There is an agreement between Estonia and Russia. According to this agreement, Estonia pays pensions to approximately 5,400 Estonian pensioners living in Russia. Russia should also make transfers to Estonia to pay pensions to approximately 4,000 Russian pensioners living in Estonia.
Estonia has fulfilled its obligations. They have sent the list and pension amounts to Russia. Russia confirmed that they received this data. However, as of April 3, Russia has not yet sent the money to Estonia.
According to the agreement, Estonia pays pensions when the money arrives from Russia. The money should come every three months, but this time it has not yet arrived.
The Estonian Social Insurance Board says there are no obstacles from Estonia's side. When the money arrives, pensions will be paid out immediately. Estonia cannot take over Russia's obligations.
Russian pensioners living in Estonia can apply for subsistence benefits if they need assistance. Nearly 4,000 people receive Russian pensions in Estonia. Most of them receive both Estonian and Russian pensions. The Estonian part of the pension has been paid to them on time.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a note to Russia. They asked for an explanation as to why the money has not arrived. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also wanted to know when the money would arrive. Estonia is not creating obstacles to the receipt of the money.