Ukraine's New Pension Law: How to Prove Your Work History Without a Paperwork Trail

Ukraine Implements New Rules for Verifying Pension Eligibility

According to ХВИЛЯ: A new law, No. 13705-d, enacted on April 9, 2026, establishes updated procedures for Ukrainians to verify their insurance history for pension claims. This legislation addresses a critical issue affecting thousands of citizens who have been unable to claim pensions due to lost documents, destroyed archives, defunct businesses in occupied territories, or missing work record books. Crucially, the absence of a traditional paper work record book is no longer an automatic barrier to receiving a state pension.

Key Provisions of the Reformed Legislation

Under the new framework, the primary source for verifying employment history will be the state's electronic registry. Citizens can now substantiate their insurance record using alternative documentation, including:

• Official employment orders;
• Certificates from employers;
• Various extracts that indirectly confirm work at an enterprise.

Furthermore, an individual's insurance record can be corroborated by at least two witnesses who worked alongside the applicant. The Cabinet of Ministers will define the specific process for submitting such testimonies. This reform is particularly significant for those who worked in sectors with informal employment or for companies that no longer exist.

The law also stipulates that work periods will be counted even if an employer filed reports but failed to pay the unified social contribution due to debt. If none of the specified methods are successful, a final recourse remains: establishing the fact of employment through a court ruling.

The bodies of the Pension Fund of Ukraine (PFU) are now obligated to proactively inform citizens of any potential data gaps discovered in the registries. Should a shortfall in information be identified, the PFU must officially notify the individual and provide clarification. These innovations aim to improve the social welfare landscape, considering the profound challenges arising from the full-scale war, and will assist thousands of Ukrainians in confirming their insurance history.

With the passage of this law, Ukrainian citizens have gained new avenues to validate their work history, a pressing need in the face of contemporary hardships. These legislative changes are poised to significantly streamline the pension application process for those who have faced difficulties documenting their careers, thereby strengthening social support during the post-war recovery period.

While the new pension law offers a clearer path for verifying work history, many individuals may still face challenges in securing their pensions. Understanding the limitations of digital employment records and the potential for denial from the Pension Fund is crucial. This insight can help applicants navigate the complexities of the pension verification process more effectively.