The Cabinet of Ministers of Russia has approved a new method for calculating sick pay for citizens who return from participation in a special military operation (SVO). This update was reported by TASS, citing the press service of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation. Under the new approach, calendar days during which the employment contract is suspended because of participation in the operation will no longer be counted when determining benefits.
According to the government press service, the change aims to prevent a reduced level of cash payments for temporary disability among returning Russians. By ensuring that the time spent in the operation does not erode wage compensation during recovery, the policy seeks to keep disability payments on track. The goal is to stabilize support for service members and their families even as employment is paused for service and subsequent recovery.
Earlier this year, the Ministries of Defense, Finance, and Internal Affairs backed amendments to guarantee that insurance payments to volunteers of the special operation and their family members are funded from the state budget. These adjustments reflect a broader effort to strengthen social guarantees for participants and dependents through federal funding channels.
Andrey Turchak, who was the secretary of the General Council of United Russia at the time, spoke about reducing difficulties related to the benefits provided to families of SVO participants. His comments underscored a political priority to simplify the social support system and to address concerns about the adequacy and reliability of the benefits.
The measure forms part of a larger discussion about how social contributions are calculated and how salaries may be adjusted to reflect full social contributions over time. The changes come amid ongoing debates about balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to protect the welfare of citizens who undertake national service projects, including those who return after completing their service.
In practical terms, the policy change means that the clock pauses on certain days when determining eligibility and payment levels for temporary disability benefits. This approach ensures that the duration of sick leave remains fair and that returning workers are not disadvantaged by interruptions to their employment status. The government emphasizes that the objective is to maintain consistent support during periods of disability even as workers re-enter or resume duties after serving in the operation.
Officials note that the new framework will be implemented in a way that preserves consistency across related social payments and aligns with broader aims to strengthen social protection for veterans, their families, and other affected groups. The government continues to monitor the effectiveness of these amendments and to adjust procedures if needed to safeguard the financial security of those who serve and their households.
Overall, these measures reflect a strategic priority to ensure that the rewards of public service, including health-related benefits and disability allowances, remain robust and predictable for those who participate in national operations. The policy also signals a sustained commitment to funding key social protections from the national budget, reinforcing a stable safety net for participants and their families as the state pursues long-term social and economic objectives.