This article addresses the practical aspects of implementing targeted social support for people in need, focusing on individual regions of the Russian Federation (RF). In the context of the crisis in financing social payments, the development of an effective concept for protecting vulnerable population groups becomes a critical task. The study presents an analysis of statistical data highlighting the socio-demographic crisis in Russian society. In particular, official data from the Federal State Statistics Service and archival materials are considered. The article characterizes the basic statutory instruments governing the mechanisms of social support for people in need in Russia. The author argues that overcoming the crisis requires efforts to align the social system of the Russian Federation with its real socio-economic conditions.