Unemployment benefits are linked to the earnings a person had before losing work. An expert from the RANEPA Institute for Social Analysis and Forecasting, Marina Lopatina, explained to RIA News how these benefits are calculated and why their level can change over time [Citation: RANEPA Institute for Social Analysis and Forecasting].
According to Lopatina, the benefit rate varies: it is 75 percent of average earnings for the first three months and 60 percent for the following three months. The calculation uses the average monthly earnings from the twelve months prior to job loss, provided the individual worked at least 26 weeks and contributed to the Russian Social Fund. If the work period is shorter than 26 weeks, the benefit tends to be lower. Working as an individual entrepreneur or freelancer may also influence the final amount [Citation: RIA News].
In 2024 there were discussions about ways Russians could save money. One approach suggested was to take advantage of discounts, promotions, and promotional codes in stores, along with bank loyalty programs. Olga Daineko, an expert at the Research Institute of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation and the MyFinance.rf portal, highlighted this approach as a practical saving strategy [Citation: Research Institute of the Ministry of Finance; MyFinance.rf].
Earlier data showed that unemployment in Russia in February had declined to historically low levels, a point noted in the analysis of the period’s labor market [Citation: Economic reports on employment in Russia].