A senior Russian lawmaker called on the government to change the pension system so that disabled children could receive two pensions at the same time. The request came from Yana Lantratova, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Education Committee, who asked Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and the relevant ministries to review the current rules and consider making an exception for families with disabled children. This issue is framed as a matter of protecting the livelihoods and long term well being of vulnerable children within the social safety net. The report on this appeal appears in DEA News and reflects Lantratova’s insistence that the law should better reflect modern family realities and the financial strain on households caring for a disabled child. News
Under existing legislation, a child with a disability is generally eligible for a pension only in the event of a parent’s death or in situations tied to disability or the loss of a breadwinner. The deputy highlighted the inconsistency by pointing to cases where the loss of a healthy parent results in a social pension for the surviving family, while a disabled child who loses their own livelihood does not qualify for an additional pension. This gap, Lantratova argues, leaves certain families without essential financial support that other groups receive without additional hurdles. The core question she raises is whether the law should permit dual pension payments to cover both disability and livelihood loss in the same family. The aim is not to privilege one group over another but to ensure that the most vulnerable children and their caregivers receive adequate protection. News
Lantratova notes that some segments of the population already have access to two pensions simultaneously. In particular, veterans who participated in the Great Patriotic War and individuals who were injured in military service may qualify for multiple pension streams. Families consisting of parents and widows of soldiers have observed this practice, which further informs the parliamentarian’s argument that a uniform standard should be considered rather than a fragmented approach, one that creates unequal outcomes based on the life path of each family. The deputy stresses the importance of creating parity in the system so that disabled children and their families are not left with inconsistent benefits that fail to reflect their real needs. News
According to Lantratova, addressing this discrepancy is a matter of protecting legitimate rights and interests. She frames the issue as a moral and practical obligation to support children who require ongoing care and to assist socially vulnerable parents who shoulder this burden daily. Her language suggests that the policy gap could have long-term effects on family stability, educational opportunities for disabled children, and the overall well-being of households navigating disability without sufficient financial cushions. The proposal envisions a process that integrates inputs from multiple ministries and departments to reach a clear, implementable solution. News
The deputy has formally appealed to the Prime Minister, urging a coordinated examination of the pension rules in collaboration with the relevant ministries. The goal is to craft a policy adjustment that aligns pension provisions with contemporary social needs and the realities faced by families raising children with disabilities. The appeal emphasizes not only financial considerations but also a commitment to equity and inclusion within the social protection framework. News
Historically, the discussion around pensions in Russia has involved various reforms and reallocation measures aimed at strengthening social protection. The current debate reflects ongoing attention to how pensions interact with disability status, family structure, and the responsibility of the state to provide a stable safety net. Proponents of reform argue that simplifying and harmonizing benefits would reduce administrative complexity, minimize gaps, and improve predictability for families planning for the long term. Critics, meanwhile, caution that any change must be fiscally sustainable and carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences. News
Lantratova’s background includes academic work in human resources management at a prominent Russian university, which informs her approach to policy design and implementation. Her experience underscores a practical focus on how pension rules affect real life outcomes for people, particularly those who face persistent financial vulnerability due to disability. The discussion continues as lawmakers weigh how best to balance budgetary realities with the moral imperative to protect children who depend on social support for ongoing care, education, and development. News
As this issue moves through the political process, observers in Russia and abroad watch for signs of how social protection policies may evolve. The core question remains whether the pension system can be reformed to recognize dual needs within a single family affected by disability, so that both the child and the caregivers receive the support they require. Any resolution would likely involve not only legislative changes but also administrative guidance from ministries tasked with social policy and budgetary oversight, ensuring that benefits are delivered smoothly and transparently. News