Requirements for Pensioners in Temporarily Occupied Territories
Ukrainian pensioners living in, or who have left, temporarily occupied territories must confirm they are not receiving pension payments from the Russian Federation to continue receiving their Ukrainian pension. This requirement is part of Ukraine's efforts to maintain social support for its citizens in these areas. A formal declaration to this effect must be submitted by April 1, 2026.
According to new rules set by the Pension Fund of Ukraine, individuals receiving social benefits must fulfill this condition. The declaration can be submitted by the deadline using one of three methods:
- Remotely via the Ukrainian Pension Fund's online portal;
- Through a video identification process;
- In person at a service center.
This process ensures the continuation of Ukrainian pension payments, a critical source of support for retirees affected by the occupation.
Methods for Submitting the Declaration
To accommodate citizens, the declaration must be submitted by pensioners residing in temporarily occupied territories and by those who have relocated from them. The submission deadline of April 1, 2026, provides ample time to meet this requirement.
Pensioners can use several methods to file their declaration with the Pension Fund of Ukraine. The first option is remote submission via the Pension Fund's portal. The second is through video identification, which verifies identity without requiring a physical visit. The third method is a personal visit to a service center for assistance with the paperwork.
For those planning to use electronic services, it is useful to know the Pension Fund's e-services portal is operational, and appointments for video identification are available. This allows pensioners to choose the most convenient submission method.
It is crucial to emphasize the declaration deadline is April 1, 2026. For portal authentication, the Diia.Pidpys (Diia.Signature) digital signature offers the fastest method. The Pension Fund of Ukraine assures that during video calls, it will never request card CVV codes or banking app passwords, ensuring user security.
To create a Diia.Pidpys signature, pensioners will need the Diia app installed on their phone and one of the following documents: an ID card or a biometric passport for foreign travel. The creation process involves a few simple steps: open the Diia app, select the Diia.Pidpys function, activate it, confirm your identity, and create a personal code.
Therefore, pensioners wishing to continue receiving their payments must comply with the new rules and submit their declaration by April 1, 2026, choosing the method most suitable for them.
This initiative by the Pension Fund of Ukraine is vital for pensioners in temporarily occupied territories, as it secures the continuation of payments under difficult circumstances. Introducing various submission methods, including remote options, is a step toward easing access to social services for this population, which is especially important given the ongoing regional crisis and instability.
In addition to the requirements for pensioners in occupied territories, it is essential for those living abroad to also confirm their identity to ensure uninterrupted pension payments. For a detailed overview of the necessary steps and deadlines, refer to our article on how Ukrainian pensioners overseas must verify their identity by 2026.