Benefits for paying housing and communal services for pensioners in Moscow in 2021

Legislative framework regulating subsidies for pensioners

The subsidy allows you to partially cover the cost of maintaining an apartment, pay for utilities, transportation or medicine. State assistance is designed to support low-income people who have reached retirement age. The average per capita income of applicants should not exceed the minimum subsistence level established by the government.

The calculation and payment of subsidies is regulated by the following laws:

1. Housing complex of the Russian Federation. It describes the calculation procedure, the size of the subsidy and the categories of citizens who are entitled to the benefit. As well as the grounds for providing state assistance to low-income individuals.
2. RF PP dated December 14, 2005 No. 761. The resolution regulates the procedure for providing assistance for utility bills.
3. Federal Law “On Veterans”. The law determines the procedure for providing benefits when using public transport.
4. Federal Law “On Social Protection of Disabled Persons...”. The law regulates the provision of medical care, provision of housing for citizens and employment of people with disabilities.
5. Tax Code of the Russian Federation. The Tax Code regulates the issue of providing benefits for the purchase of housing and obtaining property deductions.

On a note! The government of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation has the right to adopt additional laws and develop social programs dedicated to the issue of supporting pensioners.

Legislative Action

Every year the number of pensioners is growing inexorably, add to this constantly rising prices due to inflation, the crisis - all this negatively affects pensioners, because they are the ones who must cut down almost all their expenses, since the pension benefit simply depreciates in value.

The state, understanding the current situation, systematically introduces measures that make it possible to maintain an acceptable standard of living for such persons.

State support is in the form of preferences, which can be financed by the federal or local budget.

Such material assistance in 2021 includes:

• Benefits for pensioners who have permanent registration and live in Moscow;
• Benefits for utilities;
• Targeted assistance from social services;
• Benefits for transportation, medications, treatment, vouchers to health centers, etc.

Types of subsidies

State support affects the main spheres of life of the population. Types of subsidies for pensioners:

1. Payment for housing and communal services.
2. Use of public transport is free.
3. Property deduction when purchasing a home.
4. Reimbursement of expenses for repairs of an apartment building.

To receive support from the state to pay for housing and communal services, citizens will have to obtain the status of a low-income family.

Subsidy for payment of housing and communal services

The cost of housing and communal services is constantly growing. Many pensioners are unable to pay rent even for a small apartment. Therefore, the government is trying to help low-income people by providing targeted assistance. To receive a subsidy, pensioners need to contact the social support service.

To receive the payment, you must reach retirement age or have a disability. The benefit is provided to apartment owners, tenants under a rental agreement and members of the housing cooperative (Article 159 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation).

If a person uses housing on the basis of an agreement for free use, sublease or lifelong maintenance with a dependent, then he is not entitled to a subsidy for housing and communal services.

Social authorities take into account the area of ​​the apartment, the cost of services and the total income of family members. The amount of financial assistance for low-income citizens varies from 25% to 100% of the rent amount.

How are subsidies paid?

Funds are credited to the current account indicated in the application. They arrive monthly before the 10th, so that the recipient has the opportunity to use them to pay utility bills. The credited amount is not subject to taxes.

In some cases, the question may arise of how to obtain subsidies for pensioners who cannot move independently to pay for housing and communal services.

Certain categories of pensioners can have money delivered to their homes:

• Disabled people of group 1;
• Elderly citizens in need of constant care, as confirmed by a certificate from the hospital;
• Those who have reached 80 years of age and are assigned a social worker.

Subsidy amounts for low-income citizens

Amounts of payments for vulnerable groups of the population:

• 50% for the maintenance of the apartment and payment for services - veterans of the Second World War, participants of the Second World War, prisoners of war, disabled war veterans (I-III group) and residents of besieged Leningrad;
• 100% for the maintenance of the apartment and 50% for payment of services - heroes of Labor and citizens who have the Order of Labor Glory;
• 50% for payment of services (municipal / state fund) - persons liable for military service, recognized as disabled due to illness, disabled children and persons who received a disability at work (I-III groups);
• 50% for the maintenance of the apartment - to honorary donors of Russia;
• 50% for reimbursement of contributions for home repairs - pensioners (70 years old);
• 100% reimbursement of contributions for home repairs - pensioners (80 years old).

If the living space standards exceed the basic standards, then only single pensioners are entitled to benefits for housing maintenance.

Home information

The income limit at which a person of retirement age can exercise the right to partially or fully cover the cost of paying for an apartment is set forth in Art. 159 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation.

It can be issued to those who live in apartments, other housing that is their property, or used in accordance with a rental agreement, as well as in a private residential building.

Pensioners who are members of housing cooperatives can also receive such assistance. It is important that the condition be met - the complete absence of debt for payment for housing and utilities.

If there is a debt, an applicant for assistance who wishes to receive a subsidy will have to pay it off by concluding an agreement that will stipulate the terms and procedure for its payment.

Subsidy is free government assistance to low-income individuals to cover the costs of paying for an apartment and housing and communal services.

Such assistance is provided to citizens who provide the necessary documents confirming the lack of sufficient income.

