Revised Pension Payments for Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Liquidators
Starting March 1, 2026, the minimum pension amounts for disabled liquidators of the Chernobyl nuclear accident will be revised. These changes will apply to individuals who participated in the disaster's cleanup efforts. The new pension levels will be determined by disability category and will be calculated based on the projected average national salary for 2025, which is set at 20,653.55 Ukrainian hryvnias (UAH). The 1986 Chernobyl disaster remains the world's worst nuclear accident, with long-term health consequences for many responders.
Minimum Pension Amounts by Disability Category
According to information from the Main Department of the Pension Fund of Ukraine in the Mykolaiv region, the minimum pension for individuals with a Category I disability will be 20,653.55 UAH, equivalent to 100% of the base indicator. For those with a Category II disability, the minimum pension will be 16,522.84 UAH, or 80% of the base. Individuals with a Category III disability will receive a minimum pension of 12,392.13 UAH, which is 60% of the base indicator.
The recalculation of pension payments will be performed automatically, with no need for recipients to apply, provided all required documents are already in their pension file. As noted by the department's representatives,
"the recalculation is carried out automatically, without the need for an additional application, if all necessary documents are already contained in the pension file."For Chernobyl liquidators whose disability has been officially linked to the catastrophe, these guaranteed minimum pension payments are established. The pension amount includes all allowances, scheduled indexation, and other supplements, with the exception of pensions awarded for special service to Ukraine.
These adjustments to pension payments for Chernobyl liquidators are crucial for supporting those who suffered as a result of the catastrophe. The payments account not only for disability but also for socio-economic conditions that can affect the well-being of these citizens. The automatic recalculation will significantly simplify the process of receiving payments, marking an important step in safeguarding the rights of the liquidators and their families.