In 1974, the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union passed a law establishing the Veteran of Labor medal. The award was created with the aim of encouraging workers for their conscientious work over many years in the national economy, in the fields of culture, science, public education, and health care. As a sign of recognition by the state and society of labor merit, a medal can be received by citizens upon reaching retirement age, leaving for a well-deserved rest.
Usually, the Veteran of Labor medal is solemnly awarded to the awarded in labor collectives.
Workers who receive various types of pensions and continue their labor activity when the retirement age is reached can also receive a reward.
To award a medal, the administration of an organization, institution, enterprise or trade union organization sends a petition, which is filed with the idea of an old-age pension, and for working retirees before leaving for a well-deserved rest.
According to its design, the Veteran of Labor medal is made of tombac, silver plated, has the shape of a circle, the diameter of which is 34 millimeters. On the front side there is a background pattern in the form of diverging rays with a convex inscription of the USSR, relief drawings of a sickle, a hammer and a laurel branch. At the bottom on the circumference is the inscription "Veteran of Labor". The reverse side has a matte light background, on which is written “For long-term conscientious work”, the inscription is located in four lines. In bordering the medal there is a side. The award also consists of a pentagonal block covered with moire silk ribbon, connected to the medal with a ring and eyelet.
Today, more than 16 million people have the award. The presence of a certificate of a veteran of labor gives the right to use various social benefits.
At present, citizens who have honorary titles, distinctions, orders and medals, as well as people who have 40 years and 35 years of work experience for men and women, respectively, have the right to receive the Veteran of Labor medal in Russia.
How to get the Veteran of Labor medal
If there is a right to a reward, documents confirming labor activity should be collected. In order to receive a medal, one can submit both originals and copies of certifying documents certified by an authorized body of social protection.
Then you need to apply to the local section of the Pension Fund. Within 10 days, the application is sent for consideration to the executive authorities. If a positive decision is made, you can get a medal along with a certificate. If you refuse to issue a reward within 15 days, a notification arrives explaining the reasons for the decision.
A veteran awarded with a medal and title receives the right to privileges, namely: the possibility of free travel in urban public transport, as well as in railways in suburban areas, a five percent reduction in payment for housing and utilities, preferential sanatorium services, if there are medical indications. The availability of an additional list of benefits in different regions may vary. So in Moscow, labor veterans additionally receive a 50% discount on payments for telephone communications, housing, as well as vouchers for sanatoriums, free dental prosthetics and a city supplement for retirement.
Different territorial authorities may have some discrepancies in the list of benefits provided, so you need to contact your local social security office to find out what benefits are allowed in this region.
It should also be remembered that the medal has no legal force in the absence of a certificate. Therefore, do not forget it when applying for benefits.