Andrei Urgant, a well-known actor and television presenter, spoke in an interview with mk.ru about the reality of pension income in Russia and the gap between expectations and what pensioners actually receive. His remarks add a personal, human dimension to a topic that affects many families as they plan for retirement, especially when public pensions do not seem to stretch far enough to cover essential living costs. The discussion centers on how a public figure manages finances in retirement and what it means for someone who has spent decades in the entertainment industry.
Urgant shared that his monthly pension amounts to 18,500 rubles. He described this sum as barely covering the electricity bills, underscoring that even for those who have dedicated most of their lives to work, the pension may fall short of supporting a comfortable standard of living. He pointed out that in St. Petersburg, pension systems do not provide additional seniority bonuses for actors, which led him to continue engaging in professional work. In his case, this continued activity has included operating as an individual entrepreneur, a choice driven by the need to supplement retirement income and maintain financial stability.
He emphasized his status as a law-abiding taxpayer who has consistently contributed to the Pension Fund throughout his career. Yet he notes a troubling reality: many people work long hours, often from morning until night, and still receive pensions that are relatively modest. Urgant suggested that a significant portion of the population might not survive long into old age on such payouts, highlighting concerns about the adequacy of retirement benefits for those who rely solely on public pensions.
Urgant also reflected on the idea that while he can not complain about his life, his earnings are not restricted to the pension alone. He described his life as a blend of pension income and earnings from self-employment, which together provide a more robust financial cushion. He categorized his own situation as part of the middle class, implying that a realistic path to dignified living can exist when pension amounts are complemented by work that can be done alongside retirement. He even suggested that a pension around 100,000 rubles could support a comfortable lifestyle for many people, while acknowledging that the real risk lies with those who are left to live on 15,000 to 20,000 rubles per month without any additional income or support from relatives or community networks.
Urgant clarified that the approximately 100,000 rubles he currently earns each month comes not from the pension itself, but from self-employment activities that he continues to pursue alongside his retirement. This distinction underscores a broader message about the income mix many retirees rely on, especially artists and other freelancers who do not have a guaranteed post-retirement salary. He warned that potential health issues or personal emergencies could complicate his financial situation, but he remains hopeful because he has a family and close relatives who form a safety net. His closing reflections emphasize the importance of social and familial support as a critical component of financial security in later years, alongside prudent planning and diversified income sources.