Duma gives initial approval to benefit indexation at payment date

Russia’s State Duma approved the first reading of a government bill on October 14 clarifying how lump-sum benefits for law enforcement personnel and bereaved families are indexed. The amount would reflect indexation as of the actual payment date.

The government drafted the measure in response to a Constitutional Court ruling. It addresses uncertainty in legislation that does not specify the date to be used when accounting for indexation of the relevant benefit.

The provisions cover, among others, prison service personnel, enforcement officers, federal fire service employees and customs officers. When an employee dies, eligible recipients include family members and dependants.

The death benefits concern fatal duty-related injuries or illnesses acquired during service. The source also describes deaths within a year after discharge because of an injury or illness that made continued service impossible.

Bill No. 1298021-8 has passed its first reading. That is an initial legislative approval, rather than confirmation that the amendments have entered into force or that every recipient will receive an identical amount.