Procedure for Replacing State Social Assistance Recipient Certificates
The Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) has detailed the steps to replace a state social assistance recipient certificate. It is crucial to note that each certificate is valid only for the duration of the approved assistance period. If the certificate expires but payments continue, or if the document is lost or becomes unusable, the recipient—or their legal representative—must personally submit a request for a new one at their local PFU office.
Rules for Submitting a Replacement Application
Under the updated regulations, applications must be filed in person. An online submission option via the PFU web portal will become available later, once the necessary technical infrastructure is in place. Along with the application, a color photo of the recipient—and, if needed, of the legal representative—must be provided. Photo requirements are:
- height: 30 mm,
- width: 25 mm,
- file size: 20–24 kB,
- face must cover 70–80% of the frame,
- background must be white and free of any objects.
If the old certificate is still in hand, it must be returned to the local PFU office. The new document will be issued at the PFU location specified by the applicant in their request. The rules for processing, producing, and distributing these certificates were approved by PFU Board Resolution No. 12‑1 of March 20, 2026, and took effect on May 1, 2026.
In summary, a certificate replacement is required when: the current one expires, payments are extended, the document is lost, or it becomes damaged. This information was released by the Pension Fund of Ukraine and reported by the publication Khvylia.
These changes to the process for replacing state social assistance recipient certificates could simplify obtaining social benefits for many Ukrainians, especially those dealing with lost or damaged documents. The future introduction of an online application option is also expected to significantly ease bureaucratic procedures for citizens.
In light of these recent changes, it is important for recipients to be aware of the newly introduced ID card system by the Pension Fund. This initiative is aimed at streamlining the process of receiving social assistance, ensuring that beneficiaries can access their rights more efficiently and without unnecessary delays.