How to Claim Ukrainian Pensions from Russian-Occupied Areas

Pension Eligibility for Residents of Temporarily Occupied Territories

According to Пенсії (RSS): The Ukrainian Pension Fund has outlined the requirements for individuals living in temporarily occupied territories or who have moved to Ukrainian-controlled areas to receive their pensions. A key condition is that applicants must formally confirm they are not receiving a pension from the Russian Federation's social security authorities. This confirmation must be provided by the person applying for the payments.

It is crucial to note that individuals who underwent physical identification in 2025-2026 must submit a declaration of non-receipt of a Russian pension by February 1, 2026. For this group, payments will continue until such a declaration is submitted, but no later than April 1, 2026. This procedure is governed by Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 126, dated February 3, 2026.

Methods for Submitting the Declaration

The declaration of non-receipt of a pension and/or insurance payments from Russia is submitted only once. However, if circumstances change regarding the receipt of such payments, this must be reported again.

There are several ways to submit the declaration:

• Online – via the personal account on the web portal of the Ukrainian Pension Fund's electronic services.
• During a video conference call.
• By postal mail.
• By submitting an application in person at a service center of the Ukrainian Pension Fund.

These measures are designed to ensure pension payments for people in difficult circumstances and to support their social protection. This policy is part of Ukraine's broader effort to maintain social services for its citizens affected by the ongoing conflict, despite the challenges of occupation. Providing multiple submission methods aims to make the process more accessible for those seeking to claim their rightful benefits.

In light of the recent updates regarding pension claims, it is essential for Ukrainian pensioners to stay informed about their obligations. Specifically, those who have not received payments from Russia must ensure they report this by April 1st. For further details on how to effectively communicate any missing payments, you can read more in our article on reporting unreceived Russian payments.