Russians query crypto pension payments via state hotlines

Russia’s Social Fund said questions about receiving pensions in cryptocurrency have become frequent calls to its government hotline.

The fund handled about 37 million calls in 2025, with most relating to pensions and benefits, but crypto-related inquiries stood out.

Callers asked whether pensions could be paid in digital assets and if crypto mining income affects social benefit calculations.

Officials said all pensions and benefits are paid exclusively in rubles and cryptocurrencies fall outside the fund’s authority.

The Social Fund added that crypto income and taxation issues are handled by Russia’s Federal Tax Service.

The questions reflect growing public awareness of digital assets in Russia’s financial system.

Russia has become Europe’s largest crypto market by transaction volume, surpassing the United Kingdom and Germany.

Data showed crypto inflows into Russia rose sharply due to increased institutional activity and decentralised finance use.

The Bank of Russia has proposed allowing limited crypto access for retail investors under strict testing and investment caps.