Below the subsistence minimum: Hetmancev acknowledged the ineffectiveness of pension indexation

Despite the carried out indexation, the average pension in Ukraine remains below the actual subsistence minimum, and the system itself shows a deep imbalance. This was reported by Danilo Hetmancev.

Pensions in Ukraine in 2026: why indexation did not improve the situation

The head of the financial committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Danilo Hetmancev, stated that the average pension currently amounts to only about 26% of income levels, which is significantly lower than the international benchmark of 40%.

According to data from the Pension Fund, as of April 1, 2026, the average pension increased to 7236 UAH, which is 895 UAH more than last year. This increase exceeded inflation, which was 7.9%.

However, even after indexation, there was no real improvement. The average payment, excluding military pensions, is 6584 UAH, which is less than the actual subsistence minimum of 7038 UAH.

Pension system of Ukraine: inequality of payments and the need for reform

According to Hetmancev, most pensioners actually live below the level of basic needs.

Key indicators of the situation:

• the number of pensioners decreased by 280 thousand — to 10.05 million

• about 7 million people receive a pension below the actual minimum

• approximately 300 thousand people have payments of 2595 UAH or less

• average salary is 28,321 UAH.

At the same time, there is significant inequality in the system. Under equal contribution conditions, some citizens receive minimal amounts, while others — tens or even hundreds of thousands of UAH.

For example, about 4 thousand retired judges receive lifetime allowances of over 114 thousand UAH per month. Individual payments for judges and prosecutors by court decisions reach 172–246 thousand UAH.

«This is no longer about social protection. This is about imbalance and injustice. It is clear that the pension system needs deep changes», — emphasized Hetmancev.

He added that pension payments should ensure a decent standard of living, and the accrual rules should be transparent and equal for all. The government, according to him, must conduct systemic reform, including considering the possibility of introducing professional pensions, but without violating the overall balance.

Let us remind you, lawyer Tetiana Holitsa from Ivan Kholytsia's law firm reported that military pensioners should consider the possibility of filing a lawsuit for recalculation of pensions according to the subsistence minimum established for 2026.