Deputies changed the procedure for paying compensation to victims of radiation disasters

Citizens who suffered as a result of Chernobyl and other radiation disasters will be able to receive compensation for health damage regardless of what pension they receive – a pension on disability or an old-age pension. They did not have such an opportunity previously. The Government proposed to make amendments and additions to the law “On the social protection of citizens affected by the Chernobyl disaster and other radiation or man-made disasters”. The relevant parliamentary committee agreed with the position of the executive body.

The parliamentarian added that there are those who have reached retirement age and would like to receive an old-age pension in this category of citizens. However, the law did not allow them to receive compensation for health damage along with their old-age pension.

The new norms give citizens affected by the Chernobyl disaster the right to choose. They can choose any type of pension and still continue to receive health compensation payments or receive two pensions, for example, age and disability. However, the person will not receive compensation for damage to health.

Deputies unanimously supported the legislative initiative of the Government in two readings at the plenary session. The adopted standards will apply to 9 people – disabled people of group III, who receive compensation for health damage and can potentially switch to receiving an old-age pension. To do this, it will be necessary to budget about 40 thousand rubles in the republican budget. This amount will be provided for in the law-in-draft on the republican budget for 2024. Changes and additions to the law “On social protection of citizens affected by the Chernobyl disaster and other radiation or man-made disasters” will come into force on January 1 next year.