Irena Your example is a great reminder that while the process might seem straightforward on paper, in reality it often means multiple visits, long waits, and dealing with staff who may not always be fully informed.
as I describe in the thread I posted, the multiple visits were because some random network slowness at MFC and in the EBS system. That's ok as I was on holiday anyway, no problem to set the visit to MFC anytime. First step, for SNILS, is where official online information is not very accurate. It says on Gosuslugi site:
https://www.gosuslugi.ru/help/faq/snils/1000111
Где получить СНИЛС:
У работодателя. Он отправит ваши данные и заполненную анкету в Социальный фонд (СФР) не позднее следующего рабочего дня после заключения договора. СНИЛС передадут работодателю в течение 5 рабочих дней
В отделении СФР или офисе МФЦ. Возьмите с собой паспорт. Иностранцам и лицам без гражданства также понадобится его нотариально заверенный перевод на русский язык
СНИЛС оформят в день обращения
for us it is the 2nd case and it say issuance on the spot. But at my first visit, I got instead a receipt of application, and instructed there was one day delay. So had to return.
Formally Social Fund (SFR) is an administrative department by itself, MFC is the umbrella for all departments, so my guess is that it is about the way databases across departments work.
Also there have been in recent times (one/two years) announcements about progressive streamlining of services. If electronic systems are being reworked and streamlined there may be glitches meanwhile.
That said if you are on vacation, it is a minor annoyance to spend half-hour to an hour at MFC.