Epidemiological crisis of 2020: financial situation of the population and social support

Abstract

The paper analyzes the dynamics of the financial situation and social support coverage of various socio-demographic groups in Russia in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. The study was based on the data of three population surveys conducted in May, October, and December 2020. The spread of coronavirus had a negative impact on the welfare of the population: almost half of the respondents reported worsening of the financial situation of their families in 2020. Over half of the respondents indicated the need for cash assistance, and almost a quarter of the respondents—the need for food packages. More than a quarter of the respondents who tried to apply for social benefits in 2020 faced with some problems. In early December 2020, more than 40% of the respondents had already received the state social support in connection with COVID-19, mainly as cash payments. However, almost 60% of the respondents, including more than a half of the poor had not received any social assistance related to the pandemic. The respondents rather critically assessed the sufficiency of the state social support: almost 60% of the respondents believed that the state had not taken sufficient steps to support the population. The coronavirus epidemic has shown the importance of the social support efficiency improving through digitalization and better targeting.