated. In 2021 it amounted to 5,000 rubles.
Pensions for Chernobyl victims will be indexed by 4.1% from April 1, 2021
Today, the size of pensions for these citizens ranges from 6,199.81 rubles. (relatives left without a breadwinner and disabled people of group 3) up to 12,399.63 rubles. (disabled people and liquidators). From April 1, 2021, these amounts should increase by 4.1%.
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In Russia, in accordance with pension legislation, citizens classified as Chernobyl victims have the right to monthly cash payments (MCP). Let us note that Chernobyl survivors can retire early due to old age (at 50 years old for women and at 55 years old for men), but people who have not reached this age also receive benefits. There are no plans to increase the size of their monthly allowance in 2021, however, from April 1, payments to Chernobyl victims (as well as social pensions) will be indexed by 4.1%.
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The following support can also be provided to Chernobyl victims and their families:
- Relocation assistance. A one-time compensation is provided in the amount of 1,468.74 rubles per person;
- Funds for health improvement – from 881.25 rubles to 293.76 rubles for various groups of beneficiaries;
- Compensation for damage caused to health – 1175 rubles. For citizens with 1st and 2nd disability groups, the payment is 1,468.74 rubles;
- Child benefit payments. Up to 14 years old, the amount of payments is 300 rubles, and from 14 years old - 800 rubles every month;
- For a funeral - 11,176.72 rubles.
Separately, it is worth considering benefits for expectant mothers who live in areas exposed to radiation.
Pregnant women have the right to increase their maternity benefits and childcare assistance for up to three years, but only if the following conditions are met:
- Registration in areas contaminated with radiation for at least 1 year. Registration can be either temporary or permanent.
- Temporary or permanent registration in a zone with the right to resettle – 3 years.
- Temporary or permanent registration in a zone with a special social and economic status – 4 years.
Such conditions for pregnant women were created in order to prevent the actions of unscrupulous citizens who register in the contaminated territory just before the birth of the child, and after receiving the required payments, leave the radiation zone.
ATTENTION !!! Chernobyl survivors who are working have the right to increase their annual paid leave. Two more weeks are added to the required vacation. Also, children who were born before April 1, 1987 can apply for such leave.
Chernobyl victims have the right to receive medical care without waiting in line, also to be served in pharmacies without waiting in line, to be the first to get a job, and if there is a need, then to be the first to receive places in homes for the elderly. Chernobyl beneficiaries also receive a 50% discount on housing rent.
What years are included in the pension period for the Chernobyl zone?
- Liquidators are persons who were directly involved in eliminating the consequences of the explosion. The retirement age for them is reduced by 10 years, that is, men can go on vacation at 50 years old, and women at 45. This age can be reduced by an additional 3 years if the applicant has experience (10 years for men and 7.6 years for women) at work according to list 1.
Regions Since many surrounding areas were exposed to radiation and became heavily contaminated and became uninhabitable, pensions are also paid to those who lived at that time or currently live in the following regions:
Pension benefits
For male citizens, retirement is provided at the age of 50, for female citizens - at the age of 45.
The maximum time that can be reduced is ten years. You can take advantage of the benefit if you have 5 years of work experience. Privileges apply according to which zone the location belongs to.
Elena Smirnova
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The absolute number (three, two and one year) is prescribed when living in the area until July 30, 1986.
Who is entitled to early retirement as a Chernobyl survivor in 2019?
It must be emphasized that the concept of “Chernobyl” remains the same. Four territories that were formed after the disaster are legally defined:
- The exclusion territory is near reactor 4. Accommodation and any activities are strictly prohibited.
- Relocation territory. An area from which people were relocated during the disaster to reduce exposure to radiation.
- Territory that gives the right to resettle. People live here, but radiation levels in the region need to be monitored by scientists and health workers. Constant preventive maintenance is carried out here.
- Territory with normal background radiation. It is officially safe, but people living here are entitled to benefits.
When applying for a pension, the territory of residence, its category and time of residence are taken into account. Benefits for Chernobyl victims upon retirement are provided to liquidators of the disaster and persons living near it at that moment and victims of radiation, including those who were still in the womb.
Possibility of choosing a pension
According to the law, if more than one type of pension is assigned, the citizen has the opportunity to choose the most profitable option. If a person is assigned a survivor's benefit, this pension benefit will still be paid.
