In April 2026, Ukrainian pensioners will see significant changes in the pension system. There will be a scheduled recalculation of pensions for working pensioners—a process repeated every two years if the individual has worked 24 months since their last pension assignment or recalculation. In 2026, this will affect around 650,000 people.
This increase applies to those whose pensions were assigned at least two years ago, i.e., before April 1, 2024. The new amounts are set from April 1, but payments will be credited only in June due to the need to process reporting data. In June, pensioners will receive an additional payment for April and May, as well as the updated monthly pension.
The recalculation is carried out automatically based on Pension Fund data. Either only the additional employment period is considered or, if wages have risen recently, the new wage level can also factor in. Experts urge attention to cases like part-time work, as these affect credited service periods.
Additionally, almost 13 million Ukrainians will get a one-time top-up—100 UAH, or 1,500 UAH for the most vulnerable. The payments are automatic for pension and social benefit recipients, war veterans, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and more. No separate application is needed.
It’s also notable that the March 2026 indexation only partially met expectations: many pensioners received the minimum increase or none at all due to the current recalculation mechanism.
Regarding care allowances: The Ministry of Social Policy confirms that old-format certificates remain valid until their expiry. Compensation can be obtained by people with disabilities, elderly pensioners, and those over 80, provided they have the relevant medical commission documents.
Pensioners abroad or in occupied territories must confirm by April 1 that they do not receive pensions from Russia, or their payments may be suspended.
A draft law in Parliament provides for lifetime pensions for military retirees with disabilities. The new rules aim to improve the fairness and effectiveness of the system.
