Russia man, 23, retires with lifetime pension after only 2 years of service. Here's what happened

State-controlled Russian media framed his case as evidence of the country’s robust social protection system.

Retirement is typically associated with later years, often reached after decades of service. However, a young Russian man has defied convention, securing a full pension at just 23. Pavel Stepchenko, from Donetsk, leveraged a unique legal provision that credited his service at an accelerated rate, allowing him to retire after only two years of active duty. His case has now been recognised as a national record.

Stepchenko’s career began early when he enrolled at the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs' educational institution at the age of 16. After five years of rigorous training, he joined the territorial division of the internal affairs system. However, his tenure in active service was unexpectedly brief.

A special provision in Russian law allows individuals serving during martial law to receive three months of credited service for each actual month worked. As a result, Stepchenko rapidly accumulated the required service years and, by November 28, 2023, applied for retirement. His application was approved, granting him a full pension under Russian Federation laws in effect at the time.

Stepchenko’s achievement was officially verified by the International Record Registration Agency INTERRECORD and recorded in the Register of Records of Russia, commonly referred to as the Book of Records of Russia.

State-controlled Russian media framed his case as evidence of the country’s robust social protection system. However, critics have pointed out that such provisions could reveal systemic loopholes that may not be sustainable in the long run.

Stepchenko’s case stands as an anomaly in the workforce, offering him financial security and complete freedom long before most people even establish their careers. His early retirement has sparked discussions about the effectiveness and future implications of Russia’s service credit policies, particularly in times of martial law.