Pensioners may have benefits that allow them to reduce their utility costs.

Certain categories of pensioners are entitled to discounts; among these beneficiaries it is worth highlighting:

• participants, disabled people (groups 1-3) of the Second World War, former prisoners of war, disabled prisoners of groups 1-3 who became disabled during military duties, persons exposed to radiation contamination. Such persons are entitled to a 50% discount for housing costs, and 50% compensation for housing and utility costs - Federal Law No. 5 of January 12, 1995 “On Veterans”;
• in the past, minor prisoners who did not have a disability group, who lived in besieged Leningrad, with any disability group, participants in the Second World War. They are entitled to a 50% discount on housing costs, 50% on the cost of utilities (Federal Law No. 5 of January 12, 1995);
• military personnel recognized as disabled as a result of a general illness; disabled people from childhood who were injured at work; occupational diseases, disabled people of groups 1-3 - 50% to pay for housing from municipal and state funds (Federal Law No. 181 of November 24, 1995);
• heroes of socialist labor who have the Order of Labor Glory (a subsidy can be allocated instead of a cash payment) - a 100% discount on housing costs and 50% on the price of utilities (Federal Law No. 5 of 01/09/97).

Legal basis

The provision of subsidies is regulated by Art. 159 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation. It describes cases that provide the right to partially pay utility bills.

The article establishes the categories of persons applying for subsidies, the timing of their provision and other conditions for the accrual and receipt of this benefit.

Using this regulatory document, you can familiarize yourself with the general terms and conditions for calculating benefits, calculating family income, methods of financing this item of expenditure, and the grounds for receiving benefits from the state.

Family income is calculated in accordance with the “Procedure for recording income and calculating average per capita family income...” No. 44 (Article 14)

What pension is eligible for housing and communal services subsidies?

The size of the pension or the status of the pensioner does not always play a key role when assigning a subsidy. Honorary donors of Russia are entitled to benefits regardless of the amount of the pension benefit. To receive government assistance, a family must be recognized as low-income.

For example, the Moscow government covers expenses if more than 10% of a family’s income goes to pay for housing and communal services.

Social protection authorities take into account the maximum allowable income of residents of the capital (in rubles):

For the note! The family income limit is taken into account from January 1, 2021.

Travel benefits

The benefit implies free travel on public transport or partial reimbursement of money spent.

To receive financial assistance, applicants must submit an application. The amount of compensation for pensioners is determined by law. The maximum amount of compensation is 100%. It is provided:

• veterans and disabled people of the Second World War;
• participants in hostilities;
• persons injured at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant;
• heroes of the USSR, Russian Federation, Labor;
• Knights of the Order of Glory.

A travel card is also available for pensioners. To obtain it, a passport and confirmation of the applicant’s social status are required.

The travel card allows you to use city and suburban transport (bus, tram, metro) free of charge. The only condition is that its owner must have a passport with him.

On a note! The benefit does not apply to taxis and minibuses. This is a private mode of transport.

Heroes of the USSR, Russian Federation and holders of the Order of Glory are also entitled to free rail travel within the country. They can use the train twice a year (round trip).

What subsidies are available to pensioners?

Single citizens can receive support from the federal or regional budget. Subsidies are targeted payments that compensate expenses for low-income individuals.

If there is a formalized right to benefits, the transfer of material resources, unlike other types of state support, occurs after payment has been made.

Expenses are compensated in the form of a refund if:

• purchasing medicines;
• payment for housing and communal services;
• transport costs;
• contributions for major repairs.

Payment for housing and communal services

Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 761 of December 14, 2005 “On the provision of subsidies for the payment of housing and utilities” regulates their provision to persons living alone if housing and communal services costs exceed 22% of income. For pensioners in Moscow this figure is 10%, for St. Petersburg – 14%. Applicants for subsidies also include:

• citizens over 80 years of age;
• residents of besieged Leningrad;
• participants, disabled people of the Second World War.

Individuals living alone - beneficiaries who have government titles and awards - have the opportunity to receive preferences. According to federal law, the following subsidies are provided for pensioners for utilities:

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Transport

According to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 176 dated April 1, 2005 “On approval of rules for compensation of expenses for paying travel costs for pensioners,” the amount of subsidies is established by regional laws. Persons living alone who are eligible for federal benefits are subject to preferences paid from the state budget.

Pensioners, depending on their place of residence, status, disability, titles and awards, can count on the following subsidies:

• partial payment of transportation costs - the amount is determined by local laws;
• free travel on public transport and commuter trains;
• compensation for this right in monetary terms.

Monthly contributions for major repairs

According to the requirements of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, all citizens are required to pay contributions for major repairs of the common property of the house. Persons living alone have the opportunity to receive subsidies if a number of conditions are met. A pensioner can receive the following preferences:

• complete exemption from monthly contributions upon reaching the age of 80 and having the status of Hero of the USSR, Russia;
• payment of 50% of payments if he is 70 years old.

