Electronic Certificates for Disabled Children's Rehabilitation Introduced in Voronezh
Starting January 1, a federal support program for children with disabilities and their families began operating in the Voronezh region. Assistance can now be received via a special electronic certificate, which greatly simplifies the entire process for parents. Voronezh1.ru looked into how to get the certificate and what conditions are required.
Who can use the new system?
The right to receive an electronic certificate is granted to children aged 4 to 17 inclusive, who are first assigned the category of «disabled child» between January 1 and December 31, 2026. The child must permanently reside or temporarily stay in the Voronezh region. A key condition is that the medical and social assessment institution (MSA) must determine that the child needs comprehensive rehabilitation and habilitation services (a set of measures helping people with congenital or early impairments learn to live independently by acquiring skills they never had — Ed.) and assign them to the appropriate rehabilitation group.
How does the electronic certificate system work?
Parents do not need to personally visit branches of the Social Fund of Russia (SFR), collect documents, or write applications. After the MSA establishes the child«s disability and determines the need for rehabilitation, this information is sent electronically to the regional branch of the SFR. Based on this, the fund automatically forms an electronic certificate and deposits the funds to the »Mir« card of the child»s legal representative (parent or guardian). The parent learns about the certificate«s creation from an extract from a special register.
What can the certificate funds be spent on?
The face value of the electronic certificate in 2026 is 115,395 rubles (approximately $1,300 at current rates). These funds are intended to pay for a 21-day course of comprehensive rehabilitation, but they can be used more flexibly. In addition to direct medical and social rehabilitation services, the certificate will cover associated expenses — for food and accommodation. Moreover, funding is provided both for the child and for the accompanying person (parent or guardian).
The cost of the course varies depending on the chosen form of service provision:
semi-residential form (the child visits the center for procedures): maximum cost — 89,460 rubles (approximately $990) (4,260 rubles per day, including the child«s meals);
residential form without accommodation for the accompanying person: maximum cost — 108,318 rubles (approximately $1,200) (5,158 rubles per day, including the child«s accommodation and meals);
residential form with accommodation and meals for the accompanying person: full cost of the certificate — 115,395 rubles (approximately $1,300) (5,495 rubles per day).
How to choose a rehabilitation organization and use the certificate?
Immediately after the disability is established, MSA specialists are required to inform the parents about the possibility of choosing a rehabilitation organization. The family can choose not only an institution in the Voronezh region, but also in other regions of the country. Parents will be provided with a complete list of such organizations, information about the course content, and rules for using the certificate. The certificate must be used within 12 months from the date of the initial disability determination.
And how to get to the center?
The Social Fund has also provided assistance with travel. After receiving the certificate, a parent can contact the SFR client service and arrange free travel to the rehabilitation site and back on a long-distance train (electronic voucher) or receive compensation for gasoline expenses if the family travels by personal car. For this, receipts from gas stations will need to be provided.
Where to turn for consultation
For all questions related to the certificate and travel, you can contact the Branch of the Social Fund of Russia for the Voronezh Region. You can consult by the free unified contact center phone number 8 800 100-00-01.
