How Russia's SNILS system evolved from plastic cards to digital social services
Russia's personalised accounting system launched on 1 April 1996, transforming how citizens manage social services. In Sverdlovsk Oblast, the first green plastic SNILS cards appeared a year later, marking the start of a system now fully digitised and integrated with online services. The system began in late 1997 when Sverdlovsk Oblast issued its first insurance certificates. These green plastic cards evolved into a digital format, now stored in personal accounts on the Gosuslugi portal. Over 6.2 million SNILS accounts have since been opened for local residents.
Each citizen receives a unique SNILS identifier at birth, automatically linking them to social services. Parents can immediately apply for maternal capital or child benefits once their newborn's number is registered. The system also simplifies daily tasks, such as booking doctor's appointments or accessing pensions. Employers contribute by submitting monthly reports to the regional Social Fund, which updates individual accounts. Yelena Alshits, head of the Social Fund's branch in Sverdlovsk Oblast, oversees the programme. The shift to digital has cut paperwork, making it easier for residents to use their social insurance data.
The SNILS system now underpins essential services in Sverdlovsk Oblast, from benefits to healthcare. With over 6.2 million accounts active, the digital transition has made administration faster and more accessible for both citizens and authorities.
