Pensioners Living Abroad or in Occupied Areas Must Complete Identity Verification by December 31

Annual In-Person Identity Check for Pensioners

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine requires an annual in-person identity verification for pensioners and social insurance recipients who reside outside the country or in temporarily occupied territories. This procedure must be completed by December 31 each year. Notably, individuals living in occupied areas-or those who fled during the occupation-must submit a declaration confirming they do not receive pension payments from the aggressor state. Once the verification is successfully passed, suspended payments will be reinstated retroactively from the date they were stopped.

The Main Directorate of the Pension Fund in Vinnytsia Oblast has published the details of this procedure. Four methods are available for completing the in-person identity check:

• Digital verification using 'Diia.Pidpys' (Diia.Signature)
• Video conference call
• Through Ukrainian diplomatic missions abroad
• In-person visit

To request a video identification session, applicants can submit an electronic form via the Pension Fund web portal or call the contact center.

Video Identification and Accessibility Options

For those opting for video identification, an interview with a Pension Fund of Ukraine staff member will be scheduled within 30 days of submitting the request. Supported platforms for the video call include Google Meet, Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp, and Zoom. Citizens abroad can contact a Ukrainian embassy or consulate to obtain a certificate confirming they are alive. Residents of government-controlled areas may visit a Pension Fund service center or an authorized bank branch with their passport.

A new section titled 'My Identification' has been added to user profiles on Pension Fund online platforms, showing the date of the last identity check and the method used. The Main Directorate of the Pension Fund in Vinnytsia Oblast states:

“If your payments were suspended because you failed to complete the in-person identification, they will be reinstated after you pass the verification, retroactive to the date of suspension.”

In summary, this annual identity check is a critical step for pensioners and insurance recipients who have temporarily moved abroad or are living in occupied territories to ensure their benefits continue uninterrupted. With multiple verification channels available-including the new 'My Identification' feature-the process has become more accessible and convenient for citizens. These measures help safeguard the financial stability of pensioners amid the challenging circumstances facing the country.