Pensions, Benefits, and Maternity Capital: How Social Payments Will Change in 2026

The increase affects pensioners, families with children, people with disabilities, and other benefit recipients. The decision is enshrined in the federal budget parameters and accounts for actual 2025 inflation, which the government estimates at around 6.8%. Social payments represent one of the largest budget expenditure items, and their indexation remains the government's primary social support instrument.

In 2026, approximately 18.7 trillion rubles are allocated for pension payments, insurance benefits, and social support measures overall—a significant portion of the budget's social obligations. Of this amount, nearly 13 trillion rubles are reserved for pension payments, with state pension indexation accounting for over 700 billion rubles.

Who exactly will receive higher payments

Pensioners

State old-age pensions were indexed by 7.6% effective January 1, 2026. As a result, the average state pension increased to approximately 27,100 rubles. The increase applies to both non-working and working pensioners, affecting around 38 million people.

Social pensions received by people with disabilities, disabled children, and those who have lost a breadwinner will be increased by 6.8% effective April 1, 2026—matching the actual inflation rate for 2025.

Families with children

For families with children, indexation takes effect February 1, 2026. Child benefits and maternity capital are being raised in line with inflation. After indexation, maternity capital will amount to approximately 737,000 rubles for the first child and around 974,000 rubles for the second, if the certificate for the first was not previously used.

The lump-sum birth benefit will increase to nearly 28,800 rubles. These payments remain a key instrument of demographic policy and targeted support for low- and middle-income families.

People with disabilities and other beneficiaries

Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities of all groups, veterans, World War II participants, and other federal beneficiaries will be indexed by 6.8% effective February 1, 2026. According to 2025 data, monthly cash payment (EДВ) amounts excluding the social services package (НСУ) were:

• Group I disability—5,830.70 rubles;
• Group II disability—4,164.04 rubles;
• Group III disability—3,333.34 rubles;
• Disabled children—4,164.04 rubles.

The monthly payment for a Group I disability recipient without НСУ after indexation may reach approximately 6,227 rubles. Additionally, the НСУ included in EДВ will also be indexed. After indexation, its value may amount to around 1,845–1,860 rubles per month, which will increase the total support for beneficiaries in monetary terms if they decline НСУ.