The Price of Silence: Why Pensioners Must Repay Benefits
Failure to report changes in circumstances can lead to pension overpayments that must be repaid.
Pensioners are required to immediately inform the Social Fund of Russia (SFR) about changes in circumstances affecting the amount of payments. Violation of this rule leads to overpayments that must be repaid. We will explain in detail what you need to know to avoid an unpleasant situation.
Requirements and Consequences
According to Article 26 of Federal Law No. 400-FZ, a pensioner must notify the SFR of a change in place of residence or the occurrence of events affecting the amount of payments no later than the next working day.
«If [the pensioner] does not report, the SFR may find out later and has the right to demand repayment of the overpayment, including through the court,» said leading lawyer at EUS Oksana Krasovskaya.
Which Payments Are We Talking About
Supplement for dependents. Payments for full-time student children or minor dependents cease upon their employment, expulsion from university, or switch to part-time study.
«Northern» allowances. For residents of the Far North and equivalent areas, the fixed payment is increased by a regional coefficient. When moving outside these regions, this supplement ceases, but the allowance for length of service may remain. However, the pensioner can choose only one type of supplement.
«As a rule, they choose the regional coefficient since it is higher. When moving, the regional coefficient is removed, and the allowance for length of service is added. That is, the supplement becomes lower. If the SFR is not notified in time, the difference will have to be returned,» Krasovskaya explained in a conversation with «Prime.»
Regional supplements. Their appointment also requires prompt notification of social protection authorities about changes in circumstances.
These are not the only circumstances that affect the pension amount. If there are debts, money will start to be deducted. Under general rules, up to 50% of payments can be withheld. In some cases—70%. This refers to alimony for a minor and compensation for harm to health by court decision.
At some point, a pensioner may not receive any money at all. For more on when payments can be suspended, read our article.
