Sergey Chirkov, Chairman of the Social Fund went on a work visit to Tula Region. During the visit, he attended a series of meetings and events focused on developing welfare for the residents of the region.
Signing a cooperation agreement on issues pertaining to regional welfare measures with Governor Dmitry Milyaev was the key event. The parties agreed to cooperate on defining the priority areas for their joint social policy work: interactions in the areas of pension security, temporary disability, maternity and occupational disease insurance benefits and improving the quality and accessibility of public services.
"Signing this agreement gives us a chance to bring the Fund's effective competences down to the regional level and therefore improve the lives of many residents of Tula Region when it comes to providing social welfare. This is especially pertinent for issues such as automating payouts and services, simplifying procedures for obtaining assistance, and creating uniform service standards," stated Sergey Chirkov.
The Governor of Tula Region pointed out that interactions with the Social Fund are of strategic importance for the regional residents' welfare.
"Presently, our key objectives are to improve the interaction mechanisms, introduce digital services and improve the service quality. Extensive social policy work is underway in Tula Region. A broad array of measures to support SMO veterans and their families, as well as mothers and children, is being implemented. The 'For the Future Generations" corporate movement has been created in the region. 86 companies in Tula Regions have already joined the corporate fertility support program," said Mr. Milyaev.
During the visit, the Chairman of the Social Fund also met with participants of the special military operation and discussed support for the fighters and their families. The veterans told Sergey Chirkov about the rehabilitation they had undergone thanks to the Social Fund. In turn, Mr. Chirkov reminded everyone that the opportunities for veterans to visit the Social Fund's rehabilitation centers have been expanded this year. Now, if an SMO participant is assigned a Group I disability or has to be accompanied due to medical indications, they can get treatment accompanied by their loved ones. Travel, accommodation and meals for the accompanying person are covered by the Social Fund.
Chairman of the Social Fund also visited TULATOCHMASH, the local precision machinery manufacturer, to discuss reimbursements for occupational safety costs provided for by the Fund's program of financing preventive measures to reduce the workplace injury or occupational disease occurrence. The amount reimbursed by the Social Fund increases year to year. In 2025, for instance, the Fund increased occupational safety financing for Russian companies by nearly a third. Compared to 2024, the spending grew by 30% and amounted to RUB 34.9 billion. It will grow by another 20% this year and, according to the forecast, will exceed RUB 42 billion by its end.
According to Head of the Social Fund, since 2025, the full preventive measures financing cycle has been done digitally via the UPSP (Unified Public Services Portal).
State Duma deputy from United Russia, Nadezhda Shkolkina also attended the meetings.
During the trip, Sergey Chirkov also held a meeting with colleagues from the regional branch of the Social Fund to discuss current tasks and areas of work. He praised the branch's best employees and presented them with departmental awards.