Russia is still in the midst of making a transition from a command economy to a partial free-market system and is still developing it's social security system. Social security and welfare programs provide modest support for the most vulnerable segments of Russia's population: elderly pensioners, veterans, infants and children, expectant mothers, families with more than one child, invalids, and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, current programs do not cover everybody.

The Fund for Social Support in Russia supplements the social assistance programs. It is financed through the Ministry of Social Protection. The federal government allows for sub-national organizations to arrange their own social services. The quantity and quality of social services at the local level vary from region to region. The most common form of social services are food vouchers and cash payments to cover specific items such as utility bills.

Social insurance is available for people born in 1967 or later. This covers employed citizens, self-employed persons, and independent farmers. There are special systems for civil servants, military personnel, police officers, war veterans, and other specified groups.