Self-employed in Russia receive sick pay for the first time

17:00; 01 August 2026 year

### Self-Employed Russians Now Eligible for Sick Pay Under Voluntary Social Insurance Program Starting August 1, 2026, self-employed individuals in Russia who have joined the voluntary social insurance program are now eligible for sick leave payments, according to [RIA Novosti](https://ria.ru/20260801/rossija-2108363581.html). The first payments were made available to participants who enrolled at the beginning of the year and consistently made insurance contributions for six months. The voluntary insurance program has been in effect in Russia since January 1, 2026. To participate, self-employed individuals must submit an application to a local branch of the Russian Social Insurance Fund and begin making insurance contributions. Participants can choose between two insurance bases: 35,000 rubles or 50,000 rubles per month. The monthly contribution rate is 3.84% of the chosen amount, which translates to 1,344 rubles or 1,920 rubles, respectively. The right to receive sick pay arises after six months of continuous participation in the program. The amount of the benefit depends on the duration of the insurance period and the time spent in the experiment, ranging from 60% to 100% of the average earnings. Additionally, the period of participation in the program is included in the insurance record, which is taken into account when calculating pension benefits. However, maternity and childbirth benefits are not included in the terms of the experiment.

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