The application-free benefit assignment format was launched last year. Since then, the Fund's staff have renewed 611,000 benefits that previously required a new application. Those included compensation for damage to health, health improvement compensation and compensation to families who have lost a breadwinner.
The payouts are provided to first responders of the Chernobyl disaster and to those who sustained a disability or an illness, including radiation sickness, as a result of the accident. In addition, annual compensations are due to those evacuated from the exclusion zone, children of first responders and resettled residents. The Social Fund also automatically extends the additional length-of-service supplement for workers employed on territories with radioactive contamination.
Renewing payouts for another period without an application became possible thanks to the development of the Social Fund's information system. Thanks to the proactive approach, Chernobyl survivors no longer need to submit an application and supporting documents every year to receive their benefits. Currently, the Fund is working on an option further expand the application-free payment format for Chernobyl victims. Specifically, it is planned to extend the automatic renewal to the monthly food compensation.
Note that those affected by the Chernobyl disaster are entitled to various welfare benefits, such as a monthly cash allowance and a set of social services, including medicines, a resort voucher, and travel on suburban commuter trains. Chernobyl victims are provided with compensations for children's meals and for residing in contamination zones, as well as with other benefits. In February, the Social Fund adjusted over a million such payouts.
Chernobyl-related welfare benefits are due to first responders who worked at the Chernobyl NPP or within the exclusion zone and those involved in eliminating the consequences of the accident: Army servicemen, officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, firefighters, etc. People evacuated from the exclusion zone or resettled from contaminated territories elsewhere, first responders' widows and parents, along with their minor children are also entitled to social welfare.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, the largest industrial accident of the last century that led to extensive radiation contamination of territories, including serious consequences for the health of those affected. Despite that, Chernobyl also showcased the strength of human spirit. The heroic actions of first responders were an example of courage that was immortalized along with the disaster itself.