Minimum Pension Amounts for Those Who Mitigated the Chornobyl Nuclear Disaster
Starting in March 2026, disabled veterans who helped contain the Chornobyl catastrophe will see their pensions rise under a Ukrainian law passed on June 29, 2021 (No. 1584-IX). These new minimum payments are tied to the country’s average salary from the previous year. As of 2025, that figure stands at 20,653.55 hryvnias, which directly affects how much disabled individuals will receive. This adjustment is part of ongoing efforts to address the financial needs of those who sacrificed their health during the disaster response.
Pension Minimums Broken Down by Disability Group
Under the updated rules, people with a Group I disability will get a minimum pension equal to 100% of the average salary—20,653.55 hryvnias. For Group II, the floor is set at 80% of that average, or 16,522.84 hryvnias. Those classified as Group III will receive at least 60%, amounting to 12,392.13 hryvnias. The law mandates that these pensions be recalculated annually, with the first adjustment occurring on March 1, 2026. From that date onward, the guaranteed minimums are as follows:
- Group I — 20,653.55 hryvnias
- Group II — 16,522.84 hryvnias
- Group III — 12,392.13 hryvnias
It is worth noting that eligible recipients may also receive additional payments for special services to Ukraine, on top of these base amounts.
These legislative changes carry significant weight for the survivors of the Chornobyl cleanup, as they underscore the state’s duty to support those who bore severe consequences from the tragedy.
By regularly recalculating pensions based on the national average wage, the system aims to ensure fair compensation and bolster financial security for a group that deserves ongoing attention and assistance.