The specialist spoke about ways to find support in the absence of strength or resources.

At times when there are not enough hands or resources, it is necessary to remember that support and help are important and remind that a person is never alone. Irina Kurganskaya, Director of the ANO Unified Social Operator (USO) of the ESO digital charity platform, told Izvestia about this on February 13.

"All support options can be divided into two large groups. They do not replace, but often complement each other. The first group, the official one, is social protection. We are going here for legally guaranteed payments, benefits and long-term support. The second group is more flexible — funds. We come here when the situation is unusual, in crisis, or we need not only financial, but also mental or legal support," she shared.

Social protection

According to Kurganskaya, government programs can become a financial support and a basis for budget planning.

She recommended contacting this support group if necessary to receive benefits and payments, maternity capital, and a social contract. According to her, the parent capital is currently issued automatically, without unnecessary trips to the authorities.

Speaking about the social contract, Kurganskaya clarified that the program is intended for families with incomes below the subsistence level. The initiative itself, according to the specialist, can help to get out of a difficult situation through monthly support, employment assistance, or even starting your own business.

She also noted that Russians can turn to government programs to receive benefits and compensation, including for housing and communal services, rental housing and other services. Kurganskaya clarified that to obtain social protection, you can use "Public Services", contact the branch of the Social Fund of Russia (SFR) or the nearest MFC.

Charitable foundations

As for charitable foundations, Kurganskaya recommended contacting them to receive urgent support or in the case when the situation does not fit into the standard framework. According to her, in case of unforeseen crisis situations, such organizations have special crisis teams that know what to do in the first hours and days, can ensure safety, provide the most necessary and will be there.

The expert also noted that if the life situation is of a special nature, one should look for a narrowly focused fund that will deal with exactly such problems. Such organizations usually understand what a person faces every day, and can provide not only material, but also mental support.

"When you don't need money, but support. Sometimes you don't need a card payment, but someone to listen and support you. Or he helped me sort out the paperwork and rights. And there are also projects and communities for this," Kurganskaya added.

She noted that you can usually ask for support on the official website of the organization through the "Need help" button, by phone number or personal arrival at the office.

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Expert advice

Kurganskaya stressed that in case of problems with money, benefits or payments according to the law, you should contact social protection. She also urged not to be afraid to ask for more. In case of an emergency, she recommended looking for a foundation, as these organizations were created to help in difficult and ambiguous situations.

In addition, the expert advised combining both options. According to her, in parallel, you can receive state benefits and attend free sessions with a psychologist from the foundation.

However, she noted that the rules and programs may vary depending on the region. The specialist called a call to the local social protection department or the foundation to clarify the details the most reliable way.

"If the situation is critical and immediate intervention is required, do not wait — look for hotlines or crisis centers. Remember that asking for help is not weakness, but wisdom and responsibility to yourself and your child. You can handle it, and there are those around who are ready to help," concluded Kurganskaya.

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