The Senezh Management Workshop hosted a meeting between Sergey Chirkov, Chairman of the Social Fund of Russia, and members of the Time of Heroes program. The initiative aims to build a talent pipeline from among the participants of the special military operation and prepare former servicemen for managerial roles in government structures.
While talking with the veterans, Head of the Social Fund Sergey Chirkov, emphasized the significance of systemic support for the defenders of the Fatherland. He stated that caring for the special military operation participants and their families is not just a regulated set of services and functions for the Fund, but its fundamental stance and a paramount public mission.
The Head of the Social Fund elaborated on the role of the Fund in the country's social life. As was already noted, the Fund provides regular allowances to millions of Russians, including families with children, retirees and recipients of federal welfare. This year, the financing for social and pension programs by the Social Fund will reach nearly RUB 19 trillion. On top of that, the Fund is actively involved in the Family national project and controls the maternity capital program.
Assistance to the special military operation servicemen and their families is a special point of focus for the agency. According to Sergey Chirkov, key benefits are granted to veterans proactively: they arrive automatically immediately after their status is confirmed officially, without personal applications.
A proactive approach is also applied when providing veterans with rehabilitation equipment. "The Fund constantly monitors data from medical and social assessment institutions, recording which products are recommended to a specific veteran," explained Head of the Social Fund. "Upon receiving consent, staff promptly issue an electronic certificate for the recommended items."
"Sergey Chirkov also announced the expansion of rehabilitation opportunities for veterans. Starting last year, they have been undergoing treatment at specialized centers controlled by the Social Fund. They provide demobilized military personnel with both health resort treatment and a comprehensive medical rehabilitation.
"Starting this year, those who require medical aid can come to our centers for treatment with their loved ones or relatives. The Social Fund covers all travel, accommodation and meal expenses for the accompanying persons," explained Sergey Chirkov.
According to him, the payment procedures concerning the travel of SMO veterans for treatment at Social Fund's rehabilitation centers has also expanded this year. Now they can obtain travel tickets for that purpose. Travel to rehabilitation centers has already been covered for 12,800 veterans this year, with the majority (64%) receiving it in the form of travel documents.
On top of that, the Social Fund oversees programs that assist demobilized servicemen with employment. Businesses are granted a subsidy covering a portion of wages and insurance contributions for hiring special military operation veterans. The Fund also supports companies that create and equip workplaces for disabled veterans. Those initiatives are part of the Personnel national project.
Head of the Social Fund emphasized that the Fund views the country's defenders not only as clients, but also as potential team members: in the view of Social Fund Chairman, their professional and life experience can significantly enhance the agency's operations.
It is worth noting that the Time of Heroes program is being implemented on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin and is focused on unlocking combat veterans' managerial potential. Leaders of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Administration, federal agencies, as well as leaders of regions and major Russian companies, serve as mentors for the program's participants