Russia’s Social Fund notes rising pensioner interest in crypto payments, but confirms benefits are ruble-only and crypto taxation is handled by the Federal Tax Service.
Russia’s state social security fund reported around 37 million consultations in 2025, with frequent pensioner inquiries about receiving payments in cryptocurrency. Officials emphasized that pensions and benefits are disbursed exclusively in rubles, and any cryptocurrency tax matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Tax Service. The surge in non-standard queries parallels broader growth in Russia’s crypto market, which saw $376.3 billion in inflows from July 2024 to June 2025, alongside significant increases in large transfers and DeFi activity.