The key facts

  • From January to September 2026, 161,748 Far North pensioners received compensation totaling over 3.5 billion rubles
  • The average reimbursement amount is 21.7 thousand rubles
  • Non-working recipients of the old-age or disability insurance pension are eligible; travel is compensated once every two years

Northern pensioners received over 3.5 billion rubles for travel to vacation destinations

From January to September 2026, 161,748 pensioners living in Far North regions received compensation for travel expenses to and from their vacation destinations. The total amount of payments exceeded 3.5 billion rubles, with the average reimbursement amounting to 21.7 thousand rubles — this was reported by the press service of the Social Fund of Russia to Gazeta.Ru. Compensation is paid on the same schedule as pensions.

Who is eligible and how to apply

Non-working recipients of the old-age or disability insurance pension who live in the Far North and equivalent areas are entitled to this support. Travel expenses within Russia are compensated once every two years. Pensioners choose their own convenient route. In most cases, recipients first pay for the trip themselves and then apply for reimbursement by presenting their travel documents. However, there is also an option with no upfront costs: the fund issues special vouchers that entitle the holder to receive railway and air tickets directly from the carrier. The voucher is valid until the end of the calendar year; if it cannot be used, the document can be canceled while retaining the right to the benefit.

Which types of transport are compensated

In addition to trains and planes, the fund reimburses expenses for travel by bus, water transport, and private car. The amount of reimbursement depends on the established rules and restrictions for the respective type of transport, the SFR explained. The practical difference between the two application methods is significant: with reimbursement after the trip, the pensioner gets back the money spent on tickets, while with the voucher scheme there are no upfront costs at all — this allows one to choose the option depending on the ability to pay for the trip in advance.