By the close of 2021 and 2022, social contracts emerged as a widely used instrument to combat poverty in Russia. Kommersant reported, citing the SAI auditors’ review, that the analysis of how state social assistance delivered through these contracts affected poverty reduction showed tangible outcomes for the period.
These contracts represent a key form of government aid targeting low-income populations. Over more than two years, more than 558 thousand such agreements were signed with disadvantaged individuals, with the average contract value around 55.5 thousand rubles. As a result, roughly 1.8 million people benefited from these arrangements, underscoring a substantial reach within the most financially vulnerable groups.
Auditors observed that the largest portion of contracts went toward helping people find employment. About 39 percent of those in need entered into job-seeking arrangements through the social contract mechanism. Following this, starting a business was the next most common purpose, selected by about 28 percent of recipients. The contract to assist individuals in overcoming a difficult life situation ranked third, chosen by roughly 22 percent of participants. These patterns highlight the program’s priority on enabling work access, entrepreneurship, and resilience in challenging personal circumstances.
Looking ahead, the auditing body suggested that authorities should raise overall spending on social contracts and refine the regional allocation methodology. Some regions already requested more funds than they had been allocated in the previous year, indicating a need for clearer, more responsive budgeting guidance and distribution rules to ensure equitable access across regions.
In late March, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin presented at a government meeting a proposal to adopt unified criteria for calculating family income. The Cabinet was asked to consider a draft law designed to harmonize the understanding of who qualifies for social assistance, including the framework around social contracts. This initiative signals a move toward greater clarity and consistency in how households are assessed for support and how contract-based aid is administered across the country.