Pension Payments Halted for Some Ukrainians: How to Restore Them

The Issue with Ukrainian Pension Payments

According to ХВИЛЯ: In January 2026, pension payments were automatically suspended for a specific group of Ukrainian retirees. This action was taken due to their failure to meet mandatory legal requirements in 2025. The affected individuals are those residing abroad, living in temporarily occupied territories, or who have left such areas. This measure is part of ongoing efforts to ensure pension integrity and prevent payments from being claimed from multiple sources, including the aggressor state.

According to Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 299, pensioners located abroad or in temporarily occupied territories were required to complete an identification procedure by December 31, 2025. Failure to do so resulted in the suspension of their pension. To restore payments, individuals must now complete the identification process or submit a formal declaration confirming they do not receive a pension from the Russian Federation. Payments will only resume after official verification that the person is not receiving funds from the aggressor country.

Steps to Restore Pension Payments

Once identification is confirmed or the relevant declaration is received, pension payments will be fully reinstated, including any missed amounts for January. The primary reasons for the suspension are a missed physical identification and the absence of a declaration regarding non-receipt of a Russian pension.

• First, you can authorize yourself in the personal account of the Pension Fund of Ukraine using the Diia.Pidpys digital signature service.
• Second, you can schedule a video conference session with a Pension Fund employee.
• You may also remotely report your situation by marking the relevant section in the Remote Informing portal of the Pension Fund regarding pension receipt from another state, specifically from Russian authorities.
• For those abroad, it is possible to mail an application to restore payments to the address of the relevant territorial body of the Pension Fund, attaching a notarized or consular-certified proof of life document.

This situation underscores the critical importance for pensioners, especially those living outside Ukraine or in temporarily occupied territories, to comply with administrative procedures. It is vital these individuals are informed about the identification requirement and existing legal mandates to avoid payment interruptions. Given the complex circumstances many retirees face, state bodies must ensure accessible information and services to facilitate meeting these requirements.