Russian Social Fund for People with Disabilities: How to Obtain and Use Electronic Certificates for Rehabilitation Aids

In Russia, individuals with disabilities are entitled to a comprehensive range of social support measures. These include pensions, various financial payments, access to sanatorium-resort treatment, numerous benefits, and crucially, the provision of technical means of rehabilitation (TSR). The primary condition for receiving such assistance is a disability officially established by the Medical and Social Expert Examination Bureau (MSEB), along with an Individual Rehabilitation or Habilitation Program (IRHP).

Thanks to effective interdepartmental data exchange, the Social Fund of Russia (SFR) proactively assigns most types of support, such as pensions and benefits, without requiring a separate application. However, an application is still necessary for obtaining technical rehabilitation aids. This can be submitted online via the Public Services Portal, or in person at an SFR client service office or a Multifunctional Centre (MFC).

Citizens can acquire TSR through two main methods: receiving them in kind, where the SFR procures the necessary items via a state contract and then issues a referral to a supplier; or by purchasing the item using an electronic certificate. The second option offers greater flexibility, allowing individuals with disabilities to independently choose the vendor, delivery method, and cost of the product. The preferred acquisition method, along with the specific rehabilitation aids required (such as orthopedic footwear, prostheses, wheelchairs, or daily hygiene products), must be indicated when filling out the application. The list of available TSR is automatically generated based on the information in the IRHP.

What is an Electronic Certificate?

An electronic certificate is a modern payment tool designed for purchasing rehabilitation aids funded by the state. To activate and use it, you need to link it to a bank card from the «MIR» payment system. It is important to note that the funds are not directly transferred to the user`s card but are reserved in the Federal Treasury. When a purchase is made, the amount is automatically transferred directly to the supplier, significantly expediting the process of obtaining the necessary TSR.

The nominal value of the electronic certificate for TSR is determined based on the average cost at which the Social Fund previously acquired similar types of rehabilitation products. The more precisely the type and characteristics of the required aid are specified in the IRHP, the more accurately its value will be set.

The processing time for an electronic certificate is no more than 10 working days. All relevant information about issued certificates is conveniently accessible in the user`s personal account on the Public Services Portal.

How to Use an Electronic Certificate

To purchase TSR using an electronic certificate, citizens should access the electronic catalog of technical rehabilitation aids on the official Social Fund of Russia portal. After selecting the desired item from the classifier, the system will display a list of all available suppliers, including major online marketplaces.

Once the product is selected and payment is confirmed using the linked «MIR» card, the data is transmitted to the Federal Treasury, and the certificate amount is transferred to the seller. If the cost of the chosen item is less than the certificate`s nominal value, the remaining amount cannot be cashed out. However, if the TSR`s cost exceeds the certificate`s value, the difference can be paid by the individual using their own funds.

Additional Information About Electronic Certificates

• A «MIR» bank card, issued by any Russian bank, is mandatory for processing and using an electronic certificate.
• If an individual requires several different TSRs, all issued certificates can be conveniently linked to the same bank card.
• The electronic certificate is typically valid for 1 year for most types of TSR. For absorbent linen and diapers, the validity period is shorter, at 90 days. A new application must be submitted to the Social Fund upon expiry. If the validity period of the IRHP, based on which the certificate was issued, expires earlier, the certificate itself is automatically annulled.
• Citizens retain the right to cancel their electronic certificate at any time and instead opt to receive TSR in kind.
• Notably, as of July 1, 2022, remote assessment by the MSEB is possible. An in-person examination may only be required if there are contradictions or inaccuracies in the medical documentation.

Electronic Certificate for Special Military Operation (SMO) Participants

Veterans of the Special Military Operation and demobilized military personnel receive special attention from the Social Fund. The support system for them is highly simplified, including the proactive assignment of measures and the provision of an individual coordinator from the SFR staff. One such tool is the electronic certificate. As soon as an SMO participant undergoes a medical and social expert examination (often directly in the hospital) or a military medical commission (MMC), all necessary information regarding their established disability and recommended technical rehabilitation aids is promptly transmitted to the Social Fund, which then automatically issues an electronic certificate.