Lawyer names reasons why some pensioners may lose benefits for payment of housing and utility services

Pensioners can claim a number of subsidies and compensations related to the payment of housing and communal services (HCS). However, some may lose such benefits. David Adams, general director of the AID professional legal group and lawyer, told Izvestia on November 30 in which cases this is possible.

"As for benefits for payment of housing and communal services, pensioners can claim a number of subsidies and compensations. For example, if the cost of housing and utility services exceeds the established percentage of income (usually 22%, although in different regions the norms may differ), pensioners are entitled to a subsidy," Adams clarified.

In addition, he recalled that there is compensation for capital repairs: citizens over 70 years old can expect a refund of 50% of the cost, and those who are older than 80 years - for a full refund. However, these benefits are available only to non-working pensioners living either alone or with other elderly or disabled relatives.

"Benefits and subsidies can be lost for a number of reasons. For example, arrears in the payment of housing and utility services, confirmed in court, is grounds for refusal to grant subsidies. Also, a pensioner may lose benefits if his life circumstances change, for example, he became employed or ceased to meet the requirements for housing space," the lawyer explained.

He emphasized that to prevent such situations, the pensioner is advised to inform the social security authorities about the changes in a timely manner, otherwise the state may demand the return of overpaid funds.

Earlier, on September 26, it was reported that in the State Duma proposed to introduce compensation for housing and utilities costs, if they exceed 15% of family income. The corresponding letter to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin was sent by the head of the faction "Fair Russia - For Truth" in the Duma Sergei Mironov and Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee on Construction and Housing Alexander Aksenenko.