OREANDA-NEWS. February 19, 2009. Moscovites receiving social benefits from the state are currently facing a transition to the monetary form of payment of rent, housing and public utilities and communication services (radio broadcasting and community antenna television) subsidies.

Now recipients of subsidies may benefit from the following options in receiving social payments: from the Moscovite’s Social Card account opened at the Bank of Moscow; from a bank account or deposit opened at the Bank of Moscow (including via post offices) or at any other bank. Moscovites entitled to benefits will be required to fill in an application for the grant of subsidies indicating the method of their payment at their respective district housing subsidies department. Moscovites who decide in favour of transfer of subsidy amounts to accounts opened at the Bank of Moscow, including Moscovite’s Social Card accounts, may submit their application at the branch office of the Bank of Moscow closest to their home.

Clients who have decided in favour of transfer of subsidies on housing and public utilities and communication services charges to the Moscovite’s Social Card account, opened at the Bank of Moscow, may optionally submit an application on the transfer of the pension amount to the Moscovite’s Social Card account and benefit from the ample opportunities granted by the card:
•  spend one visit on processing a standing order for regular payments of fees and charges for housing and public utilities and communication services from the card account, thus avoiding the necessity to visit branch offices of the Bank for making necessary payments for services;
•  receive a discount on the cash balance on the Moscovite’s Social Card;
•  receive cash money at ATMs and branch offices of the Bank of Moscow;
•  pay for goods and services at trade and service outlets;
•  pay for the full package of services (mobile communication, Internet, satellite television etc) net of commission fee;
•  receive updates on the movement of the funds on the card account by text messages.

The Moscovite’s Social Card is a joint programme of the Moscow Government, the Bank of Moscow, the Moscow Underground Railway, the Department of Social Care and Security, the Moscow City Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund and the Moscow Railways. New participants are constantly joining the project. The Moscovite’s Social Card is issued free of charge.