Every third elderly person can only count on an increase in inflation
There are still more than three months until 2024, and it is already known by how much the government will index old-age insurance pensions for those not working. From the beginning of next year, veterans will receive an increase of 7.5% — according to some forecasts, average annual inflation is expected within these limits.
Is this a lot or a little for our veterans — the expert explained to MK.
As a result of the recalculation from January 1 next year, the average amount of the insurance pension will increase by 1.6 thousand rubles and amount to 23.4 thousand. By the way, it was previously predicted that pensions would be increased only by 5.3% — to 22.8 thousand rubles. However, due to high inflation, the government decided to make “sacrifices” and increased the indexation percentage.
10 trillion rubles will be allocated from the Social Fund to pay pensioners. The fund will transfer another 2.2 trillion to support families with children. The third largest item in the fund's budget is payments for sick leave, maternity and child care benefits. The budget has allocated 1.1 trillion rubles for these purposes.
At the same time, the government made a “difficult decision” and refused to index the salaries of federal officials next year “in order to optimize budget expenditures.” Initially it was planned to raise their salaries by 4%. Surely this information will please many Russians. Our fellow citizens are sure that officials work poorly, but they get paid well.
During the entire three-year period — from 2023 to 2025 — a budget surplus of the Social Fund is expected. This year — in the amount of 170 billion rubles, in 2024 — by 191, and in 2025 — by as much as 447 billion.
“Of course, there is never too much money, older citizens would like a bigger increase, this is understandable,” says Associate Professor of the Russian Economic University. G.V. Plekhanova Lyudmila Ivanova-Shvets. — But given the current situation in the country, I think indexation is quite worthy. You can see the dynamics. In 2022, pension indexation was carried out twice; it exceeded the inflation rate by 2%. And in September, the Central Bank published data: inflation in the country was 5.5%. That is, 7.5% gives a difference of the same 2%.
— Yes, by the end of the year it and consumer prices usually accelerate. However, if indexation is at the level of inflation, it is possible that the government will carry it out again next year.
In general, if you look at the statistics, the percentage of people who live only on pensions and who have nowhere to expect help except from the state is not very high — 10%. Another 20% of payments are not enough, but they rely on the support of children and relatives. About 40% of pensioners work. Although they need indexation, their income significantly exceeds the indexation level. Many veterans are engaged in gardening and gardening; the beds feed them and provide them with a certain income. In general, we can assume that approximately a third of pensioners are in especially dire need of increasing payments.
— Considering that our level of pensions is not very high, we can say that there is a surplus in such funds are not very correct. The year 2023 turned out to be “empty” for retirement. No one was allowed to leave according to the planned age, except beneficiaries and people with seniority. This could result in a surplus. This year the Pension and Social Funds merged. I believe that the main profit came from the social sector.