How and what kind of assistance can families of mobilized personnel receive in Russia

Benefits and Guarantees for Families of Mobilized Citizens in 2023

The state has provided several support measures for the families of citizens called up for military service. The assistance package includes, for example: tax benefits, free travel, labor guarantees, and so on. Let us discuss this in more detail. 

Child Benefits

As mentioned above, there are no separate payments or allowances in connection with the conscription of a close relative for military service. However, authorities will temporarily exclude the mobilized person's income when assessing family need. Furthermore, the zero-income rule will not apply to such families.

Credit holidays

In addition to mobilized citizens themselves being able to apply for credit holidays, such assistance is also provided for their families. Specifically, deferrals on monthly payments can be obtained by:

• wives of mobilized citizens;
• minor children;
• adult disabled children;
• children under 23 studying full-time;
• other dependents. 

Credit holidays can be arranged for any type of loan: consumer loans, auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, and so on. This assistance allows you to either obtain a deferral for the duration of the mobilized person's service or reduce the monthly payment.

Tax Benefits

For the duration of military service, family members of a mobilized citizen are exempt from paying personal income tax (NDFL) and insurance contributions on any type of financial support, such as lump-sum regional assistance. Exemption from NDFL and insurance contributions occurs automatically. 

Labor Guarantees

If a mobilized citizen has children under 14 years of age, his spouse is exempt from business trips and overtime work. All of this is possible only with the female employee's written consent. 

In addition, in the event of mass layoffs, the spouse of a mobilized person receives a preferential right to retain their position.

Sanatorium-Resort Treatment and Recreation

Family members of a serviceman can also count on subsidized vouchers to departmental sanatoriums of the Russian Ministry of Defense, just like the families of military personnel. 

In this case, the right to subsidized sanatorium-resort treatment is granted to:

• wives of mobilized citizens;

• minor children;

• adult disabled children;

• children under 23 studying full-time;

• other dependents. 

Free Travel

Families of mobilized citizens are also eligible for free travel:

• to the vacation destination and back for one family member of the serviceman no more than once a year;
• to the place of treatment in medical organizations based on the conclusion of the military medical commission and back;
• in the event of the death of the mobilized person, to their place of residence for all family members.

Housing and Communal Services (UTILITIES) Compensation

In addition, families of servicemen are exempt from penalties and fines for overdue payments for housing and communal services and overhaul contributions. Mobilized relatives can also reduce utility payments. To do this, they need to submit applications to the management company, utility provider, and water utility.

Regional Benefits and Guarantees for Families of Mobilized Citizens

Besides state-provided benefits and guarantees, families of servicemen may also receive regional support. For example, they may be offered:

• priority enrollment of children in kindergartens;
• exemption from kindergarten fees;
• priority transfer to other schools and kindergartens;
• free meals for children in schools, colleges, and universities;
• priority enrollment in after-school care groups;
• social services for elderly citizens and people with disabilities;
• legal assistance;
• psychological help, and so on. 

To find out what assistance is available in specific regions, you can contact social protection offices or your local administration.