Tax deduction when buying an apartment

Citizens who bought an apartment in an apartment building or a plot for individual housing construction are entitled to a tax deduction. The rule also applies to pensioners. The only condition is that to receive the benefit you must have a source of income from which income tax is withheld. If the applicant does not work, then he can use income from renting out property or from selling housing.

If necessary, the taxpayer can transfer the unused deduction to a future tax period (Article 220 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation). A similar legal position is set out in the letter of the Federal Tax Service dated May 15, 2013 No. ED-4-3/8721.

Pensioners are also entitled to property tax benefits. Tax exemption is allowed for one piece of real estate (apartment, house). More details about providing benefits here.

Benefits for major repairs

Non-working pensioners are entitled to a subsidy for the repair of an apartment building. Citizens aged 70 years – 50%, citizens aged 80 years – 100%. State assistance is also available to disabled people of groups I-II living as part of the family of the above-mentioned persons (Article 169 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation).

The principle of paying subsidies is that first the apartment owner makes contributions, and then submits an application for a refund.

The amount of compensation is determined based on the minimum amount of contributions per 1 sq. m. total area. The size of the standard standard area in the region is also taken into account.

Who is considered a pensioner living alone?

According to the law, non-working pensioners, men aged 60, women aged 55, can be considered living alone if there is no one to support them, provide assistance, and they live separately from relatives. This category of citizens often does not have close relatives, they are not married, and run their own household. In some cases it is possible to have:

• minor children;
• disabled spouses with disabilities.

To receive preferences, people who live alone must document their status. This requires:

• be a citizen of the Russian Federation;
• be registered in the region where benefits are provided;
• not be a debtor for utility bills;
• confirm family composition with documents;
• have proof of the right to reside in the premises;
• provide data on income below the subsistence level (low-income status).

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Registration of subsidies for pensioners

You can apply for a subsidy at the social security authorities at the applicant’s place of residence or at the MFC. The pensioner will need the following documents:

• passports of all persons registered in the apartment;
• title documents for housing or rental agreement;
• bank details for transferring money;
• certificate of composition of a low-income family;
• certificate of income for the last six months;
• copies of receipts for payment of housing and communal services;
• evidence of entitlement to benefits.

Single people of retirement age need to prepare certificates of death of family members.

Calculation of the subsidy amount

Calculations of the subsidy amount are made using a special formula, which is developed for the corresponding type of assistance.

Before applying for benefits, you can contact the social security authorities. The center's staff will help you make calculations taking into account specific circumstances. For example, if a pensioner needs to obtain the right to free travel and medicine or receive compensation for contributions for the overhaul of an apartment building.

Applicants for benefits can use an online calculator. You can calculate the amount of subsidies for maintaining an apartment and paying for housing and communal services, for example, on the website of the OBU “CSZN for the city of Lipetsk.”

When to apply for subsidies

• Department of Social Protection;
• Center for Housing Subsidies (in Moscow and some other large cities);
• MFC.

You can submit documents online through the State Services website or through the MFC website. Another method of submission is by registered mail.

The answer must be provided to you no later than 10 days from the date of acceptance of the application along with the documents.

From the 1st to the 15th of the month, the subsidy is assigned from the 1st of the current month;

From 16 to the end of the month - from the 1st of the next month.

A decision is made to assign a subsidy within 10 working days from the date of receipt of all documents.

Benefits for working pensioners

This category of citizens has equal rights to all other persons of working age. They are also entitled to benefits that are based on age restrictions.

Such citizens are entitled to additional unpaid leave. Its duration depends on the social status of the recipient:

• pensioners – 14 days;
• war participants - 35 days;
• disabled people – 60 days.

In case of dismissal, pensioners do not have to work a 2-week period. At the same time, retirement age is not a basis for dismissal of citizens at the initiative of the employer.

When caring for a disabled family member, a working pensioner has the right to a part-time work week or a reduced working day.

Questions and answers

No. 1. How to confirm lack of income?

It all depends on the actual circumstances. For example, persons aged 16-18 years can obtain a certificate from an educational institution about study or absence of a scholarship. Pregnant women provide a certificate stating that they are being observed at the clinic.

No. 2. Are non-working pensioners entitled to a property deduction?

Deductions are provided to persons whose income is subject to income tax. Whereas personal income tax is not withheld from pensions (Article 217 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation). However, if the applicant has another source of income and pays taxes, then he has the right to count on receiving a deduction.

No. 3. Do pensioners who are foreign citizens pay property taxes?

Foreign pensioners are exempt from paying this tax on the same basis as Russian citizens (letter of the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation dated January 9, 2017 No. BS-4-21/48).

No. 4. Can a pensioner receive compensation for landline telephone fees?

In Moscow, a similar service is provided to single pensioners and families consisting of single citizens of retirement age. There is also a subsidy for unemployed single pensioners who have dependent children under 18 years of age.

No. 5. Who can receive a monthly city cash payment and how to apply for it?

This type of assistance is designed to support labor veterans, home front workers and people subjected to political repression. The procedure for assigning and providing monthly city payments is established by the Moscow Decree dated 02/08/2005 No. 74-PP. Read more about providing targeted assistance here.