Parents with children will be credited with additional pensionable service: pension calculation rules change starting in 2026

      The Government of Russia approved a resolution amending the procedure for calculating pensionable (insurance) service for the purpose of awarding insurance pensions. The document was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

      From 2026, all periods of child care up to one and a half years will be included in parents’ pensionable service, regardless of their total duration. Previously there was a six-year cumulative limit — in practice only care for four children was counted.

      The decision will increase the size of pensions for parents raising five or more children, as well as for those who previously lost part of their service due to the existing limits.

      The resolution also clarifies the calculation of service in cases of multiple births. Periods of care for each child will now be added together based on their actual duration. For example, parental leave to care for twins until one and a half years will allow three years to be counted toward pensionable service.

      The changes were prepared to implement the new provisions of the federal law “On Insurance Pensions,” adopted at the end of 2025 at the instruction of the President of Russia. The document will be published in the prescribed manner.