Two-stage indexation of insurance pensions in 2026: what is known

The government has determined the procedure for increasing pension payments in 2026, while the decision on the two-stage indexation of pension payments has been postponed. This is due to the adjustment of budget parameters and the need to ensure a more predictable income growth for senior citizens in the new year. For non-working pensioners, a single increase is provided from January 1. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

Two-stage pension indexation: what is it

The two—stage indexation scheme for insurance pensions is a mechanism in which payments are reviewed twice a year. The first stage provided for an annual adjustment in February in accordance with the real level of inflation over the past year, the second — additional indexation in April, taking into account the growth of income of the Pension (Social) Fund of Russia, that is, based on the actual income base.

The idea of a two-wave adjustment is aimed at ensuring prompt protection of pensioners' real income from inflation and at the same time taking into account the financial capabilities of the fund for additional allowances.

The two-stage indexation initiative was discussed in government circles and featured in policy statements as early as 2025: in a number of speeches, representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers announced the transition to a new system, calling it more flexible and fair.

Analysts noted that the model was supposed to mitigate the effect of inflationary surges, but at the same time it required precise budget study so that the second wave of indexation in April did not exceed the financial capabilities of the budget.

Postponing two-stage indexing

Despite early statements about the introduction of a two-stage scheme from 2026, when preparing the draft federal budget, the authorities decided to postpone the implementation of the mechanism until 2027.

State Duma deputy Nikita Chaplin explained in detail how the approach to indexing will change and which categories of citizens will receive an increase. Answering questions about the fate of the two-stage mechanism, Chaplin clarified that it is temporarily not used for most pensioners.

Nikita Chaplin also focused on the situation of working pensioners. "It is important to understand that in relation to this category of citizens, the two—stage indexation procedure will enter into force in full in 2026, as stipulated by law," he said.

According to the explanations of the Social Fund, the first increase for them will take place from February 1 by the amount of last year's inflation, and it will affect the entire amount of the payment.

The second stage is scheduled for April 1, when only the insurance part of the pension will be indexed based on the growth of the fund's income. "This is a systematic solution aimed at gradually equalizing the situation of all pensioners, regardless of their employment status," the deputy added.

How will pensions be indexed in 2026

"The main change in 2026 will be the transition to a one—time, but more significant indexation of insurance pensions from the very beginning of the year," said Nikita Chaplin. He said that starting from January 1, payments for non-working pensioners will be increased immediately by 7.6%, which exceeds the projected inflation rate.

"The increase in pensions by 7.6% from January 1 is a strong and timely step. As a result, the average size of the old—age insurance pension will grow by almost 2 thousand rubles and reach 27.1 thousand rubles," the deputy stressed.

This decision was made during the formation of the federal budget, and it replaced the previously considered two-stage increase scheme in February and April.

In addition to insurance pensions, other types of social benefits will increase in 2026.

Starting from April 1, the social pension will be indexed by 6.8%, which is received by citizens who do not have sufficient work experience, the disabled and some other categories.

"After recalculation, the average size of such a pension will exceed 16.5 thousand rubles. For those whose total amount will be below the regional subsistence level, the federal social supplement will remain," Chaplin said.

Also in August, an automatic recalculation awaits working pensioners — their pension will increase due to pension points accumulated in 2025. And in October, military pensioners and persons equated to them will receive the traditional indexation.