Eligibility Rule for Pensioners from Occupied Areas Explained

Pension Payments for Retirees from Occupied Territories

According to ХВИЛЯ: A key condition applies to pensioners from Ukraine's temporarily occupied regions or those who have left these areas: they can only receive a Ukrainian pension if they are not already receiving pension payments from the Russian Federation. To meet this requirement, individuals must submit a notification to the Pension Fund of Ukraine. Notably, this declaration is a one-time obligation-no repeated confirmation is necessary unless circumstances change, such as when a person begins receiving payments from Russia.

How to Submit the Notification

Several submission methods are available. Pensioners can file the notification online through their personal account on the Pension Fund's e-services web portal, which requires a qualified electronic signature or Diia.Signature. Those living abroad may submit it via video conference, where a Fund employee records their response regarding receipt or non-receipt of Russian payments during video identification. Additional options include:

• Mailing the notification along with a certificate of life confirmation;
• Submitting a paper application at a Pension Fund service center.

The Pension Fund of Ukraine emphasizes that the requirement to confirm non-receipt of a Russian pension applies regardless of how long a person stayed in the occupied territory. 'The duration of stay in a temporarily occupied territory does not affect the application of this requirement,' the Fund states.

Amid the ongoing war and Ukraine's challenging socio-economic conditions, pension payments for people from occupied areas remain a pressing issue. This rule, which demands proof of not receiving Russian pensions, may affect the financial situation of many retirees, requiring them to complete specific steps to secure their Ukrainian benefits. Importantly, the Pension Fund of Ukraine offers various ways to submit notifications, which can ease the process for citizens facing difficult circumstances.

In addition to the requirement for pensioners from occupied areas to notify the Pension Fund of non-receipt of Russian pensions, there are other obligations that retirees must be aware of. For instance, the need to inform the Fund about employment status within a specific timeframe highlights the ongoing responsibilities for pensioners. Understanding these regulations is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted pension payments amid the complexities of the current situation.