Ukraine's Pension Fund Initiates April 2026 Payments, Reforms Sick Leave Procedures

Funding for Social Payments in Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Pension Fund of Ukraine has commenced funding for social payments scheduled for April 2026, allocating the first tranches and implementing updated control mechanisms. This process has begun, with the fund directing initial resources to support critical assistance programs. On April 1, 2026, the PFU allocated 95.6 million UAH (Ukrainian hryvnia) specifically for the payment of sick leave certificates.

On the same day, the Pension Fund's regional offices provided over 70,800 services to citizens. The main phase of funding for pensions and other social assistance this month is scheduled for April 2.

Reforms to Sick Leave Certificate Controls

Changes to the procedures for sick pay, in accordance with Law No. 4683-IX, also took effect on April 1, 2026. Officials of the PFU's territorial bodies are now authorized to verify the justification for issuing and extending certificates of incapacity for work. Medical conclusions can be analyzed exclusively by authorized doctors. Meanwhile, the status of paper sick leave certificates remains valid.

The agency noted that 'the updated version of the law allows for a more detailed description of the appeal mechanism and the algorithm for interaction between the fund and healthcare institutions.'

These changes aim to improve oversight of social payments and ensure their effective operation. The reforms reflect the Pension Fund's ongoing efforts to modernize its systems in a challenging economic environment.

The introduced changes to the control mechanism for sick leave certificates demonstrate the Pension Fund of Ukraine's drive to enhance the transparency and efficiency of social payments. The updated legislative norms are intended to reduce opportunities for abuse and ensure that social assistance is provided only to those who genuinely need it. This could positively impact the fund's financial stability and increase public trust in the social security system.

In light of these recent reforms, the Pension Fund has also gained new powers to recover funds from medical professionals related to sick leave payments. This development is part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring accountability and reducing misuse within the system. For more details on this significant change, you can read about how the Pension Fund can now hold doctors accountable.