New Restrictions for Ukrainian Pensioners
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has adopted Resolution No. 1778, which will introduce reduction coefficients for certain pensioners starting in 2026. These measures will apply to pensions exceeding 10 times the subsistence minimum. The restrictions will not apply to those who defended Ukraine. The changes will affect former civil servants, prosecutors, judges, members of parliament, diplomats, and scientists.
Criteria for Applying the Restrictions
The key factor for applying the restrictions is the pension amount. The new rules will take effect if the payment exceeds 10 subsistence minimums for disabled persons. Currently, 10 subsistence minimums equal 25,950 hryvnias. The following reductions will apply to the excess amount:
- For an excess of 10 to 11 minimums – 50% of the excess will be paid;
- For an excess of 11 to 13 minimums – 40% of the excess will be paid;
- For an excess exceeding 21 subsistence minimums – only 10% of the excess will be paid.
The restrictions will not apply to military personnel, veterans, combatants, participants in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and national defense measures, or family members of fallen defenders. This policy is part of broader fiscal reforms as Ukraine manages its economy during wartime.
Dmytro Korsun: 'The state is activating a regime of strict austerity on pensions.'
He also emphasized that no government resolutions can limit or reduce citizens' rights established by Ukrainian laws, as this right is enshrined in the Constitution.
In particular, the head of the Tax Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Danylo Hetmantsev, and the First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Daria Marchak, have also noted the importance of these changes in the context of the state budget. The information about the changes was provided by the legal company 'Merezha Prava' (Network of Law). Thus, starting in 2026, Ukrainian pensioners receiving high pensions may face new financial challenges.
These changes to pension provision could impact the social well-being of certain population groups, especially those receiving significant pensions. With limited budget resources, the authorities are attempting to find a balance between supporting pensioners and the state's financial stability. These innovations will undoubtedly become a subject of discussion and may provoke protest sentiments among those who fall under the new rules.