Applying for insurance retirement or a privileged pension ahead of time is generally wise, but there are situations where the Social Fund may deny the request. This overview is based on insights shared with the publication Hit the primer by the Honored Lawyer of Russia Ivan Solovyov.
To begin a pension application, individuals should contact the Social Fund customer service or the Multiservice Centers (MFC), and also use their personal account on the Social Fund website and the State Services portal. It is prudent to initiate the process about a month before reaching the retirement qualifying age. In addition, applicants can approach the territorial body of the Social Fund up to 24 months before turning the qualifying age so that fund specialists can conduct preliminary checks. These checks help ensure that the information on the insured persons’ pension rights is complete and reliable, reducing the chance of delays caused by missing or inconsistent data.
There are scenarios in which the Social Fund may refuse a pension. A common reason is the absence of sufficient pension points, known as IPC. If points are lacking, individuals may legally purchase the missing points to meet the required threshold. When applying for a privileged pension, staff at the Social Fund meticulously verify that the applicant meets every criterion tied to the privileged status, including the length of service in the specialized position. This careful scrutiny helps ensure that only those who truly qualify receive the enhanced benefits.
When pursuing insurance retirement, applicants must attach all required documents. If any documents are missing, the Social Fund will clearly explain what additional materials are needed. In the event of a pension denial, an appeal can be filed in court. However, judicial decisions can vary and may reflect the judge’s interpretation of the presented documents. With this in mind, the expert emphasized that submitting a well-prepared application well in advance helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the chances of an unfavorable outcome.
A note of caution also applies to individual cases from different regions. For instance, a resident of Kazan who had retired faced threats toward a family member and sought assistance through official channels such as military service and the registry office to address safety concerns. This example underscores the importance of seeking appropriate support and guidance when personal or familial circumstances intersect with pension matters.