Commencing May 2, pensioners to enjoy reduced costs: novel convenience unveiled - seniors express joy.
Living Comfortably in Old Age: The New Weather-Based Pension Heating System
Get ready for a change in your pensioner lifestyle! From spring 2025, you can pay for heating based on the weather―that's right, no longer a one-size-fits-all bill. During the cold winter months, expect a higher bill, but in the sweltering summer, you'll likely see significant savings. But that's not where the good news ends! Your elderly neighbor, Tatiana Ivanovna, who's 72, will now get half the cost of her roof repair refunded, and her 82-year-old mother won't have to pay a cent for new pipes thanks to the revised capital repair policy. So, let's break it down.
Heating: Pay for Real Heat, Not Wasted Energy
Previously, heating fees were a constant regardless of the temperature outside. Enter the new weather-based system:
- When the mercury drops in December, the payment increases by 20% to cover winter heating expenses.
- But in July, the payment decreases to a minimum, giving you a chance to pocket the savings and spend it on something fun.
A crucial tidbit: your annual total stays the same. We're talking about redistributing funds with cold months shouldering the brunt, and warm months offering a breather.
Example: A Voronezh pensioner paying 3000 ₽ monthly will fork out 3600 ₽ in winter and only 600 ₽ in summer. "Now I'll treat my grandkids with the savings," she grins.
Capital Repair: Pensioners Save Big
Now, elderly homeowners can enjoy discounts on capital repair payments:
- Pensioners between 70 and 79 will receive a 50% refund for repairs in the entrance hall or elevator replacement.
- For those over 80, the government foots the entire bill!
However, there are a few catches:
- The discount applies only if you live alone or with other pensioners.
- Calculation is based on the living space norm. For example, a single pensioner's norm is 33 m2. If your apartment is larger, the compensation will be calculated only for 33 m2. Make sure to measure up! Those extra 5 m2 could make a difference to your compensation amount.
How to Get the Discount
To claim the discount, you'll need some documents, like your passport and a family composition certificate. Submit your application to the MFC or "Gosuslugi" (similar to sending a letter or a message). Once the application is reviewed, the cash will be deposited into your account, just like the first spring flowers after winter.
Important: regional housing standards may vary, so keep in mind that in Krasnodar, single pensioners can have 36 m2, while Yakutia allows 40 m2 due to the extreme climate.
Should You Hurry?
If you reach 70 in June 2025, submit your application in May. Sometimes, the process can take a while, just like waiting in line at a clinic.
Though it doesn't solve every issue, this change can make life much easier for pensioners, giving them a more comfortable old age. Maybe now your grandmother will finally fix the roof, and you can help your parents with the paperwork. Sometimes, it's the small benefits that make a big difference, the source writes.
(Note: For information on Russia-specific programs related to seasonal heating subsidies, home repair programs, and utility bill discounts, consult official government portals such as the Pension Fund of Russia (PFR) or Ministry of Construction.)
- From spring 2025, pensioners will be paying for heating based on the weather, not a constant fee, resulting in higher bills during cold winter months but significant savings in the sweltering summer.
- Under the revised capital repair policy, elderly homeowners aged 70 to 79 will receive a 50% refund for capital repairs, and those over 80 will have the entire cost covered, but they must live alone or with other pensioners, and the compensation is limited to the living space norm.
- To claim the discount, pensioners can submit their application with required documents to the MFC or "Gosuslugi" and await the deposit of the funds into their account.
- Regional housing standards may vary, so it's essential to check the specific allowances in different regions before applying for the discount.
- Pensioners who are 70 by June 2025 should submit their applications by May to ensure they can take advantage of the new benefits in a timely manner.
