SNILS is one of the key identifiers for citizens in the Russian social security system. This number accompanies a person throughout their entire life and is used when applying for government services, processing pensions, receiving benefits, and in many other procedures. In this article, we'll examine the SNILS format, the validation algorithm, and explain why developers need test data.
What Is SNILS
SNILS is the insurance number of an individual personal account in the mandatory pension insurance system. The abbreviation stands for "Strakhovoy Nomer Individualnogo Litsevogo Schyota" (Insurance Number of Individual Personal Account). The number is assigned by the Social Fund of Russia (formerly the Pension Fund) and is unique for each insured person.
Until 2019, SNILS was issued as a green plastic card — the insurance certificate of mandatory pension insurance. Since April 2019, physical cards are no longer issued: SNILS is now registered electronically, and confirmation is provided through a notification in the personal account on the Gosuslugi (Government Services) portal or a certificate from the Social Fund.
SNILS Format
SNILS is written in the format XXX-XXX-XXX XX, where:
- The first 9 digits (separated by hyphens into three groups of three) are the actual personal account number.
- The last 2 digits (after a space) are the check number.
Example: 112-233-445 95. The total number of digits is 11 (9 account digits + 2 check digits).
Check Digit Calculation Algorithm
The SNILS check number is calculated based on the first 9 digits of the number. The algorithm is as follows:
- Step 1. Each digit of the number is multiplied by its position from right to left (the 9th digit is multiplied by 1, the 8th by 2, ..., the 1st by 9).
- Step 2. All products are summed.
- Step 3. If the sum is less than 100, the check number equals the sum itself.
- Step 4. If the sum equals 100 or 101, the check number is
00. - Step 5. If the sum is greater than 101, the remainder of dividing by 101 is taken. If the remainder is 100, the check number is
00; otherwise, it is the remainder itself.
An important detail: the check digit algorithm only works for numbers exceeding 001-001-998. Numbers below this value cannot be validated using the check digit.
The Role of SNILS in the Social System
SNILS serves several important functions:
- Pension accounting. The personal account accumulates information about employer insurance contributions and work experience — everything needed to calculate the future pension.
- Social benefits. SNILS is required for applying for maternity capital, unemployment benefits, subsidies, and other forms of assistance.
- Government services. The SNILS number is one of the primary identifiers on the Gosuslugi portal and in the interagency electronic interaction system (SMEV).
- Healthcare. SNILS links mandatory health insurance data with the insured person's personal account.
Electronic SNILS Since 2019
Federal Law No. 48-FZ of April 1, 2019 discontinued the issuance of insurance certificates as plastic cards. Previously issued cards remain valid, but new ones are issued exclusively in electronic form. You can find out your SNILS through your personal account on the Gosuslugi website or by contacting a branch of the Social Fund of Russia.
Why Test SNILS Numbers Are Needed
Developers of information systems that integrate with government services regularly need to test with valid SNILS numbers. Using real numbers in test environments is unacceptable, as SNILS is classified as personal data and is protected under Federal Law No. 152-FZ.
Test SNILS generators create numbers with a valid check digit that can be safely used during development and testing. These numbers pass algorithmic validation but do not belong to real people.
You can generate a test SNILS with a correct check digit using our SNILS generator. If you also need test tax identification numbers, use the INN generator.
Conclusion
SNILS is more than just a pension number. Today it serves as a universal citizen identifier in the government services and social security system. Understanding the format and check digit algorithm is essential for developers working with government integrations. To generate test data, use our SNILS generator.
